KNOW YOUR SPIRITUAL QUOTIENT<\/p>\n
Ramakant Tiwari\u00a0\u00a0 All along, it was Intelligence Quotient (IQ) that reigned supreme for a long span of human evolution for assessment of cognitive and rational faculties. Then came the era of Emotional Quotient (EQ) so<\/p>\n
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All along, it was Intelligence Quotient (IQ) that reigned supreme for a long span of human evolution for assessment of cognitive and rational faculties. Then came the era of Emotional Quotient (EQ) sometime in mid-1990s. It was thought then that emotional stability and maturity had a lot of bearing upon overall functioning of intelligence.<\/p>\n
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Then came the era of Spiritual Quotient (SQ), regarded to be in overall command of entire intelligence, emotional maturity and much more than that. It was discovered that higher SQ alone is capable of addressing fundamental issues related to one’s own definition, causes of existence, past and future, rationalisation of various occurrences in one’s life etc. which even the highest order of IQ or EQ were discovered to be incapable of addressing.<\/p>\n
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SQ may be vaguely defined as sum total of IQ and EQ; that animals have EQ but not IQ, computers have IQ but not EQ while none of them possess SQ; that SQ enables us to compare and think more accurately; that SQ epitomises holistic approach to life and it’s basic virtues like compassion etc.; that SQ is the foundation of EQ \/ IQ and finally, SQ is the ultimate intelligence cum wisdom. No scientific definition or a measurement mechanism is available for SQ so far. However, Spiritual Intelligence and Spiritual Quotient arouse intense curiosity among scientific investigators owing to it’s versatility and dynamism.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Degree and order of SQ may or may not be related to one’s religiosity. However, it is observed that an atheist having high SQ is low in religiosity while a practitioner of spiritual pursuits is likely to have higher Spiritual Quotient. One having higher SQ is generally marked by higher level of self-awareness, adaptibility, serenity, capability to withstand agonies and physical distress, endowed with a grand vision, being stickler to values, empathy and compassion unto others, sense of universalism, holistic approach towards life, fortitude to withstand hostility while defying irrational conventions etc.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are eight pursuits that are means to the end of raising SQ, described as\u00a0Astangayoga<\/em>\u00a0 in\u00a0Vedic<\/em>\u00a0 scriptures. Out of eight,\u00a0Yama<\/em>,\u00a0Niyama<\/em>,\u00a0Asana<\/em>,\u00a0Pranayam\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Pratyahara<\/em>\u00a0 eradicate all obstacles that are caused by external \/ internal objects or factors that may possibly hinder advancement of SQ. We shall now visit all these individually in brief –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yama<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 How exactly a person interacts with all other members of the cosmos summarises the maxim of extroversion. Hence the first priority, stark and pronounced, is how to divinize human conduct with respect to others. Motivated actions ought to be shunned in order to dissolve\u00a0Raga<\/em>,\u00a0Dvesa<\/em>\u00a0 and\u00a0Abhinivesa-Klesa<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0gradually.\u00a0Yama\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is a multilevel discipline practised through\u00a0Ahimsa<\/em>,\u00a0Satya<\/em>,\u00a0Asteya<\/em>,\u00a0Brahmacarya<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0and\u00a0Apari graha<\/em>\u00a0 while perfection in\u00a0Yama<\/em>\u00a0 facilitates activation of\u00a0Muladhara Cakra<\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ahimsa \u00a0<\/em><\/strong>is enactment of non-violence on several planes in various forms. Cause of violence is hidden in the perception of oneself confined to the limits imposed by the gross physical existence. Violence is committed through several ways i.e. through body, speech or mind associated with\u00a0Vrtti<\/em>-s of\u00a0Kama \u00a0<\/em>i.e. lust,\u00a0Krodha \u00a0<\/em>i.e.\u00a0<\/em>wrath,\u00a0Lobha \u00a0<\/em>i.e. avarice,\u00a0Moha \u00a0<\/em>i.e.\u00a0<\/em>delusion\u00a0 or\u00a0Bhaya \u00a0<\/em>i.e. fear. Causing violence to someone directly or indirectly or granting permission for the same too, constitute violence. Virtue of\u00a0Ahimsa\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is the foundation of entire\u00a0Yama<\/em>\u00a0 and\u00a0Niyama<\/em>, pursuit of which is the first declaration of acceptance of the principle of Universality.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Satya\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0is the real knowledge of a\u00a0Visaya<\/em>. By pursuing it with body, it is the\u00a0Satya\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0of body. Conveying it through\u00a0Vani<\/em>\u00a0 i.e. speech, is the\u00a0Satya\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0of\u00a0Vani<\/em>. Similar is the\u00a0Satya<\/em>\u00a0 of mind.\u00a0Dharma<\/em>\u00a0 of the moment too, is\u00a0Satya<\/em>.\u00a0Satya<\/em>\u00a0 is precisely practised when\u00a0Vani<\/em>\u00a0 and\u00a0Citta-Vrtti<\/em>\u00a0 together, conform to reality of the moment.