Yoga for Corona

Featured

May 15

This is the third part in a series on Coronavirus. Read the previous parts: Lessons from the Coronavirus part 1, and Lessons from the Coronavirus part 2.

When we see the second virulent attack of the virus on Bharat, I’m forced to conclude that this is a special message for us from Nature. Hinduism is a way of life and we have adulterated our ancient way of life with the culture of the west. We have a deep duty to ourselves and to the rest of the world to correct the pseudo-western way of life that we are following now and return to our roots. The faster we do it the better it will be for us as well as the world. We have to stop cribbing and blaming the government for our problems. The fact is that no government can cope with the magnitude of the attack and the magnitude of our population. The whole of our country cannot be converted into a hospital. No amount of oxygen cylinders can save us. We have to learn to use the oxygen that Nature has provided us, free of cost. Actually, our body knows this very well. There is a beautiful interchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the plant kingdom and us. This has gone on uninterrupted for centuries BUT the callous “killing” of trees and the destruction of whole forests to make way for human settlements and towns have stopped this flow. In ancient Bharat every village had at least four or five peepul trees. This was encouraged from ancient times since we knew that the peepul tree was the only one that produced oxygen even in the night! We were told it was a sin to cut a peepul tree. Now of course we have no compunction about cutting down peepul trees! We cannot go unpunished for the centuries of criminal activities we have been indulging in. We know these things so our responsibility is higher but we have ignored this responsibility.

Instead of spending our precious time in criticizing the government let us take matters into our own hands and return to the wonderful technique of life that our culture has given us. This is the only way we can prevent the virus from attacking us.

Those who have read the Vanamali article on the virus will be wondering if it’s going to be followed by any hints as to what we should do instead of rushing to get ourselves vaccinated. Well, here are some suggestions for yogic postures, pranayamas, mantras and food. Remember that even though I have suggested a few homeo medicines, the fact is that our whole lifestyle has to be changed to provide a permanent solution for any virus. Not only our lifestyle but our mode of thinking should be changed. It has been scientifically proven that our whole immune system degenerates when the mind is filled continuously with negative thoughts. Having a constant critical attitude, jealousy, hatred, desire to harm others, utter selfishness – all these have a dramatic effect on our immune system. When the mind is filled with optimism, love, desire to help others and lack of fear, the immune system is strengthened.

Yoga

Bharat is the country that has given the amazing science of “Yoga” to the world. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root “yuj” which means to unite. The universe runs on oiled wheels only because there is a great unity between all its diverse aspects. It’s only the human being who has broken away from the whole and thus we have a great capacity for suffering which is not found in any other creature. A “part” always yearns for union with the whole and unless we find a method for this we will continue to struggle. The super science called “Yoga” is the amazing solution given to us by our rishis as a method by which we can connect ourselves with that universal whole to which everything else in the cosmos is connected. When we break this connection, we lay ourselves open to all types of diseases and unhappiness. The Sanatana Dharma gives us many types of yogas which will enable us to connect with that Supreme through various methods.

We all know that the only way to keep any infection at bay is to strengthen our own immune system. But how are we to do this is the question. Our personality is made up of five different dimensions. The foundation of our life is the “atman” or Self which is the divine spark or spiritual entity without which we would not be able to live. This appears to be encased in five distinct energy sheaths (pancha koshas) which expand from subtler to grosser levels of energy. Each kosha vibrates at different speeds. The grossest is called the “annamaya kosha” or the sheath made up of the foods we eat. The next is the “pranamaya kosha” or the sheath of the vital energy known as “prana” without which we would not be able to live. The third is the “manomaya kosha” or the mental sheath, then the “vijnanamaya kosha” or the intellectual sheath and finally we have the “anandamaya kosha” or the sheath of bliss. The first four sheaths can be manipulated to some extent by various yogic practices as we shall see. Our immune system can be strengthened only by giving the right kinds of foods to all these different koshas. Food includes physical, intellectual and spiritual foods.

