Growth Online > Knowledge Base > Personal/Spiritual Growth > Inner Secrets to Health & Well-Being Inner Secrets to Health & Well-being by Roy Posner and MSS   Introduction to Page | Cause of Illness | Illness and Our Progress Inner Methods of Controlling Illness | Outer Approaches to Health On Medicine, Vaccination, Doctor's Approach, Etc. | Other     INTRODUCTION TO PAGE (top)     In this section of the Growth Online Knowledge Base, we present our original thoughts, as well as links to our original articles on the Personal Growth topic of "Inner Secrets of Health and Well-Being." (If you wish, you can see our other Personal Growth categories.) Cause of Illness (top) Illness and Psychological Disturbance The primary cause for illness is psychological disturbance, not infection. (MSS) Unbalanced Psyche Attracts Illness A weakened or otherwise unbalanced psychological state attracts illness.  Tension and Stress Create Illness Mental tension and psychological stress are subtle factors. But they can have deleterious effects on the body as surely as physical factors such as bad air, impure water and harmful substances. (N. Asokan, MSS) Attacks of Illness Attacks of illness are attacks of the lower nature or of adverse forces taking advantage of some weakness, opening, or response in the person's nature, coming from the outside. (Paraphrase of Sri Aurobindo)  Restoring Our Physical Health Energy is the source of everything in the universe. So too, all of the forms in the universe release energy to survive. We humans release physical energy when our bodies take to movement. We release vital energy when we are stirred by our emotions; when there is a will and drive to accomplish something; and when we interact with others. We release mental energy when thoughts enter our mind and when we think. And we release spiritual energy when we connect to our deeper spiritual selves or to the transcendent spiritual reality, or we move to selflessness and self-givingness. When we are ill, there is an inadequate or unbalanced amount of energy generated in our being. It is indicative that something is amiss. To correct it we need to know the inner source of the imbalance. More often than not, there is a psychological issue at play -- e.g. a wanting habit, attitude, emotion, etc. Attacks of illness can also come to us externally from adverse forces in the environment, including the influence of others through the subtle plane. Once we discover what that is, and then make the concerted effort to overcome the limitation, the right quantity and balance of energies are restored in our being, enabling the body, the psyche, the emotions, the spirit to become well and whole again. Interestingly the restoration of health can literally happen instantaneous to the discovery of the source of the problem. That is life responding at the physical/bodily level to our change of consciousness within. Discovering the Inner Cures for Illness There are levels of illness that have roots from the most outer physical to the psychological down to the very level of the soul and why we are here on earth. To know the level at which illness originates is difficult, for then we would have to know every part of our being. That takes a great, no monumental effort, whether it be the individual who is ill or the healer who is trying to heal. To know thyself can take a lifetime, and then there are endless degrees. Therefore, in theory every person can heal themselves, and every healer can know how to heal any individual. But the true cause, the true knowledge, and the right cure of the illness (and of life for that matter) would have to be in place. That will take many centuries to come about, because what we now know of life barely scratches the surface. Even doctors know very little except the obvious; the material symptom; and a mechanistic, material cause, not the root of the matter. Illwill, Goodwill, and Health Ill will targeting somebody can cause ill health. Good will can equally have a recuperating effect on a patient. (N. Asokan, MSS) Resentment Attracts Illness Resentment on the part of those we have offered our help can attract illness (e..g a lump or back pain). Method Illness Enters the Body and Fear Increases Its Intensity Illness enters externally through the subtle physical body sheath, and then if penetrated and accepted by the person spreads. The fear of an illness increases its intensity. Ego and Illness Egotistic movements on our part can contribute to illness. Thoughts of Sri Aurobindo on Cause of Illness In The Body Sri Aurobindo, the Indian sage and seer, has some profound insights into the nature of illness. Here are some quotes*: ... Attacks of illness are attacks of the lower nature or of adverse forces taking advantage of some weakness, opening, or response in the [person's] nature, -- ... they come from the outside  ... When a force is thrown on you or a vibration of illness, it carries to the body this suggestion. A wave comes in the body -- with a certain vibration in it, the body remembers "cold" or feels the vibration of a cold and begins to cough or sneeze or to feel a chill -- the suggestion comes to the mind in the form "I am weak, I don't feel well, I am catching a cold." ... This is how illness try to