According to Yoga Darshana, the human body is a profound and complex system. This physical system is interconnected with one’s mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The Yoga philosophy and practice emphasize the importance of understanding and honoring the body and going beyond just focusing on its physical aspects.
The body is not seen merely as a physical vessel but as a living, intelligent mechanism capable of extraordinary feats, i.e., transcendence via spiritual growth. The human spine, considered to be at the core of spirituality, plays an essential role in understanding our link to the larger existence. While the physical universe, including the entire solar system, is relatively small in the grand scale of the cosmos, from the human experience, the spine is seen as the central axis through which we perceive and interact with the universe.
The spine does not “know” anything but acts as a conduit or “wire” through which our experiences and perceptions flow. By mastering this “wiring” of the spine, we can learn to manage and shape our experience of the universe. This means that by gaining a deeper understanding and mastery of the spine, one can control the nature of one’s own experience and perception of the universe. Thus, the spine is a gateway to understanding and potentially influencing our relationship with the cosmos.
In sum, according to Yogic philosophy, the human spine is a profound and powerful structure that plays a crucial role in one’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Sadhguru emphasizes maintaining a healthy spine through proper posture, movement, and awareness. Sadhguru states that the spine is the “axis of the human mechanism” and is directly connected to the brain and the rest of the body. He explains that the spine is not just a physical structure but also a “spiritual axis” that can be used to access higher states of consciousness. Sadhguru encourages people to be mindful of their spine and engage in yoga and meditation to help maintain their health and flexibility.
The spine is the foundation for one’s overall well-being, and its issues can lead to various physical, mental, and emotional problems. Yoga practices and teachings advocate for a holistic approach to spine health, including physical exercises and cultivating mental and emotional balance. The human spine is a vital, multifaceted structure that deserves careful attention and care, and yoga practices highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy spine through physical, mental, and spiritual practices.
According to Sadhguru, the human spine is a profound and powerful entity with immense significance beyond its physical structure. The spine is considered to be the “axis of the universe” and the “axis of the human mechanism,” emphasizing its central and vital role in the functioning of the body, including the mind, which is intelligence embedded throughout the body, and not just understood as the equivalent of the brain. Beyond the physical, Sadhguru sees the spine as a “spiritual axis” that can be used to access higher states of consciousness and transcendental experiences.
Exploring the relationship between the body and the mind through practices that engage the spine, such as yoga asanas, can lead to a deeper understanding of their interconnectedness. By practicing different postures and observing the effects on the mind, one can directly understand how the body and mind are linked. Yoga Darshana stresses that the health and flexibility of the spine are foundational to one’s overall physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Thus, the stress on asanas and sequences focused on strengthening the spine.
One of the fundamental teachings of Yoga philosophy is that the body is a “temple” that must be treated with care and respect since it houses Life beyond the physical. The architectural design of Hindu temples exhibits a clear symbolic relationship between the temple’s structural elements and the human body, particularly the spinal column. Scholarly sources indicate that the central flagpole or dhwaja stambham of Hindu temples is intentionally constructed to represent the human spine, as it supports the overall structure and transmits sacred energy, much like the spine’s role in supporting the body and facilitating neural impulses. Also, the temple’s main tower, or raja gopuram, is associated with the feet, positioned as the furthest point from the head, mirroring the relationship between the raja gopuram and the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum), which symbolizes the head. This deliberate incorporation of human anatomical references into the temple’s architectural framework reflects the belief that the temple itself is a symbolic representation of the cosmic body, with the pillars and columns functioning as the “pillars” that uphold the sacred structure, analogous to the spine’s role in supporting the physical human form.
The body is believed to reflect one’s inner state, suggesting that working on the body can also address deeper psychological and spiritual quests. This exploration of the body and mind through the spine is necessary even for those not seeking enlightenment, as it provides a basic understanding of the “vehicles” through which we experience Life. Seeker practitioners are encouraged to approach the body with attention to the spine, keep an attitude of reverence, and explore its full potential through various yoga practices.
Further Reading:
Bharne, V., & Krusche, K. (2014). Rediscovering the Hindu Temple: The Sacred Architecture and Urbanism of India. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
Kramrisch, S. (1976). The Hindu Temple (Vol. 1). Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.
Meister, M. W. (1986). Temples of South Asia. Brill.
Michell, G. (1988). The Hindu Temple: An Introduction to Its Meaning and Forms. University of Chicago Press.
Sadhguru, J.V. (2016). Spine – The Axis of the Universe. Retrieved from: AC-diffmilk220912Aquiz_cookiesmoothie230523A-v01-m01-f00-c00 (youtube.com)
Sadhguru, J.V. (2016). On Hatha Yoga and Spinal Health. Retrieved from: Sadhguru on Hatha Yoga and Spinal Health – Isha
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