Annamaya Kosha

This is the physical sheath which is the grossest so we will take it first since it is the easiest to control. Solid food has a direct effect on our physical system but the subtle parts of the food also affect our mental and intellectual sheaths. The “annamaya kosha” is made up of the types of foods we eat. “Anna” means “food”. Basically, it is made up of the food that has been eaten, digested and assimilated. The energy of the five elements – earth, water, fire, air and ether which have gone into the foods we eat, gets solidified into gross matter. In the “annamaya kosha”, the earth element is dominant. When the body dies, it will return to the five elements and become food for other animals and plants which is another reason why it’s known as the sheath of food! This is the densest of all the koshas and has the lowest vibration. However, all the bodily cells have intelligence and they know exactly what should be done with the food we eat. Whether we eat a carrot or a chicken it will all go to make up the flesh, bones, marrow, nerves, muscles etc.

The ancient rishis have told us the type of foods we should eat in order to keep up our energy level to the optimum. Eating of animal foods, drinking alcohol and taking drugs are totally against the rules. These things may give an immediate boost to your energy but will eventually bring down your vitality level. More important they will adversely affect your “manomaya kosha” or the mental sheath. A good sattvic diet is the best preventative against all diseases. “Let food be your medicine, and medicine your food”, is what Ayurveda says.

The ancient Indian diet had a lot of herbs like haldi (turmeric) and ajwain (carom) which were included in our daily food preparations. Neem and turmeric are one of our ancient remedies for all types of viruses and toxic energy in the atmosphere. Tulsi also is a wonderful herb. Hence, we were always told to grow tulsi plants and neem trees in the garden.

Another thing we recommend is to take a glass of fresh lime juice with a pinch of organic turmeric powder in the morning. After about an hour you can take a glass of fresh fruit juice with honey if you like but avoid the use of white sugar.

For breakfast you can take a bowl of fruits or a bowl of some good cereal mixed with fresh cow’s milk if available and some gur (organic brown sugar) or honey.

One thing which is very important in our culture which we have forgotten is to give thanks to God for the food he has given us. After everything has been served, we should sit for a minute and close our eyes and mentally thank him for the food that he has given us. Of course, we have a mantra for everything. This mantra will be given in the section on mantras.

For lunch you can take organic brown rice or whole wheat chappatis with some mung or masoor dal and some vegetables. There is no harm in using a small amount of the masalas that are plentifully available to us in Bharat – jeera (cumin seeds), dhanya (coriander seeds), ajwain, hing, methi, fresh coriander leaves etc. It is better to use either rock salt or sea salt if we need it. If we use chillies, it is better to use fresh green chillies or black peppercorns. All these frequently used masalas have therapeutic value so we need not fear to use them since they make our food more palatable. The Indian palate is very jaded and we cannot enjoy very bland foods!

About oils it is very difficult to say since most of the oils we have in the market are adulterated. Best is to reduce the use of oils to the minimum. Cooking oil can be coconut, til (sesame) or mustard provided you can get them pure. If you can make ghee at home, it is the best for our system especially if it’s good, fresh cow’s ghee.

It is preferable to have a light dinner. Soup or some chappatis and vegetables would be fine.

If we want to eat cheese, cottage cheese or panir is the best. It does not contain any animal fats. This can be used in a moderate fashion.

We must add some green vegetables and some uncooked fresh vegetables like cucumber etc. to our daily menu. It is also important to eat as many alkaline vegetables as possible. All the vegetables of the “gourd” family are alkaline. The best is the “ash gourd” or petta. This helps to reduce our acidity and keep the blood alkaline. Most diseases come from an excess of acidity in our body. Needless to say, all vegetables should be as fresh as possible.

Water

At least 2 litres of water should be taken daily.

Pranamaya Kosha

“Prana” is the vital energy that runs through the body. It is a subtle sheath of cosmic energy that penetrates and surrounds the physical body. Our aura or radiance emanates from it.

