Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – June 13, 2012 – Mysore
Practice Pranayama properly and regularly to keep your mind under control and to maintain good physical health. When alternate nostril breathing is done, the invisible nerve channels in the body get cleansed, the Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna nadis, also known as Chandra, Surya, and Brahma Nadis. There is a very close relationship between the body, mind, and the life force, Prana. Prana is maintained in the body by our breathing. The same breath also regulates our mind and body. Regulated or controlled breathing is Pranayama. It is taught extensively by teachers trained by Sri Swamiji in Datta Kriya Yoga classes. Do not be lazy in practicing it daily. Once a body is occupied, it has to be given up also. When the life force will leave the body, is not known to anyone. If we prepare well by leading a disciplined and well-regulated life, we may be lucky to have a painless death, like many in Sri Swamiji’s family lineage such as Sri Jayalakshmi Mata, Sri Narahari Teertha Swami, Sri Linganna, Smt. Lalitamma (wife of Sri Nanjundaiah, the step brother of Sri Swamiji) and many others. Daily yoga pracitce and/or daily physical exercise such as walking is very helpful.
The air that goes in through one nostril goes through a transformation in the body before it comes out through the other nostril. Retaining breath inside and withholding breath outside (kumbhaka – internal and external), when it is done with proper training during pranayama is highly beneficial.
Swamiji is conducting unique research in the Music Therapy Room. Those who are participating in it are very lucky. Those who are missing are unfortunate. Swamiji is collecting data with some newly acquired equipment on the changes in the blood pressure, pulse rate, thought processes, and so forth, that occur after music therapy. He is also testing and measuring the changes that occur in human bodies of all ages and health levels when Swamiji touches the person either on the head or elsewhere and how long such changes are maintained.
(Sri Swamiji recollected how Smt. Savitramma, the mother of Sri Jayalakshmi Mata was pronounced dead while she lived with Smt. Parvatamma (Chickamma, her youngest daughter) who lived at that time in Kesare, a neighborhood in Mysore, and the body was even placed outside the home ready for cremation. The firewood and the fire were also kept ready. Swamiji received the news and hurried to her presence and told his grandmother firmly, “How can you leave without my permission? You still have duties to perform. You have to make some crispy treats for me (Jantikalu and Chegodeelu or murukku and Kodbele).” Smt. Savitramma at once got up and was surprised to find that she was made to lie down on the street. She instructed the people around to keep the firewood for use in the kitchen and got busy preparing the snacks for Sri Swamiji. Later she gave the recipes to Smt. Varalakshmi (Swamiji’s sister) so that she could continue to supply him with the freshly made delicious treats.)
Many people quarrel with physicians and even Gurus when their illnesses do not go away. The doctors and the Gurus do their best to cure the ailments and to provide relief. But what they can do is still limited. One has to endure one’s karma and it is wrong to criticize the doctor or the Guru for unfortunate results. Even Swamiji, who gives relief to thousands has to endure physical discomfort when He becomes sick. His own doctors cannot help Him either, although they try their best. What is important during illness is to keep the mind busy with positive thoughts and activities that help others. When the mind is properly occupied, it stays fresh and healthy and the physical discomfort gets forgotten. Swamiji always remains fresh and enthusiastic in His mind even when physical problems exist.
Sri Guru Datta