Greetings All Namaskar Below, the first layer of mind is explained which is related to the first cakra. Regards Dharma --- Layers of the Mind - The Conscious or Crude Mind Yogic philosophy teaches that "the mind is composed of five layers, just like the banana flower." Because the banana flower is closed, you can only see the innermost petals when you've removed the outer petals. Similarly with the mind, to understand deeper things we have get to the deeper layers. We usually utilize only the superficial layers of mind, so we end up using very little of our overall potential. Most people use no more than two percent of their mental capacity. A genius may use ten percent, but not much more. So we have a lot of capacity that we don't tap into. You can use all the layers of the mind and develop your capacity to the fullest extent. To do that requires developing the higher layers of mind. But let us look first at the basic or crude layer of mind. The outermost layer of the mind is called the Conscious Mind or Crude Mind. It's this most superficial layer of the mind that's responsible for sensing the world around us. It registers the information from our senses, then provides the instinctual response to that information - either attraction (for pleasurable sensations) or aversion (for painful stimuli). For this reason it's known as the "layer of desire." This layer of the mind is developed naturally through what we call physical clash. That means all types of physical pain: illness or accident, feeling cold, hungry, etc. The mind-body structure seeks to be free of these influences and so evolves to find ways to adapt. Similarly, the overcoming and moving through the reactions to pleasurable experiences are also means of adaptation. In yoga this natural means of development is accelerated by following a balanced lifestyle and the principles of morality so that the mind is able to transcend the basic level and develop its higher faculties. The mind is likened to the driver of a chariot, and the senses to the horses which pull the chariot. It is up to the mind to control the horses (through the reigns) rather than the horses controlling the mind and leading the body (chariot) into trouble. There's a story that once when a yogi's arm was cut off, he nonchalantly picked it up and walked calmly away. When approached as to how he could remain so cool in such a situation, he replied "Don't do what you want, then you may do what you like", meaning that self-restraint leads to control of the mind and personal fulfilment, regardless of the external circumstances. There have been similar incidents of people being caught in mine shafts and cutting off their limbs to get themselves free. This involves realising that you are more than you body and that your mind is capable of great will power in adverse circumstances. --- Remember, continue with all the practices come what may. Your inner journey is the greatest journey, because through it you will attain the greatest fulfilment in life. The result of your meditation will transcend all other results. Even when you lose all the limited and temporary things in your life; when everything else has gone; only the Infinite will remain. Even simple BABA NAM KEVALAM meditation can give you realisation! :) --- The First Cakra The first cakra, at the base of the spine, is known as the Terranean Plexus. It's controlled by the Conscious (Crude) Mind, and in turn controls the solid factor of the body: bones, flesh, etc. It forms the base of the body and gives stability to the structure. It controls the hormones that are excreted outside the body (in sweat, urine, semen and stool). The solid factor has traditionally been represented by earth (the word “terranean” means land, or earth) and is associated with the sense of smell, since it's the solid particles in the air that the olfactory organ in the nose actually senses. Healthy Hints: The earth gives us our food, and that food goes towards building up and maintaining the body. So care of the body at this level involves care of our diet. The best food is what in yoga is called sentient, meaning “conscious, aware”. It's not only good for the body, but also for the mind. And because it's vegetarian it's good for animals too! Sentient food includes vegetables (except onions, garlic and mushrooms), fruits, legumes (beans), grains (wheat, rice, etc.), nuts and seeds, milk and milk products (cheese, yogurt, cream, etc.) and condiments (salt, sugar, honey, herbs and spices). This is more than enough for a nutritionally balanced diet. Prepare food in a relaxed mood, and eat slowly with a calm and positive mind. Eat only when hungry. You should have a keen appetite, otherwise your health will suffer. When you're ready to eat, air will naturally start flowing through your right nostril – this happens when the digestive system is active. Don't overeat! There is a saying: “If in doubt about eating, don't eat; if in doubt about going to the toilet, go to the toilet!” Don't mix too many types of food at the same time, and allow sufficient time between meals so the food will digest properly. If you eat early in the evening you will get better sleep because your body won't be still digesting the food as you sleep. Avoid constipation at all costs. If you're not clearing the bowels at least daily then your health will suffer and you won't feel mentally at ease. Meat and refined carbohydrates such as white rice, bread and pasta are among the biggest constipators, as well as lack of exercise and not drinking enough water. Regular fasting is very beneficial to the health. It cleans the digestive system and gives the organs a chance to rest. It also increases willpower, elevates the mind, and prevents and cures many diseases. ---