come from one person to another -- they attack, by a suggestion like this or otherwise, the nervous being and try to come in. ... There is a sort of protection around the body which we call the nervous envelope -- if this remains strong and refuses entrance to the illness force, then one remains well even in the midst of plague or other epidemics -- if the envelope is pierced or weak, then the illness can come in. ... The envelope pierced, they attack the subconscient mind in the body, sometimes into the vital mind or mind proper -- prepare the illness by fear or thought of illness. The doctors themselves say that in influenza or cholera in the Far East 90% get ill through fear. Nothing to take away the resistance like fear. But still the subconscient is the main thing. ... The suggestions that create illness or unhealthy conditions of the physical being usually comes through the subconscient -- for a great part of the physical being, the material part, is subconscient, i.e. to say, it has an obscure consciousness of its own but so obscure and shut up in itself that the mind does not know of its movements or what is going on there. ... All ill-health is due to some inertia or weakness or some resistance or wrong movement there [in the individual]... ... It is true also that one must bear illness with calm, equanimity, endurance, even recognition of it, since it has come, as something that had to be passed through in the course of experience. ... [After an attack of influenza:] The first thing to do is to keep throughout a perfect equanimity and not to allow thoughts of disturbed anxiety or depression enter you.  What you have to do is to remain calm and confident and not worry or be restless -- be perfectly quiet and prepared to rest as long as is needed. there is nothing to be anxious about; rest, and the health and strength will come. ... The lack of vitality which easily comes as a result of modern civilization is therefore a very strong contributing cause. Moderns have not the solid nervous system and the natural (as opposed to the artificial and morbid) zest of life that their ancestors had. [relating it to the modern era] ... But certain diseases have greatly increased in spite of advance in hygiene -- influenza, tb, venereals, [various cancers], etc. ... Allopathy, homeopathy, naturopathy, osteopathy [etc.] all are only outward means, and what really works are unseen forces behind. [re cure] ... medicines are an element but only one and that the psychological element counts as much or even more ... ... And important is the doctor's optimism and self-confidence, ... and  confidence, hope, helpful atmosphere he can inspire in and around the patient. I have seen it categorically that a doctor who can do that is far more successful than one who knows Medicine better ...  ... As the body consciousness becomes more open to the Force, this frequent stress of illness will diminish and disappear. ... When the illness becomes pronounced and chronic in the body, it is necessary often to call in the aid of the physical treatment and that is then used as a support for the Force.... * from book Letters on Yoga (pp. 1563-1589) On Fear and Infection One is weak when fear of infection grips him. His body falls ill, catching the infection more out of its vital fear than as a process of infection. Overconcern Increases Problem The more you concern yourself with a pain or illness, the more it will grow. The same principle applies to a negative emotions, attitudes, or false actions.   Worry, Attention to Illness Energizes It Man worries so much about an ordinary problem of his that it is energised by his intense attention and possesses him as an octopus. It is the same with diseases.   Illness and One's Growth and Development Illness is caused by the differential between one's current psychological condition and the condition necessary for the next stage of one's development. It is often there in the negative attitudes, which can be identified and overcome. Add an opening to the Force, and one is likely to obtain vibrant health.   Modern Sedentary Life Creates Illness The physical exertions of primitive man kept his health robust and hardy. The comforts and sedentary life of civilized times have lessened the need for physical exertion. Unfortunately this has weakened his constitution and led to rising incidences of diabetes, heart diseases and caesarean deliveries. (N. Asokan, MSS)   Disturbance of Subtle Currents of Energy and Ill-Health That acupuncture delivers cure to some people is a proof of the truth that there are subtle currents of energy that flow through our bodies and that disturbances in these currents can cause disorders. (N. Asokan, MSS)   The Human Subconscient and Illness Humans consist of their physical bodies, their vital/emotional being, and their minds. Each of these can be subdivided. Above mind is spiritual mind to supermind to Being. In the horizontal plane of human consciousness there is the surface in the outer, to the Subliminal, where positive subtle thoughts culled from the universal rise to the surface guiding us in the right direction, to the Evolving soul in the inner where ego is abolished, we experience the greatest delight of being, and where we are more fully connected to universal forces. There is also in the inner an inconscience (unconsciousness) that is in fact the very inflexible, rigid, unchanging basis of matter, as well as a somewhat less dark subconscient aspect within (that bounds us to illness and is the cause of troubled sleep), that is also evolving. We can say that when we bring the superconscient, i.e. the superconsciousness, the Divine Force and Powers within us to evolve the subconscient resistance parts of our inner being, we are overcoming the greatest in-built resistance to our evolutionary potential.   