Everything in life is an admixture of the three gunas of Nature called “sattva, rajas and tamas”. In physics these three are known as “harmony, kinesis and inertia”. The Bhagavad Gita gives a wonderful description of the three. Fresh, uncooked foods have the highest amount of “prana” which is the life energy which gives life to everything in the universe. Canned, packed, refrigerated and overcooked foods have very little prana so it is better to avoid such foods. If we stick to the regime given, we will find that we have a lot of extra energy.

Types of foods

Sattvic foods increase the ojas as well as tejas in us. Ojas is the subtle essence produced by the body after digesting foods that contain prana. This enhances our immune system. Tejas is the inner radiance or fire of the mind. It enriches the intellect and gives mental clarity.

Rajasic foods are over-spiced and overcooked, and may give an apparent burst of energy which will be short-lived.

Tamasic foods are stale, impure, kept for days in the freezer and have lost all their prana. Naturally the consumption of such foods will only make us sleepy and lazy. The body is the grossest part in us and therefore it is easier to control. Hence, we have suggested foods that will help to keep it healthy and energetic. This in turn will have a positive effect on the “pranamaya kosha”.

Yogasanas

The next important thing to safeguard our system from all adverse forces that keep attacking us from outside, are yogasanas. This again is mainly for the body which has to be kept in a very good condition to allow all the other sheaths to be healthy.

In this respect all yoga teachers have a great responsibility to the rest of the public to teach some asanas freely to those that can’t afford to pay. This will help to maintain the health both physically and mentally of the whole country.

The body is very lazy and becomes lazier as we grow older so it is good to train the body in some type of yoga from an early age. But older people also can be taught some easy types of asanas. There is no need to do many asanas. All we have to do is to concentrate on one or two or three asanas and do these regularly. Regularity is the key to a healthy system.

If you really want your body to remain healthy till you die it is imperative that you keep to a strict regime of asanas that are done on a daily basis.

Suggested asanas

For those who can do it, Surya Namaskara done twelve times daily at dawn is the very best since it exercises every part of your body.

Those who can’t manage this can try any of the bending and straightening postures as well as the twists. For those who have never done any yoga, I would recommend contacting a yoga teacher either physically or online. There are many online classes given these days. It is very important that these yogic postures are practiced in the correct way otherwise they will lead to serious consequences. But if done regularly they will keep the body supple and youthful.

At least one sitting posture should be practiced. This can be either Sukhasana, Ardha Padmasana, Padmasana or Vajrasana. Whichever is best for you should be practiced so that you can sit for meditation in that particular posture. But if none of these are suitable for you due to age, you can sit on a chair BUT the most important thing is that the spinal column should be absolutely erect. The spine is a very important part of your body and all prana runs up the spine so to keep the prana constantly flowing without a hitch, one really has to keep a straight spine. Please keep a conscious watch on your spine and see that it is always kept erect.

Manomaya Kosha

Asanas and food pretty well take care of the body and will have a great effect on the “manomaya kosha” or the mental sheath as well. But the Sanatana Dharma gives a lot of instructions as to how to affect the mind directly. Of these the technique of “pranayama” or breath control is the most important. We all know that the breath has a direct effect on our mind. We cannot remain agitated when the breath is steady. So, the practice of pranayama is a must for all those who want to keep calm. But today because of the virus which, by the way, is airborne and is thus even more connected with our breathing, we have suggested some extra exercises which will enhance the quality and quantity of the prana we take in and also increase our capacity for oxygen intake.

Pranayama

Ideally, all these have to be learnt from a yoga teacher. I will be giving a few links at the bottom. The instructions given here are very simple but at the beginning, they should be learnt from a teacher.

Simha Kriya
Simha Kriya is a very important one for increasing oxygen intake.

We have to sit either in Vajrasana or Padmasana and press our hands on our thighs. Bend forward slightly and push the tongue out as far as it will go and inhale and exhale with a harsh sound coming from the base of the throat. This should be done twenty-one times.

Next, roll the tongue back and produce the same sound twenty-one times.

Next, take a deep breath, shut the mouth and retain your breath for half a minute or one minute if you can manage.

