Muni Kishan Lal
Nobody can believe that a huge tree is embedded in a tiny seed. Even the seed itself is not aware that it can grow to such a great height! All of this is far beyond the imagination of a tiny seed, but even an ordinary person is well aware of the truth that any seed will sprout when soil, water, air and sunlight are in right proportion. One day that tiny seed will grow to be a tree; give shelter, pure air and fruits, unbiased, to all the passersby.
Yoga is the seed of "Knowing the Self!" The veils that cover consciousness are shed when knowledge of Self is acquired and practiced in daily life. Yoga is not only asanas and pranayam but also a complete way of life. Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayam, Pratyahar, Dharana, Dhyan and Samadhi are the eight limbs of yoga. By practicing asanas and pranayam body becomes strong and healthy. A healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Healthy emotions develop within a healthy mind. Purity of emotions steadies mind in meditation. Steady meditation helps consciousness to emerge. A comfortable steady posture of body is first step towards manifesting the consciousness. Sage Patanjali has expressed this as-Sthir Sukham Asanam. (Stable comfort posture of sitting)
Lord Mahaveera called this Kaygupti meaning control over body. Acharya Kundkund has clearly stated that along with overcoming temptation for food, achieving control over body is essential to know the philosophy of Jainism.
Yogasana is a unique science of health developed by the ancient yogis. Different asanas influence different organs, muscles and glands and secretion of the hormones in body. Only a skilled yoga practitioner has a deep knowledge of such details. Right asana and right mudra can cause a change in body, mind and emotions of a person. Mudras correspond to emotions. Emotions effect hormonal secretions. Secretions establish basic nature of a person. The nature of a person moulds his behaviour. Asanas are not just raising, extending and bending of hands and legs. The stretch experienced by the organs of the body, the thought pattern and the emotions ruling practitioner affect the outcome of asanas.
This book entails the method, results and benefits of each asana. The quality of asana is bettered when accompanied by correct and disciplined breathing. There is a noticeable surge in vital energy of body too. With practice of pranayam, aura of a person and capacity of body to feel lighter develops.
When Swar Vidya is added to practice of pranayam, depth that is reached can help a person experience and analyse past, present and future.
The knowledge of Tatva Mudras aids in finding the remedy to health related and other problems of the body. The knowledge which takes a person closer to knowing himself better is considered the highest knowledge. The self is not benefited if the same knowledge leads a person towards expansion of his ignorance.
Yoga and other knowledge based activities help in realizing and awakening consciousness and germinating feeling of oneness among individuals. It is towards this end that this knowledge is being propogated amongst one and all.
Acharya Shri Mahapragyaji acknowledges the usefulness of Asanas, Pranayam, Mudra and Bandh in Preksha Meditation. He has also analysed the importance of Asanas, Pranayam, Mudra, Bandh and Swar-Vidya in the same way as he has practised meditation. It is his wish and inspiration to expand this branch of knowledge that has given shape to this book. It is also a reflection of his openness and acceptance. When a disciple performs an act with grace of his GURU, it is a manifestation of blessings from the Guru himself. May the grace of my Guru be showered on all the readers. Om Arham.
— Muni Kishanlal