Subconscient is Unevolved Part of Our Being that is Support of our Illness Consider the realm of our psyche he called the "subconscious." On analysis we see that Freud has given us a rather narrow interpretation of this inner realm of the individual. Our own interpretation is that the subconscious (which we actually refer to as the "subconscient") is an unevolved realm of our consciousness that is constantly throwing up influences to our surface being in the form of subtle sensations, emotions, feelings, thoughts, and ideas. Unfortunately, most of the influences that originate from the subconscient are quite negative. That's the case because the subconscient is an unconscious and unevolved part of our inner being; a kind of vestige of our primitive heritage. For example, a good deal of the fear we experience in life wells up from this realm. Or, when we sleep and wake up tired and exhausted in the morning as a result of incessant, draining dreams, we know we have spent time travelling in this unconscious realm. Also, in the course of our days when we feel pessimistic, or things seem hopeless, or we sense that there is no way out of a situation or a difficulty, you know that the subconscient is sending up its negative impression to our surface thoughts and feelings. Perhaps most negatively the subconscient is the part of our being that reinforces our physical illnesses. Have you ever felt a cold coming on, and suddenly you think to yourself "oh no, not a cold?" Well that's the subconscient influence of fear and pessimism at work, reinforcing and solidifying the possibility of the illness. The subconscient has this overall negative nature because it has built in memory of millennia of human suffering, disease, and death. It sends up pessimistic, negative, fear-laden messages intent on overcoming the positives that occur on the surface. Its message is that anything positive on the surface is but a temporary distraction and waste of time because we will all end in disease, death, and destruction.   Needless to say the subconscient part needs to be changed and transformed into something greater if the human individual is to emerge out of his current limited consciousness. It would certainly be a big step in human evolution if we could learn to recognize the influences of the subconscient in our lives, and then take conscious actions to transform this unconscious part of our inner being. That would certainly be an admirable goal for those pioneer individuals who wish to be forerunners of a new evolved human race. Overcoming Habits, Acting from Knowledge, that Avoids Illness The body acts from habits, making for rigidity. He who acts from knowledge, finds his body more supple. To raise the level of the act and to act form the rules of the spirit, the body becomes so flexible that diseases find it hard to lodge in the body. (MSS) Organization is Discipline of Living; & Its Absence Enables Illness Organization is discipline in action, and that to live, discipline is quite indispensable. I said that the body's whole functioning is a discipline, and if there is a part that no longer wants to follow the discipline - out of revolt or incapacity or ... for any reason - if it stops following the discipline, you fall ill. (The Mother)     Illness and Our Progress (top)   Illness and One's Growth and Development Illness is caused by the differential between one's current psychological condition and the condition necessary for the next stage of one's development. It is often there in the negative attitudes, which can be identified and overcome. Add an opening to the Force, and one is likely to obtain vibrant health. Learning from Illness When we are ill, there is an inadequate or unbalanced amount of energy generated in our being. It is indicative that something is amiss. To correct it we need to know the inner source of the imbalance. [We can thus use illness as a means of inner and outer progress.] Illness and Opening to Truth Body falling ill indicates the heart opening to Truth in a vast way. (MSS)   Pain and Ego Pain is the joy of breaking out of ego. (MSS, paraphrase) Illness and Sanction of Soul Serious illness has the sanction of the soul; enabling its further evolution through this or another body. Physical Illness, Personal Evolution, and The Sanction of The Soul -From the deepest consciousness one perceives that a state of [serious] illness was a necessity, often a willed necessity by the soul in order to go faster on the path -- to save time, to gain lives.  -At a deeper level still we can view illness from the point of view of the evolution of the individual, even the very soul and spirit of the person. Our research indicates that sometimes the body is following the lead of our soul. What we mean is that the soul of the individual is always aware of the individual's progress or need for progress in life. If it sees that the individual is unable to make the progress through emotional, psychological and other forms of development by the individual, then the body can fall ill, sanctioned by the soul, to help the individual make psychological, inner progress through the suffering of the illness. In this case the individual would get an illness that has as its purpose the growth and development of that person, and that evolution of the person through illness is sanctioned by the individual soul/spirit. The individual then learns the deeper lesson that the incident of illness is trying to teach him. One then evolves as a result. Untitled All negatives are positives in disguise. Purpose of Illness In Creation, and The Transformation Of Humans Another question that arises is why is there illness, suffering, and death in the first place? The creation came about as the result of the Absolute's need to embody the divine force in physical forms. In order to create the greatest multiplicity of forms the Absolute manifest in forms positively and negatively in the cosmos. As the cosmos, the earth, and humanity developed, this diversity in duality can be seen in our physical bodies, our feelings and emotions, and in our minds. The duality of the physical body shows up as health and sickness, life and death. The forces of duality and its reinforcement through Nature keep these dualities intact.  Gradually, however, through our evolution we will evolve as a species to overcome the negative aspect of creation in our bodies, leading to overcoming of illness, disease, and the eventual possibility of endless life through the power of our will and consciousness.  We will surely see great improvements in medicine that will help us become healthier. However the ultimate determinant of perfect and endless health may be through the bringing into our being the powers and influences of a spiritual Force, which can transform humans from out of their current necessity of illness, suffering and death. (For more on the workings of this force and its role in the transformation of individuals, click here.) Illness and Yoga Yoga begins deeply when the body falls ill. Its first symptom is headache and stomach disorders. (MSS)   Discovering the Inner Cures for Illness There are levels of illness that have roots from the most outer physical to the psychological down to the very level of the soul and why we are here on earth. To know the level at which illness originates is difficult, for then we would have to know every part of our being. That takes a great, no monumental effort, whether it be the individual who is ill or the healer who is trying to heal. To know thyself can take a lifetime, and then there are endless degrees. Therefore, in theory every person can heal themselves, and every healer can know how to heal any individual. But the true cause, the true knowledge, and the right cure of the illness (and of life for that matter) would have to be in place. That will take many centuries to come about, because what we now know of life barely scratches the surface. Even doctors know very little except the obvious; the material symptom; and a mechanistic, material cause, not the root of the matter.   The Human Body Needs to Be transformed for Illness to Be a Thing of the Past ".. all the worlds, even the vital world, everything depends on the attitude, and if you are in contact with the Divine, everything is fine, there's no problem, but this (Mother touches her body), this physical suffering -- cancer and all those things -- it's so concrete: it HAS to change, it has to change. It can't be considered something one must "see in a different way." It actually must change. You understand what I mean?  ... In all other domains, it depends on the attitude; here [the physical] it doesn't depend on the attitude... the FACT has to change, ... Because the world, the material world as it is, it is a FRIGHTFUL thing. ...for the transformation to be genuine, the body ALSO has to attain a harmony above -- above all illnesses and accidents. It is the only part. The other parts of the being can be transformed, can transform their consciousness while remaining what they are -- but the physical body needs to change." (The Mother) The Mind of the Cells Several decades ago, the French author Satprem wrote a book called “The Mind of the Cells.” It was his interpretation of the experiences of Mira Alfassa -- later known to her followers as “The Mother.” In the book, Satprem documents the life long pursuit of The Mother to transform her body in order to permanently overcome pain, disease, and even death itself. Satprem’s book was entitled ‘The Mind of the Cells’ because in the process of experimentation and discovery involving her body, The Mother began to realize that the cells had a consciousness of their own, and if their “perceptions” could be reoriented, they would not decay, and fall into disease, illness, and death. Today if we look around, we see that science may soon be able to overcome several forms of illness, including heart attack and stroke -- leaving