Arya Samaj

Shishya · Last edited by Shishya on Wed May 31, 2006 11:40 am; edited 4 times in total

Preparation for the Perfomance of Sandhya

Shishya · Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 1:33 am Post subject:

Preliminary Accessories of Sandhya
from
Satyarth Prakash

The preparatory, non-essential stages of worship are:-

Bathing: Effects bodily cleanliness, and ensures health. Manu says:

"Water washes off the impurities of the body. Truth exalts the mind. Knowledge and strict devotion to duty elevate the soul. Possession of ideas refines the intellect."
-MANU 5: 109.

Every man should, therefore, bathe before his first meal.
Achamana: This consists in taking in as much water as can be held in the palm of one's hand by applying the lips to the root and centre of it. The quantity of water should be just sufficient to reach the lower part of the throat. Its object is to relieve irritation of the throat of dryness thereof it present.
Maarjana: This is to sprinkle water with the points of the middle and index fingers on the face and other parts of one's body. Its object is remove drowsiness. If a person be not drowsy, or if water be not obtainable, it can be dispensed with.

Shishya · Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 1:34 am Post subject:

The Essential Stages of Sandhya
from
Satyarth Prakash

One hour, at least, should be devoted to Sandhya (Divine Contemplation), which should be practised with perfect concentration of mind, as Yogis practise Yoga. The essential stages of Sandhyaopaasanaa are as follows:-

Praanayaama or control of the breath. Says Patanjali, in his Yoga Shaastra:

"The practice of Praanaayaama gradually burns off all impurities and exalts the soul. The light of knowledge in the soul goes on continually increasing till the soul is emancipated."
-Yoga Shaastra Saadhanapaada, 28.

Manu says:

"Just as a goldsmith, by blowing stronghly against a piece of impure gold, removes its impurities by oxidation, so does Praanaayaama burns off all impurities of the mind and senses."
-MANU 6: 71

Method of Praanaayaama:

"As in the act of vomiting all the contents of the stomach are violently expelled, so should the breath be expired forcibly, and held out as long as possible by drawing up the pelvic viscera."
-Yoga Shaastra, Samadhipada, 38.

When discomfort is felt, the air should be gently inspired. This process should be repeated according to one's desire and strength. This exalts the purity of the soul and develops concentration of mind. Praanaayaama is of four kinds:-
- Baahya Vishaya: This is the process desired above in which the breath is held out as long as possible.
- A'Bhyantara: In which the breath is held in as long as possible.
- Stambha Vritti: In which the breathing is suddenly stopped at any stage of respiration.
- Baahyaabhyaantaraakshepi: In which the ordinary course of breathing is reversed, expiration is forcibly begun when inspiration is going on, and vice versa. By thus reversing the course of respiration, both expiration and inspiration are in turn stopped, and thus the processes of respiration, and consequently and mind and senses come under the direct control of the Will.
By the increase of bodily strength and activity, the intellect becomes so subtle that it can easily grasp the most abstruse and profound subjects. It also helps to preserve and perfect the reproductive element in the human body, which, in its turn, produces self-control, firmness of mind, strength, energy, and acuteness of intellect.

Girls as well as boys, should practice Praanaayaama.
Aghamarshana: Repentance and intense desire to keep aloof from even the thought of sin.
Manasaa Prakrimana: Mental Rotation, i.e., - turning one's mind in all the six different directions of space - North, South, East and West, Above and Below - and feeling in each the presence of God.
Upaastha: Realization of God as the source of all Light, Life, Knowledge, etc.
Stuti-Praathnaa-Upaasanaa: Glorification, Prayer, and Communion.

Shishya · Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 1:35 am Post subject:

The Place Suitable For Sandhya
from
Satyarth Prakash

This Sandhaopaasanaa should be performed in some lonely spot, with a concentrated mind. Manu says:-

"Seek some lonely spot, by the side of the water, concentrate your mind and perform your Sandhyopaasanaa. Never forget to recite* the Gayatri Mantra and contemplate its manifold meaning. Act accordingly."
-MANU 2:104.

Note:
*It is best to recite Gayatri Mantra mentally.