Latest news with #Yogis
India Today
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- India Today
Yogi Adityanath's earrings: A window into Nath Sect traditions
On the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's birthday, attention often turns to one of his most striking features-his earrings. Far from being just decorative, these earrings have deep roots in ancient yogic traditions, carrying profound spiritual meanings connected to immortality, protection, and inner Adityanath is a committed ascetic and spiritual practitioner. His earrings reflect his identity as a yogi and are linked to traditions where such ornaments are believed to channel spiritual energy and guard the wearer against negativity. In ancient Indian beliefs, particularly among yogic practitioners, ear ornaments symbolise the awakening of consciousness and a disciplined spiritual tradition is tied closely to the Kanphata Yogis, an ancient sect of ascetics. George Weston Briggs, in his book Gorakhnath And The Kanphata Yogis, writes, "The distinctive marks of the sect of the Kanphatas are the split-ears (kan-phata) and the huge earrings. In the final stage of their ceremony of initiation, a specially chosen guru, or teacher, splits the central hollows of both ears with a two-edged knife (or razor). The slits are plugged with sticks of nim-wood; and, after the wounds have healed, large rings (mudra) are inserted. These are a symbol of Yogi's faith. Some explain that in splitting the ear a nadi (mystic channel) in the cartilage is cut, thus assisting in the acquirement of yogic power. The Yogi, wearing the mudra, becomes immortal." The initial rings are often made of clay. According to a legend, "Gorakhnath cut holes, three inches long, in Bhartri's ears and inserted ear-rings of clay. Some Yogis continue to wear earthen rings. But, since these are easily broken, others more durable substances are usually substituted. The element of value also enters into the use of more substantial rings."advertisementThe origins of ear-splitting and wearing rings vary across legends. One tradition traces the practice to Gorakhnath, a revered to Briggs, "It is said that Siva ordered Parvati to split Gorakhnath's ears, initiating the practice. Additionally, two followers, Karkai and Bhuskai, are believed to have received permission from Gorakhnath to split each other's ears, symbolising their spiritual commitment. This agreement took place at a sacred shrine on the road to King Laj, a site every accomplished yogi is expected to visit. Gorakhnath is also reported to have split the ears of Bhartri, further solidifying his association with this custom."Another version credits the tradition to Macchendranath, the guru of Gorakhnath. Briggs writes, "The Aipanthis of Hardwar say that Macchendranath, when he began to preach Yoga, by order of Mahadeo, saw that Siva had his ears split and that he (Siva) wore the great rings. Macchendra, thereupon, longed to have similar rings himself. He began to worship Siva and so pleased the god that his desire was granted. Macchendranath was then ordered to split the ears of all who should become his disciples."A separate legend claims that during Macchendranath's incarnation as a fish, he already had rings in his ears. In Puri, it is believed that the command to split ears came from Macchendranath practice also connects with the Aughars, followers of Gorakhnath who haven't undergone full initiation. Briggs explains, "Aughars are followers of Gorakhnath who have not undergone the final ceremony of having their ears split. A legend is current which serves to justify them not completing initiation. Once, two siddhas (perfect Yogis) tried to split the ears of a candidate who had been at Hing Laj; but they found that the slits closed as fast as they were made. So they gave up the attempt. Since then Aughars have dispensed with the custom. It will be seen, further on, that while many Aughars contemplate completing their initiation, there is a division of Gorakhnathis who always remain Aughars."Must Watch
Time Magazine
25-04-2025
- Health
- Time Magazine
Why Yoga Is the Best Mind-Body Practice
Want to improve your health on a truly deep level? The practice of yoga—including pranayama (breath control) and meditation—has been proven to improve the function of the entire nervous system, which controls all of your internal functions and physical movements. Yoga exerts this power by calming down the two dueling parts of the nervous system: sympathetic and parasympathetic. The first is famous for the 'fight-or-flight' response, which causes the body to spring into action and prepare for physical and mental activity. The second causes the 'rest-and-digest' response, a general slowdown in the body's functions in order to conserve energy. These two sides originate in two different locations within the central nervous system. Parasympathetic nerves emerge in the brain and brainstem, and sympathetic nerves arise from the spinal cord. The most powerful, natural way to modulate both of these is through respiration— pranayama, or breathing, in other words. Read More: Why Do I Keep Having Recurring Dreams? Yoga imparts a calming effect because it basically undoes the sympathetic nervous system's quick, involuntary response to danger or stressful situations. A regular yoga practice has been shown to improve digestion; strengthen the immune system; and reduce the risk of hypertension, asthma, and stress-induced psychological disorders like anxiety. It does this, practitioners have long theorized, through a unique blend of science and spirituality. The body's chakras Yogis believe that the body contains many chakras: spinning wheels, or energy centers, where feelings, emotions, and thoughts converge. These are believed to help regulate the flow of energy throughout the body. For physical and mental balance, these chakras must act in concert with one another. The body's seven main chakras form a straight line in the middle of the body. Two of these chakras are located in the head and controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system. The 'crown' chakra is closely associated with the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, which together regulate the endocrine system. In yogic philosophy, the opening of this chakra, known as the thousand-petalled lotus, represents the complete unfolding of consciousness. Traveling downward, the 'third eye' chakra is linked to the pineal gland, which produces the sleep hormone melatonin. Perception, awareness, and spiritual communication are said to depend on this chakra. The rest of the body's main chakras are located down the five segments of the spine—cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx—which are governed by the sympathetic nervous system. These are the 'throat,' 'heart and lungs,' 'gastrointestinal,' 'sacral,' and 'pelvis plexus' chakras. Each is closely associated with a hormone or gland—along with a natural element and a spiritual principle. The throat chakra, for example, is closely associated with the thyroid and parathyroid glands, both major glands of the endocrine system. This chakra is viewed as the gateway for energy between the lower parts of the body and the head. It also has a mystical meaning. The throat chakra is all about creating 'space'—the natural element linked to it—and freedom to move and express ourselves at will. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a fifteenth-century Sanskrit text, claims that meditation upon this chakra brings forth occult powers. While few modern yogis would claim that meditating on your throat chakra will impart supernatural abilities, being able to freely express yourself has clearly long been a priority for human health. What yoga does to the body All yoga traditions believe that the energy of the spinal cord—where the seven chakras align—is a form of the divine feminine energy that animates and gives life to the body. Yoga refers to this divine energy as Kundalini Shakti, and it's often visualized as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine. One of the principle objectives in yoga is to awaken the body's coiled, innate power by directing prana (breath, or life-energy) from the base of the spine traveling up to the crown chakra located on the highest point of the head, connecting the seven chakras of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Then, the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus can work together to regulate the endocrine system responsible for the body's biological processes. Practitioners believe that when the crown chakra, located at the very top of the head, is opened, spiritual connection, divine awareness, and a sense of universal unity can bloom. It's little wonder, then, that yoga has for so long been considered the ultimate mind-body practice. The practice of yoga postures, in combination with good mental focus and proper breathwork, can actually make you stronger—in your body, your brain, and maybe even your spirit.
