The O-town Scene

A6 The societal interest in the interface be- tween yoga and neuroscience cited by a number of articles appearing in the scien- tific journals (and, more recently, in Time Magazine) has also contributed to yoga's popularity. Through various studies, researchers are able to show a co-relation between the regular practice of meditation and other contemplative practices, and the enhancement of the immune system. Moreover, the studies reveal that medita- tion is helpful in rewiring the brain to reduce stress. Some research indicates that for the professionals, whose lives are infused with stress-related situations, meditation is a panacea — a handy cure for whatever ails them. By meditating on a regular basis, they are able to deal with different states of affairs with calm and collected thoughts without upsetting their entire existential beings. The Dalai Lama's challenge to map the brain waves of the expert meditators, which was taken up by the Western scien- tists, brought about a number of signifi- cant results for scientific scrutiny. By using the technology for brain imaging, the states of the brain resulting from meditation — which until now were elusive — are no longer mystifying. Brain images of expert meditators reveal these states in vivid colors. Moreover, other studies show that even beginners show less activity in their frontal cortex, where all the complex functions of reasoning, planning, emotions, personal identity and self-consciousness take place. The first- time meditators found that this part of their brains slowed down and even in some cases relaxed its hold on the individual during meditation. Meditation is also conducive to slowing down alpha waves, which are responsible for our active conceptual and perceptual operations. In place of them, meditation augments the production of theta waves, which are responsible for relaxation, calm- ness and contentment. Further studies done by Richard David- son of Wisconsin indicate that meditation is conducive to changing activity from the prefrontal cortex to the left. This means that regular meditation practice can retrain the brain from the usual fight-flight re- sponse to that of understanding, accom- modation and acceptance. The exercise listed below is a suggestion only. If practiced properly and on a regular basis, it might help. Meditation with the Mantra AUM (OM): While sitting in the easy posture, close your eyes. Become aware of your breath- ing in and out. Breathe in slowly to fill up the upper, middle and bottom parts of your lungs. Once they are full, slowly breathe out. Repeat this exercise three times. Now during the fourth time, breathe in slowly to fill the upper, middle and bot- tom parts of the lungs. While keeping your eyes closed, open your mouth fully and start saying the sound AUM aloud. When half the air is out of your lungs, close your teeth and your lips while saying the sound "AUM" until no air is left. Repeat this exercise. Start breathing in slowly! Fill the upper, middle and bottom parts of your lungs. While keeping your eyes closed, open your mouth fully and start saying the sound "AUM" aloud. When half the air is out of your lungs, close your teeth and your lips while saying the sound "AUM" until no air is left. Repeat this exercise again. After doing this exercise three times, resume your natural breathing and enjoy the serenity that results from it. Dr. Ashok Kumar Malhotra's work through the Ninash Foundation to build schools for the female and minority children of India earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. His program on "Yoga for Relaxation" is shown at 9 a.m. Saturdays on the Public Access Channel 23. His articles are con- densed from his books, available at amazon. com and www.info@ ideaIndia.com. The Science of Meditation, Part II A6 Yoga Life By Ashok Kumar Malhotra 6 O-Town Scene March 6, 2014

• Cover