\u00a0Ahimsa\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is a universal\u00a0Satya<\/em>\u00a0 while violence in any form whatsoever, is\u00a0Asatya<\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Asteya\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>extortion of any kind, howsoever insignificant, is\u00a0Steya<\/em>. Abstention from\u00a0Steya\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is a noble virtue that is\u00a0Asteya<\/em>. Depriving weak and indefensible ones of their rights and privileges due to them too, are manifests of\u00a0Steya<\/em>\u00a0 that are reprehensible. Corruption and every other unethical practice constitute\u00a0Steya<\/em>.\u00a0Raga \u00a0<\/em>i.e. affinity and\u00a0Lobha<\/em>\u00a0 are the causes of\u00a0Steya<\/em>. Complete eradication of\u00a0Raga\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0from the realm of\u00a0Citta\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is the virtue of\u00a0Asteya\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0of the absolute order.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brahmacarya\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>is the pursuit of continence and celibacy by restraining\u00a0Indriya<\/em>-s. Pursuit of\u00a0Brahmacarya\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is the highest order of\u00a0Tapa<\/em>. It causes creation of an aura of divinity all over the mortal frame of\u00a0Yogi<\/em>. Every extra-ordinary talent, capability, bliss, enthusiasm, charisma etc. are attributed to\u00a0Brahmacarya\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0alone. Nothing is impossible or unattainable in the world for a\u00a0Brahmacari<\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Aparigraha\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>is abstention from motivated accumulation of wealth and other possessions beyond the bare level of subsistence. Even bare essentials required for the pursuit of\u00a0Dharma<\/em>\u00a0 and\u00a0Tapa<\/em>, ought to be held without attachment or affinity of any kind.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Niyama\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>pertains to body, mind and gross senses. When senses are introverted and mind restrained, entire conduct is divinized and sanctified. While first constituent of\u00a0Astangayoga<\/em>\u00a0 i.e.\u00a0Yama\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is an exposition on how to interact with other beings, second one of\u00a0Niyama<\/em>\u00a0 explains, how to interact with our own inner being within ourselves. World within our own inner being is infinitely myriad and mystical than the outer one. Since the inner world is easier to deal with than the outer one, pursuit of\u00a0Niyama\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is far less hurdled than the pursuit of\u00a0Yama\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>and it\u2019s perfection ensures activation of\u00a0Svadhisthana Cakra<\/em>.\u00a0Sauca<\/em>,\u00a0Santosa<\/em>,\u00a0Tapa<\/em>,\u00a0Svadhyaya<\/em>\u00a0 and\u00a0Isvarapranidhana<\/em>\u00a0 constitute\u00a0Niyama.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sauca<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 is pursued externally as well as internally to ensure purity, sanctity at all levels. External purity pertains to maintaining body and surroundings clean. Keeping one\u2019s body clean includes remaining healthy and liberated from diseases. Internal purity is essentially dissolution of all\u00a0Vrtti<\/em>-s and\u00a0Samskara<\/em>-s so as to allow advent of the highest order of SQ.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Santosa\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>is the state of contentment with whatever one possesses coupled with renunciation of entire\u00a0Trsna<\/em>.\u00a0Santosa\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is the inexhaustible fountain of entire bliss. It is a virtue that is radiant under the splendour of\u00a0Sattva<\/em>\u00a0 alongwith uninterrupted\u00a0Karma<\/em>-s being performed in the spirit of\u00a0Yajna<\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tapa<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 is a pursuit wherein one restrains his body, vitality, senses and mind through conscious strive. Proceeds of\u00a0Tapa<\/em>\u00a0 manifest as the virtue of\u00a0Samattva<\/em>. Rigorous\u00a0Tapa<\/em>\u00a0 entailing torturing of oneself spiritually or physically, is a severe violation of the high ideals of\u00a0Tapa\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0and must be discarded immediately.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Svadhyaya<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0is study of holy scriptures and contemplation over the wisdom enunciated by them viz.\u00a0Veda<\/em>-s,\u00a0Upanisad<\/em>-s,\u00a0Purana<\/em>-s etc. Through\u00a0Svadhyaya<\/em>, one comes to know his \/ herGuru\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0Istadeva\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0in due course of time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Isvarapranidhana\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>is the state of incessant devotion and complete dedication unto Him alone.\u00a0Isvarapranidhana \u00a0<\/em>is the\u00a0Niyama<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0through which all other\u00a0Niyama<\/em>-s are dedicated unto Him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Asana\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>imparts physical stability, dissolves sloth, inertia caused by\u00a0Tama<\/em>\u00a0and body is progressively suffused with\u00a0Sattvik\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0enlightenment.