Acharya Mahaprajna
In the first state of relaxation, one learns to keep still and stop all voluntary movements. The turmoil due to restlessness vanishes and an acute sense of relaxation and relief from tensions is experienced. There is progressive improvement in psychosomatic diseases as hypertension and in due course this becomes measurable.
In the second stage of relaxation, some further benefits accrue:
- There is soothing effect on the nervous system.
- Changes in the electric activity of the nervous system and brain take place (soothing alpha waves may be produced at will.)
- Rate of metabolism slows down and the need for oxygen is drastically reduced.
- Control is established on the involuntary or smooth internal muscles. The level of excitation of these muscles is reduced and they are less tense.
- Operational efficiency increases.
- There is an increase in the capacity for bearing environmental changes such as heat, cold etc.
- Alertness sharpens the intellect
- Concentration is easily achieved.
In the third stage, self-awareness increases and the physical body remain in the background. The subtle body is clearly identified and sometimes can be separated from the gross body. Perception is more acute and is considerably more than the proverbial five senses.
In the fourth and final stage, the separateness of the body and spiritual self is complete. Self-awareness is constant and without hindrance.
