व्यास पुष्पाञ्जलि: Vyasa Puspanjali

No doubt, the modern era in the last century has brought great comfort to man. Science has unraveled several mysteries of nature at the physical level. Technology has utilized this knowledge to increase the comfort level of man. In the process, the human mind has grown sharp, sensitive and creative, correspondingly, the society has raised itself from slumber of laziness to activity and from superstitions to rationality.

By the end of the century, the ever growing scientific discoveries reached a transition towards a total change. There appears to be a shake up of the foundation of the science- objective experimentation and matter-based approach. As we reach out to subtler and more encompassing phenomena of nature, the present hard core scientist's belief grounded in matter-based approach is changing to more generalised holistic worldview, probably to a consciousness - based approach.

This basic change in the world-view is bound to have a large scale influence in our value system. A more harmonizing value- system featured by love, cooperation, bliss and health as the main essence (and wealth subordinated to them) is emerging. Yoga, symbolizing this consciousness-based world-view and love-based value system developed ages ago by our Seers and Researches, is emerging as the Science for the New Millennium.

Culturing the emotions is one of the most important methods of-yoga needed for this transformation. Our animal instincts and grosser emotions have to be changed to higher, softer and subtler emotions. The science of emotions' culture or Bhakti Yoga offers the means for such a change. VY ASA has concretized this science of emotions' culture to be imbibed by one and all through devotional sessions bringing between head and heart.

Brain Researchers have found that the right lobe of the brain is the seat of emotions, which we have been calling the 'heart'. The 'head' representing the intellect has its abode in the left lobe of the brain. Because of science and scientific attitude, the left lobe has grown but the right one is grossly neglected. This lopsided growth is at the base of the most of the modern ailments, increasing unrest and decreasing quality of life. Thus, harnessing the right brain has become a mandate.

The science of emotions' culture develops the right brain and thereby harmonizes the left and the right parts effectively. Our emotions get purified and we elevate ourselves to experience the estatic bliss of divinity. As a result, there is release of emotions, lessening of 'heartache', better and greater Bliss.

In our normal thinking, the changes are confined predominantly to the skull region. When any thought persists, it intensifies, triggering the centers of emotions in the 'right brain'; this trigger sets of chain reactions resulting in widespread –
1. hormonal changes transmitted through the blood stream,
and
2. nerve impulses initiated by activation of sympathetic nervous system
The emotions are, thus, felt all over the body-tears in the eyes, lump in the throat, rushing of blood to face, gooseflesh, etc. At their termination, the parasympathetic nervous system slowly restores normalcy.

The changes due to emotions' feelings are mor intense and lasting compared to mere thinking. Our evotional sessions systematically train the participants by inducing in them varities of emotions, intensifying them and diffusing them to total silence.

This tri-fold process of invoke-intensity-diffusion is a systematic way to gain mastery over emotions and thereby purifying the emotions.

What is purification? Love is one of the most powerful emotions manifest in all beings. At its grossest level it projects itself as lust. This karna is insatiable and energy-sapping. Its effect is like tempest after sun. Selfishness reigns supreme in this. But Prema (pure love) is elevating. Its gentle spring always remains fresh. Featured by Tyaga (sacrifice), the lover finds his happiness in that of his beloved. 'Tat sukha sukhitvam is the formula, says Narada. Much greater is the bliss of Prema compared to the joy of Kamna.

Bhakti is Prema with total surrender. With the 'Saranagati' of himself and his ego at the feet of the Lord, man merges himself more into his Lord culminating in Saksatkara. In that, the Bhakta experiences an ecstatic bliss.

Our devotional sessions are aimed to tune the heart-strings towards that self-elevating Bhakti Bhava). Come, join the group, sing aloud. This is the way to purify your emotions and grow towards perfection or Divinity.

In training the right brain, it is the bhava feeling that matters more than mere words. That is why hymns, whatever be the language, have universal appeal.

There is a heavenly rhythm,. a harmony and a melody in every sound and sigh. If these are fine-tuned with Prema and Bhakti, one reaches the heights of happiness-the zenith of ecstasy.

Sing loudly with the group; sway with the sound. Let your heart melt, let tears roll down your cheeks freely; let go your feelings without inhibitions. You feel light in the head. Your emotional suppressions diminish, diffuse and vanish like clouds before sunshine. You come out of the session with a lightness of heart, and the gloom of unknown sorrow changes into a bright gleam of joy. The world appears a better place. Serve others, too, with 'this elixir of happiness by emotions culture.

The universal prayers, bhajans, namavallis dhuns and diffusing omkara satkam the end can be found in chapter seven of this booklet.

Apart from the harmonising the head and heart, the total approach of yoga brings about a total personality development. In VY ASA movement we have adopted the four-fold yoga-Jnana, Raja, Bhakti and Karma Yoga streams. As such we have in this booklet VYASA Puspanjali prayers on Vyasa Maharshi, the author of the famous Bhagavad gita, (the most comprehensive text of yoga), written by Swami Vivekananda - the propounder of this four fold yoga, the prayers we use before after various yoga practices in Prashanti Kutiram. Then we have included in chapter two the compiled verses of each of the four yoga streams. Chapter three contains the Upanisadic chants in search for Reality and Bliss. The songs to invoke spiritual urge, selfless service and patriotism are included in chapters four to six. Chapter eight includes the peace chants meant for establishing peace on earth in the new millenium.

This is a compilation of verses used in Vivekananda Kendra and from other various sources for which we are grateful.

We hope this new booklet Vyasa Puspanjali will cater to the needs of all inmates of Prashanti Kutiram undergoing four-fold yoga training and all those involved in our VY ASA movement throughout the globe.