\u00a0Asana\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is the posture that can be retained for long without any discomfort while pursuing\u00a0Dharana<\/em>,\u00a0Dhayana<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0and\u00a0Samadhi<\/em>. Tranquility during\u00a0Asana\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is the mark of absoluteness.\u00a0Param Brahma\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is the greatest epitome of tranquility and serenity, eternally resolute in the cosmic\u00a0Asana<\/em>\u00a0 of ubiquity and absolute consciousness. Hence, pursuit of\u00a0Asana\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is an eloquent manifestation of the Supreme universality and Divinity.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pranayam\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>restrains\u00a0Prana<\/em>, regulates and renders it\u00a0Sattvik\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0ultimately. Inhalation through nostrils is\u00a0Svasa\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0while exhalation,\u00a0Prasvasa<\/em>. When the upward and downward migrations of\u00a0Prana-Vayu<\/em>\u00a0 are separated and restrained, it is\u00a0Pranayam<\/em>.\u00a0Asana\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is not an independent organ of\u00a0Astangayoga\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0like\u00a0Yama<\/em>,\u00a0Niyama<\/em>\u00a0 etc. It is a means to practise\u00a0Pranayam\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0and other organs of\u00a0Astangayoga\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>as well as activation of\u00a0Anahat-Cakra<\/em>. Objective of\u00a0Pranayam\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is to attain Universality through it\u2019s proceeds of tranquility and sanctity. Greater the movement of\u00a0Prana-Vayu\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0within one\u2019s own gross being, heightened is the wandering of mind and intellect because\u00a0Prana-Vayu\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is essentially an evolute of\u00a0Prakrti<\/em>\u00a0 that agitates all other evolutes of\u00a0Prakrti \u00a0<\/em>if not restrained effectively.\u00a0Prana\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is an evolute of\u00a0Prakrti\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0that clouds\u00a0Purusa<\/em>. With declining migration of\u00a0Prana-Vayu<\/em>\u00a0 and progressive augmentation of tranquility through\u00a0Pranayam<\/em>, closer proximity to\u00a0Param Brahma\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is assured.<\/p>\n Pranayam\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0renders\u00a0Mana<\/em>\u00a0i.e. mind\u00a0\u00a0tranquil and resolute, attributes that are essential to practise\u00a0Dharana<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0effectively. Onset of transformation from turbulence to tranquility, is a proceed of utter dissolution of\u00a0Vrtti-<\/em>s and\u00a0Samskara<\/em>-s. These\u00a0Samskara<\/em>-s exist in the form of modulations embedded in the domain of\u00a0Citta<\/em>. Specks of these modulations continue disrupting serenity of subtle modulations that constitute the entity of\u00a0Citta-Sattva<\/em>. Disruptions manifest into turbulence and delirium in\u00a0Citta\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0i.e. wandering of mind. Subtle modulations generated through the\u00a0Tapa\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0of\u00a0Pranayam<\/em>\u00a0 penetrate into\u00a0Samskara<\/em>-s, implode and dissolve these irrevocably. What is attained thereafter is the original, calm and serene\u00a0Citta\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0that is pure and pellucid.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pratyahara\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0is withdrawal of gross and subtle senses from their respective objects of perception\u00a0<\/em>that facilitates activation of\u00a0Visuddha-Cakra<\/em>. Their irrevocable withdrawal from respective\u00a0Visaya<\/em>-s honours entire mandate of\u00a0Pratyahara\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>as\u00a0Indriya<\/em>-s merely follow\u00a0Citta-Sattva<\/em>. With that, all ends of the spiritual strive with respect to\u00a0Indriya<\/em>-s stand completely propitiated.<\/p>\n \n Not only\u00a0Astangayoga\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0is the only way to salvation, complete and perfect with all possible repercussions and ramifications taken care of, that one may encounter during any pursuit but also the best way to augment one’s\u00a0SPIRITUAL QUOTIENT<\/strong>. Real marvel is vested in it\u2019s absolute and complete objectivity based on cosmic realities that no one has been able to tamper with, continues to remain absolutely sacrosanct.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Religion is a means to higher state of existence while\u00a0Astangayoga<\/em>\u00a0 of\u00a0Maharsi<\/em>\u00a0Patanjali<\/em>\u2019s\u00a0Yoga-Darsana<\/em>\u00a0 is the highest means to the highest state of existence.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" KNOW YOUR SPIRITUAL QUOTIENT Ramakant Tiwari\u00a0\u00a0 All along, it was Intelligence Quotient (IQ) that reigned… more