Linga Sharira
Question
Dhananjay, hi
Hope you are well? Dhananjay, is there a physical location for the Linga Sharir [subtle body]?, I read somewhere in your post that it surrounds the Sthul Sharir [physical body]? Is that true i.e. it is outside the Sthul Sharir and surrounds the Sthul Sharir like an aura etc. Do Nadis flow through the Subtle body [Linga Sharir]? Also, is there a physical location for the Karan Sharir? Is it inside the Sthul Sharir or?
Also, on the course of following Brahamacharya, there will be various instances where a person will be tested etc in terms of introduction of women [as opposed to introduction to women]who would suggest an interest in the person or likely surfacing of high incidences of provoking scenes etc, how should a Brahamachari approach these situations. One also realises, on the course of Brahamacharya that one is constantly apprehensive of provoking scenes, one tries hard not to look at women wearing provoking clothes, or tries to stay away from the company of women etc, dont you think this kind of behaviour is wierd? shying away from people, women, trying to avoid eye contact, not letting one's feelings being expressed etc. I do understand the argument that one on the path of self realisation needs to constantly dwell on the fact that the world is illusory and also that it takes time for one to feel the wonderful effects of such abstention at all levels...one tends to get confused of the whole leela that is being enacted if you know what i mean, what is right, what is wrong, if you think something is right is that really right etc. HOw does one constantly [24/7] deal with such temptations, i do understand that the grace of God will shine upon the deserving person but in the interim how does one manage the overload of suppression/repression of sensory stimuli. Suppression or repression of the senses, does that not lead to any harmful effects for example suppression of the sex feeling, does that not lead to any harmful physical or mental effects?
Thanks, Manish
Answer
1. Thew Linga sharira (subtle body) surrounds the Sthula Sharira (physical body) as an aura of energy. The Nâdi-s (subtle energy channels) exist in this subtle medium through a fine merger into the physical medium.
2. The Karana sharira (causal body) extends beyond the Linga sharira (subtle body), beyond which is the infinity of the Almighty Brahman as empty space. The consciousness of a Yogi in Nirvikalpa (Nirbija) Samadhi merges into this empty space, following which he experiences his true self extending to infinity and occupies the entire Universe.
3. One should carry out Indriya Nigraha (restraint of the senses) to the best possible extent along with a life of Yoga & unbroken Brahmacharya with regular meditation. This will gradually dissolve the false concept of sexuality for recreation and establish the sense of reality free from the same. Also, a mind kept occupied with constructive work and a body subjected to the Yogic lifestyle help break even the situation. The initial period has to be approached with firm determination and belief in the fact that recreational sexuality ends in sorrow and is Mâya (illusion and unreal). There is no other method. If a person cannot accept this truth, he will realize it the hard way. Also, it is to be remembered that the purpose behind limiting interaction with the opposite gender in the initial stages is to prevent the flaring up of past tendencies (such tendencies still being live and strong). The intention is not to run away from life situations but only to restrict downfall. Just as an ill person has to stay clear of conditions which might aggrevate his illness till he becomes healthy, the Brahmachari has to the best possible extent stay clear of situations/actions which trigger the disease called recreational sexuality till he advances towards immunity from the same.
When this lifestyle is adhered to for a few years, the Yogi slowly develops Rtambhara Prajna (truth bearing intellect supported by correct morality) after mastering Sasmita Samadhi and becoming an Urdhvareta. He will then not be easily tempted sexually in the presence of women as his discriminative ability superceeds the sexual samskara-s which have weakened. He can then function normally without sexual response in situations where there is the unavoidable company of women. Unless he willfully lets his guard down forgetting the Lord and Guru, he is immune to downfall from this stage onwards.
ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)