This will definitely increase the oxygen in your body.
Kapalabhati
Again, sit in a comfortable asana with spinal column erect and forcibly expel the air from your lungs without taking in any air.
Brahmari
Close your eyes, ears and nostrils with your fingers and inhale through your mouth. Close your mouth and exhale through the nose and listen to the sound made inside your head like the sound of humming bees.
Anulom Vilom
Finally do Anulom/Vilom which is breathing alternately through the nostrils.

Let me insist once again that it is very important to learn all these from a yoga teacher for a couple of weeks after which you can do by yourself. Links to the teachers will be given at the end.

Dhyana – Meditation

After this it is a must to sit in a comfortable posture with spinal column erect and do meditation. It’s not easy for a novice to practice meditation so we have given certain mantras that can be used to control the mind and allow us to sit straight in a comfortable position.

Remember the spine is the key factor in controlling every aspect of our body. The body has many nadis or nerve currents which are running to all parts of the body, giving and receiving messages. Of these one hundred and eight come from the spinal cord. These can be divided into fifty-four on either side. These will not be able to function properly if the spine is not kept erect.

Mantras

Sound healing or “sonic healing” is a very new concept in the west but it has always existed in Bharat. Hinduism gives a vast number of mantras which are actually “sound capsules” that encase the energy of the Supreme which can be transmitted via the sound to the person who uses them. We have thousands of mantras but here we will be giving only a few important ones which will give us amazing health benefits if used regularly.

The very first mantra is the primeval sound of creation called “Aum”. This can be split into three sounds and should be chanted thus – “aa-uu-mm”. This sound has the ability to cleanse the atmosphere of all negativity.

After we finish the pranayama, we can sit comfortably in a place with spinal column erect and start chanting the mantra beginning with “Aum”. This should be chanted as many times as possible.

Surya Gayatri

Then we can chant the “Surya Gayatri”. This is a very important mantra and will enhance your memory and keep the prana in a vibrant mood.

“Aum bhur bhuvah swaha!
Aum tat Savitur varenyam,
Bhargo devasya dheemahi,
Dhiyo yonah prachodayath!”

This can be chanted a minimum of twelve times but it is a mantra that used to be chanted by Brahmins, hundreds of times. So, we should use our discretion and adjust according to our own availability of time.

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

After this, we can chant the “Mahamrityunjaya Mantra” to Shiva which will cure you of all diseases and keep the virus at bay.

“Aum trymbakam yajamahe sugandhim, pushti vardhanam,
Urvaarukamiva bandhanath, mrityor, mukshiya mamritath!”

This can be chanted at least eight to twelve times. Remember that the efficacy of any mantra is enhanced with each repetition so the more you repeat the better it will work for you.

Vanamali Kavacham

At Vanamali Ashram, we are all given the Vanamali Kavacham or the armour of Lord Krishna. This mantra can be chanted every time we step out of the house or whenever we feel frightened or uneasy. It should also be chanted before we go to sleep. While chanting we should imagine the weapons of the Lord circling round you and protecting you from all harm.

“Vanamali, Gadi, Sharngi, Shanki, Chakri cha Nandaki,
Sriman Narayano Vishnur, Vaasudevobhi rakshatu.”

Bhojan Mantra

Mantra to be repeated before food.

“Aum Brahmarpanam, Brahmahavir, Brahmagnou, Brahmanahutam,
Brahmaiva tena gantavyam, Brahma karma samatina.
Aum Shanti! Shanti! Shantihi!”

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says that “japa yajna” or the repetition of the mantra is the best of all “yajnas”. This is a very strong statement to make but by this one compassionate act of his, he has thrown open the doors to good health to all of us. Many people may not be able to do all the yogas prescribed but everyone will be able to do japa yoga or repetition of the Lord’s name. For this you can use any of the mantras given or your own “guru mantra” if you have one.

Fear is the greatest detriment to a healthy life. If fear lurks in our hearts our whole immune system will become weak and we will become an easy prey to any type of germ or virus. The greatest effect of “japa yoga” is that it removes fear from our hearts. When we start doing japa regularly we will begin to feel the power of the deity penetrating into our body and mind, giving you confidence that nothing can go wrong with you.

