Overcoming specific senses

[arjunah]

I am unable to control my sexual drive. Is there anything specific I can do? I feel I also allow my eyesight to run wild. How can I work specifically on these two senses?

I currently do mostly Hatha Yoga but I enjoy reading discourses and writings on philosophy and yoga. I try to read the Satarudriya everyday and a chapter from the Bhagavad-Gita.


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I read somewhere that certain deities are said to preside (thats the best I can put it from my [hopefully not for a 'long' time] individual knowledge) over our specific senses. Is this true?

[arjunah]

I have been reading Chapter III of The Gita and not moving past like I did in the past. I read it 4 times a day prior to doing my breathing exercises and reading prayers.

I now have much more energy. I am having trouble sleeping at night. I find I do not need as much sleep as I once did but sometimes it is like my mind wants rest but my body doesn't. It is very hard to explain, and I will find myself pacing in my room at night sometimes feeling fits of rage.

Will this eventually subside?

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I guess this should be moved to the karma yoga section?

[Mana]

Namasté arjunah

It sounds to me as though you should take a serious look at Raja Yoga. I highly recommend this paper by Swami Sivananda.

You must take regular physical exercise I personally recommend swimming as controlled breathing is necessary and one can separate from and watch ones own thoughts with great ease.

Yes it will subside, you must be very watchful that all elements of Raja yoga are followed.

The activity of you mind is there to make a change in your life you must remain wise and allow this to happen gently and in a guided fashion. Use your meditation time to watch your own thoughts as they play out that which your subconscious is trying to tell you.

Do not get carried away by your thoughts, you must try to keep grounded at this time.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU SLEEP REGULARLY.

Rage may happen if you slide in to a Tamasic state maybe due to frustration, lack of sleep may provoke this.

As for the sexual drive, don't worry about it but don't act on it either the sexual urges are from Rajas and can very easily get you in to all sorts of trouble! If you can maintain a Satvic state you can use this energy in other ways. Try to find a creative outlet, do you practise any arts?

Karma Yoga will suit you well once you can maintain a predominantly Satvic state.

With love.

Iain

[arjunah]

Thank you for taking the time to reply and I appreciate your words.

When I feel rage or lust coming on I have lately been able to catch myself. When this happens I try to concentrate on my third eye chakra and I think of becoming one with Brahman and I believe it helps me greatly. I also think of what is taught in the Gita about the senses. Is this similar to Raja Yoga?

Your words about the activity of the mind have struck me deeply and I will try to remember them. I'm sure I will read over your words again and again.

I have taken to regular exercise the past 3 months. I do stretches for my hips and legs and back for an hour each day. They are stretches that are suppose to help one get into the lotus position correctly and comfortably. I also do a few body weight exercises after my stretches (Hindu Squats, a couple of abdominal work outs, and Hindu Pushups).

One thing I love is to golf and yesterday I did that. I slept much better last night. Maybe I need to do a little more physical activity than the stretching and the body weight exercises each day.

I enjoy literature so maybe I will start writing like I always have thoughts of in the back of my mind.

Thank you again I appreciate your time.

[Mana]

I am honoured to be of assistance to you arjunah.

The Bhagavad Gita can light the fire of devotion in you, Raga Yoga as explained by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras is the science of inner knowlege which assists one on their spiritual path to keep that fire burning in the best way for you and those around you.

If you learn to observe and understand your thoughts and actions you will become aware of the rapid effects of both the Gunas and Karma on our actions and state of mind. With this you will be able to dispel your rage and take better direction. You will also be able to slow down that racing mind.

By exercise I had in mind something more aerobic such as swimming cycling or running. After the first 20mins or so we start to go in to an automatic meditative state. This will both get some of that energy moving and help you observe your thoughts.

Writing is a great idea.

Om Shanti

[arjunah]

I find it awesome that you are saying to do more of a cardio workout as I was just speaking with my friend yesterday about how out of shape my heart is and how easily I get out of breath. I will try to take on those activities.

I have read through this http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/patanjali.html (only part 1) once before, and I just began again a couple of days ago.

Your post as re-assured me that I am on the right path. Thank you again and I hope the best for you.

[yajvan]

hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~

namast�

exercise is good and can bring balance. Regarding rage - look to your diet. Excessive caffeine and other stimulants contribute to active mind and to rago-guna.


praṇām

[Mana]

Thank you yajvan.

I hope that you feel my sudgestions wise on these matters. You are so much more qualified than I to advise. Please don't hesitate if you feel that I have advised at all erroneously.

Iain

[yajvan]

hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~

namasté

Regarding rage - look to your diet.

I mention this because rage is fueled by excess pitta:

• vāta represents and has the qualities of vayū. This vayū is associated with prāṇa; prāṇa we know as life force.
• pitta represents agni ; agni is rooted in ag , fire; this fire is tejas which is fiery energy ,vital power
• kapha is related to water and thus with ojas ; ojas is rooted is vaj and is vigor , energy. Yet I said this kapha is a principle of structure. We find this ojas throughout the body at the cellular ( structural ) levels we can just say bodily tissues.

more can be found here - http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?t=6917

praṇām

[AmIHindu]

Namaskar Arjunah,

I do not think I can give you advice but though in my opinion,

Add to your daily routine, Japa ( Chanting). We Hindus go to temple, do prayers at home but add Japa to your daily routine - morning and evening. This will bring peace to your mind. And do not pay attention to sexual urges, and anger. This happens to everyone but need to be under control. When you add Satva element, it brings Satva to your thinking. You will be able to bring under control your rage and other senses will also be root out. It will for sure will take time. Do Japa with proper Nistha - Devotion. Please use Japa mala in beginning, you may have difficulty in the beginning but do not quit.