only cancer and other major forms of atrophy to be resolved in the future. It is said that individuals could live well into their hundreds as a result. One pioneering technologist even believes that it may be possible to live to 1000 or more through the wonders of modern science. I for one certainly do not doubt that possibility. And yet, The Mother’s approach to the transformation of the body’s capacities was entirely different; and I believe, will prove to be far more effective in the long run. And it is for this reason: the effort she made is in fact the direction that the human body itself is evolving towards. Slowly man’s greater consciousness is beginning to have an impact on the cellular matter that makes up our physicals bodies. The Mother’s effort was an experiment to speed up the process; to overcome tens of generations of evolutionary change in a single lifetime. Though she succeeded only in part, she identified most of the subtle cellular constraints that need to be overcome.   Her approach was to enable unending life by changing the programming of the cells through the influence of the higher consciousness of the spiritual Force. By opening to the wider power and energy of that Force, the inbuilt programming of the cells, which now subscribes to the inevitability of suffering and decay, gives way to a wider “understanding of possibility”, including the belief and faith in its own unending health and immortality. Even now, we are beginning to see the power we have over the body’s illness. We have come to understand that the body often falls ill because a person is unwilling or unable to make a certain psychological change necessary for that individual’s personal growth and progress. As a result, the body falls in. If that person, however, crosses over that threshold and makes the necessary life change -- perhaps a change in an attitude, or taking to a new level of psychological strength, or takes a new unprecedented action -- the body can relent and health is restored. This is but one of several insights into the subtle nature of health that others are discovering around the world. Of course, many are aware of the power of the Spirit to heal. Done in the right way, and with the widest understanding of the Spiritual Reality and its various powers, there can be ultimate effectivity through this approach. It is then only a matter of degree for the tissues and cells themselves to become conscious and readjust their programming to believe in their possibility of unending longevity. As our bodies become conscious to their own possibility of unending health and life, they may evolve themselves and achieve what they have come to perceive.  Yes, we can use medicines and genetic engineering to accomplish similar results, but it would not be the more fundamental evolutionary change that The Mother was after. We have not become more mental and spiritual beings because of technology, but as a result of a development in understanding and consciousness. So while I encourage all scientific developments that try to improve the conditions for the physical body -- even those whose outcome might be unending life through technology -- I believe that it does not address the fundamental issue of our physical existence; how to reverse the functioning of the cells from its current status of disbelief to one of belief in unending health and existence. It is then just a matter of our becoming more conscious at various levels, which extends to the cells of our body, which then shares that wisdom and perception. When we take up that challenge and learn to utilize the Spirit to alter the mindset and belief systems of our own selves, extending to the Mind of the Cells, then we will be creating the conditions for a permanent end to suffering, illness, decay, disease, and even death itself. It seems to be an inevitable part of our evolutionary destiny.   Inner Methods of Controlling Illness (top) Modification of Psychological Status | Not Accepting Illness at the Outset Using the Spirit | Integral Approaches   1. Modification of Psychological Status: Body Cures Itself Man believes that illness can be cured only by medicine while we must believe that the body cures itself. (MSS) Idea of Pure Health that Overcomes Illness Our body due to atavism believes in illness. When the Idea of pure health generates in the Illumined Mind, it can travel down to our body and replace its faith in illness, thus abolishing illness forever. Psychological Control Over Physical Well-Being  A human's health and well-being is far more determined by his psychological makeup, whether conscious or unconscious, than the effect of microbes, viruses, etc. When one gain's mastery over one's inner psychological thoughts and feelings one is able to gain a mastery and control over the well-being of the body. (This is the real frontier of medical thought and practice.) If the right emotional, attitudinal, psychological factors are in place for that individual, he is far less likely to be fall into or remain in a state of poor health.  