Remember that the greatest “shield” is the name of God. There is nothing as effective as that for shielding us from all types of malefic influences, not just this virus!

Another thing that was used by everyone in ancient Bharat and which has very great anti-bacterial effects, is known as “vibhuti”. This is the sacred white ash that is used on all Shiva lingas. In South Bharat we still have the custom of smearing vibhuti on our foreheads and on the marma (junction) points on our body during the evening Sandhya. This is very effective in keeping away toxic vibrations and emanations.

I find that applying a little bit of vibhuti on scratches or mosquito bites has a lot of effect. In Vanamali Ashram, after evening arati we give everyone some vibhuti and ask them to apply it on their foreheads.

From ancient times the Rudraksha bead has been known to have great properties which are anti-bacterial. It has the capacity to protect us from a lot of poisonous substances. So, it is highly advisable to wear a Rudraksha mala or bracelet. Even one bead to be strung on a string can be worn but the bead should touch our skin. Both men and women can wear it.

The Sanskrit alphabet has fifty-four letters. Each of these resonate with each of the nadis when that particular sound is produced. Our classical music also has a huge number of notes of which the main ones are fifty-four and when these notes are produced that particular nadi will start to vibrate. If we spend some time just sitting and listening to some classical music you will feel an immense sense of well-being and peace. On the other hand, if we listen all the time to rock music, our nerves will be jarred and we will feel exhausted. Everything, in our culture was made to produce a healthy, happy and wise human being. Therefore, let us return to our ancient culture. Let us keep aside at least one hour per day to the maintenance and upkeep of our own bodies and mind without which we will not be able to function properly in the external world. We have been given a wonderful body which has the capacity to take us to the heights of bliss provided we follow the hints given for its upkeep and maintenance. If this is done no virus will be able to attack us!

All the methods described above will cleanse all your koshas in a subtle fashion. But I know that most people are also keen on getting some solid medicine which is what they have relied on for centuries so here I’m also giving some solid medication which will certainly help us to fight the marauder!

I have found some of the homeo remedies to be of great use in warding off the virus. These are available at all homeo shops and the government is also giving them free to all those who go and ask for them.

Arsenic Album, potency 30 on an empty stomach, then Euphatorium Perfoliatum 30 after one hour, and Aralia Racimosa 30 after another hour. This must be had for three consecutive days, every month. Start the first dose as soon as possible and preferably maintain a food gap.

For those who are infected with Covid-19, the dosage is the same but the potency is 200 instead of 30.

In these conditions when Corona is rampant it is recommended to have “khada” or herbal tea which is water boiled with tulsi leaves, turmeric, peppercorns and ginger. This is to be had throughout the day and can be made in the morning and kept in a flask so that we can have it frequently. At least two glasses should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach since the body will then utilise it in the best possible way.

The Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Shala also makes a Kwath. It is a powder which can be boiled and drunk like a tea once or twice a day. Honey can be added if you like.

Those of you who have access to neem leaves should chew ten leaves with a bit of turmeric daily in the morning. Since many of you may not be so fortunate as to have neem in the garden, you should buy some neem tablets. Most companies have them. But it is preferable to get it from Organic India, Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Shala, Himalaya or some companies that are not too commercial. Two tablets should be taken along with a glass of warm water mixed with good honey. Honey is a very good tonic and boosts your energy level. This is an absolute must. It will keep all viruses at bay and boost your immunity.

Most Ayurvedic pharmacies have something called “Anu Tel”. These are drops for the nose that will cleanse the nostrils and keep the virus at bay. One or two drops should be poured into each nostril at night before sleeping. Close the left nostril and pour into the right and inhale well. Then close the right nostril and put the drops into the left nostril and inhale deeply.

We should all have multivitamin tablets, B 12 and C.

Chyavanaprash is a great Ayurvedic tonic with a high content of vitamin C since it’s made from “amla” (Indian gooseberries). I would recommend either Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Shala or Organic India. One teaspoonful can be had after dinner. This should be sucked not swallowed. Half a cup of milk with a pinch of turmeric should be drunk on top of it.

