The topic for the English Satsang on Sunday, 15th September, 2013 was ‘Pratyahara‘.
Following is the transcript of the Q & A between the audience and Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra and Smt. Hansaji Yogendra.
|
Listen to the audio:
Q. How to be unaffected by the senses in this householder state?
Dr. J: One easy way would be to buy ear plugs. It would save you from unnecessary talks.
Smt. H: Being a householder does not mean we let go of all discipline. We must do things only when they are necessary. I always say in the pregnancy camp, when parents have a small child, the child will wake up many times at night. Now the child will need its mother as the mother will be feeding it. So the father need not wake up every time. If both wake up, both their sleep will be disturbed and they will start fighting. So the father needs to use ear plugs and sleep. Now householders should have clarity on how much each should be involved.
Q. My husband enjoys food, especially one item. He wants to eat that all the time. I am saturated with eating this with him for so many years. Please advise on how to deal with this.
Dr. J: You put some more salt into that food.
Smt. H: What Dr. Jayadeva says is a very important trick. I remember when I was small, in my family, Shrikhand (a sweet dish) was made and suddenly 4-5 relatives came and my father ordered us to serve food to all. Other things could be managed, like Chapattis, vegetables etc. but Shrikhand was not possible. So a wise lady advised my mother to put excess sugar in the Shrikhand and serve half cup. So everyone was satisfied with one serving and did not ask for more.
Q. When I close my eyes, my mind starts working even more. What to do?
Dr. J: In yoga, there is a good technique where we focus on sounds. Good singers also focus on sounds.
Smt. H: Just closing the eyes does not help. The mind has to be controlled, for which it must be given a subject to focus on. Some people, in the name of meditation, end up doing the entire day’s planning. That does not serve the purpose. So usually, the best topic to give the mind is sound. Focus on the sound of a plane or train, etc. until it recedes completely. This is a very good technique and you will feel much relaxed after it.
Q. I am 9 years old. I am interested in TV, mobile, games, etc. more than my studies. What should I do?
Dr. J: Failing once will be good for you.
Smt. H: At 9 years old, a child should completely listen to what the parents are saying because the child will not know what is right or wrong. Do not do anything against the parents’ wishes. Secondly, fix a time for all things. TV can be addictive. So take permission from parents and keep a certain time to watch. Best would be to not have TV at all. Instead it is better to play something interesting with others.
Q. My wife is having severe knee problem for which she is taking doctor’s treatment. But restriction of movement is driving her into depression. How can you help her?
Dr. J: If it is a knee problem, the knee should be attended. You can’t divert the mind.
Smt. H: You must do some exercises pertaining to knee pain 4-6 times a day, use hot water bag, etc. The body is one thing, the mind is another. Use the mind well. Read and write something, think positive things, etc. This is why God has given us two things. If the body doesn’t work well, we should use the mind. If the mind is disturbed, use the body and the mind will quieten.
Satsang is an open meeting held every Sunday from 9:30 to 10:30 am at The Yoga Institute, Santacruz East, Mumbai. It involves an interesting presentation to the public, made by the students of the Teacher Training Course. Each week, a new presentation of a Yogic concept is made in a simple way through skits and decoration for the general public, followed by a short speech from our Gurus, Dr. Jayadeva and Smt. Hansaji Yogendra.