We can also take amla juice instead of vitamin C. Amla has the highest vitamin C content of any fruit or vegetable so if we can find them raw, they can be eaten plain or with honey.

Gargling three times a day in hot water mixed with sea salt and turmeric is very important. In fact, whenever we return from a visit outside, this should be done.

Steam. Another very important thing is to take steam inhalations three times a day. We can have plain steam or if you have been to some crowded, toxic place, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water. It is best to get a small steamer pot for this. According to doctors, the virus hides behind the paranasal sinus of the nose for a few days before it reaches the lungs. Steam inhalations reach the back of the paranasal sinus and at 70°C, it kills the virus completely.

Hinduism has many gods, all of who have special functions. Since this is an airborne virus, we should pray to Hanuman, the son of the wind god, Vayu, to protect us. He will definitely do it. Chant the Hanuman Chalisa daily. It has remarkable properties for protection.

We should also go back to many of the small customs that were given by our ancients in order to protect the house from all evil.

We should light at least one diya using til oil or ghee. This should be done at two sandhyas. Morning Sandhya is half an hour before the sun rises and evening Sandhya is half an hour after the sun sets. The vitality emitted from a lamp, lit with til oil or ghee has the effect of dispersing negative energy. An electric lamp may keep out the darkness but it will not dispel negative energy!

Some organic incense sticks should also be burnt. This again gives out a positive energy.

Another thing that dispels negative energy is the “havan” or fire ceremony. This can be done in a very simple fashion. Havan kunds made of copper are easily available nowadays. During Sandhya times, we can make a fire in this kund using cow-dung cakes, camphor and havan samagreev. Actually, these things are available in shops or online these days. The smoke arising from a combination of these things again create a wonderful ambience and clears all negativity. The ashes from this ritual is a very good manure and can be put on all plants either in the garden or in the pots in the house.

If one cannot have access to any of these things, you can at least burn some camphor. Of course, if you are doing some sort of puja, you will automatically light a lamp and do a karpur arati. Even if you do not do puja, you can still light some camphor which will purify the atmosphere of the house. In fact, a mixture of neem oil and camphor if poured into one of those “All Out” mosquito repellent containers is a marvellous and organic way to keep out mosquitoes!

All these things will certainly purify the atmosphere of the house and free you from fear of attack by the virus.

We must understand that our bodies are made of the same five elements that Nature is made up of. Most of us live in most unnatural environments in high-rise, air-conditioned apartments with no connection with Mother Nature. This is another reason why we are easy prey for all viruses. In future, if we want to live healthy lives we will have to return to Nature. We must learn to love the sun and the wind and the raindrops falling on our faces. We must walk barefoot on the grass, touch the earth with our hands and learn to draw from the sustenance which she gives freely to all. We must learn to appreciate the sunrise and the moonrise, the clouds and the sky filled with stars. Most city dwellers have no idea of what these things mean. It is indeed sad that our country which was once noted for its villages has now become a third-world country filled with over-populated towns. Most town dwellers have never even noticed the sun or moon. We take everything for granted and breathe in the most polluted air. Town living somehow brings out the worst in the human being due to the fact that we have lost touch with Nature and are always jostling with other over-stressed human beings.

We have to inspire our villagers not to leave the villages and encourage town dwellers to shift to nearby villages and commute if possible or take up some type of farming activities.

This virus may not be as deadly as the Spanish flu and the plague etc. but it will insidiously cut at the root of our western-oriented culture. The only way we can win over this is to change our lifestyle drastically and I suspect that this is the lesson that Nature is trying to teach us!

Given below are the links to yoga teachers who will guide you through the yoga, pranayama and mantra chanting.

Practicing Surya Namaskara with Vanamali Mataji

Practicing Kapalabhati (forceful exhalation) with Bhavesh

Practicing Brahmari (bee pranayama) with Bhavesh

Practicing Anulom/Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) with Bhavesh

Practicing spinal twists with Parveen. These asanas will not only help the spine but also stimulate blood circulation and release tension in the abdominal region and digestive organs.