For example, a person's health can immediately take a turn for the better when a deep seated attitude, habit, prejudice, or opinion is changed. Overcoming the offending weakness, releases the block of energy in the body, which enables the body to heal rapidly. An individual was having intense neck pain for months. He decided to overcome his reluctance to confront his boss with a situation in which he was not being dealt with fairly. Five minutes after the meeting, the pain of six months completely went away. (This is not to say that here are no outside influences on his body. For example a chemical carcinogen can cause cancer in the body. Anyone ingesting foods that contain it in high enough dosages is susceptible to it. In addition, there are other obvious forces of nature at work. Most prominently at this point in human evolution humans are afflicted by deterioration and death in old age. There is also the effect of our genetic makeup passed on by previous generations on our current health. Then there are the forces of physical nature, such as natural catastrophes. We are only suggesting that having the proper consciousness dramatically reduces one's propensity for illness in the course of one's lifetime.) Overcome Inner Limitation to Overcome Health Problem A person's health can immediately take a turn for the better when a deep seated attitude, habit, prejudice, or opinion is changed. Overcoming the offending weakness, releases the block of energy in the body, which enables the body to heal rapidly. Trace Inner Cause of Ailment to Eliminate It What happens to us around us is a reflection of what is inside us. We call this Inner-Outer Correspondence. We can see this phenomenon at work as it relates to our health. We can trace a physical ailment to a wanting capacity or character weakness (attitude, habit, opinion, desire, etc.) inside ourselves.  Try this as an experiment. Take any minor ailments like a cut or headache, or gas formation. Then think about what aspect of your being (limiting attitude, action, response, etc.) can be correlated to the minor ailment.  You will see that this effort that locates their cause can in of itself release energies to heal the cut a day earlier, make the ache in the head vanish in a trice or belch out the gas.  Once you see the results of this correlation, you can follow the same idea with more serious ailments.  Right Attitudes -There is no greater support for physical health than having a positive attitude.  Elimination of fear, doubt, anxiety, depression, and restlessness can really help one's health.  Letting the mind and heart dwell on positive thoughts and feelings is a great support for physical health. (For more on this topic, click here.) -We can say that in life we are all from time to time tested by influence of the physical Nature. In particular the qualities we need to have to deal with these tests are plasticity, cheerfulness, and fearlessness. Overcoming Habits, Acting from Knowledge, that Avoids Illness The body acts from habits, making for rigidity. He who acts from knowledge, finds his body more supple. To raise the level of the act and to act form the rules of the spirit, the body becomes so flexible that diseases find it hard to lodge in the body. (MSS)   Cheerfulness & Happiness Brings  Health A cheerful disposition helps to keep the body healthy and young. Happiness energizes the body and makes it more resistant to disease and disorders. (N. Asokan, MSS)   2. Not Accepting Illness at Outset Don't Accept Illness At The Outset It is human nature to immediately react to the first onset of a pain by saying "Oh I have a cold," or "Oh I have a tooth problem," and so forth. If you can catch yourself immediately jumping to such a conclusion when a pain comes for the first time, you can literally eliminate the pain from turning into any sort of real illness. Reacting to your illness in this way encourages the "consciousness" of your own body to suddenly feel a sense of its own importance, causing it to want to assert itself further by giving off more pain. It is not unlike a child who is given more positive attention when he is acting foolishly.  As soon as a pain begins try to ignore it, or if it is persistent, try to remain absolutely still inside for a few moments (allow no thoughts and feeling s within yourself). The pain should decrease a good amount within a very few moments. For example, when a sore throat first comes on note how it seems to be coming in from the outside.  Then remain very very still, not reacting to or giving in to the onset of the attack.  After a while the throat will clear, preventing any possibility of further illness.  (Yet another technique that can work is to actually yell at the cells of the body that are in an uproar. Just as one would need to be strong with an out of control child, one can yell at the out of control body cells, ordering them to calm down.  E.g. "You must stop that throbbing, and calm down." We have seen this approach work many times!) Also, if you are beginning to feel ill, avoid rushing out and telling anyone; especially your doctor!   Don't Focus On Illness In most cases, the more you focus on your ailment, the worse it will get.  Calm on Onslaught of Pain Whenever you feel a physical pain, do not react to the sensation with any mental or emotional feelings. Keep calm, and then begin to ignore the pain completely. Don't mention it to someone else, especially a doctor.   Proper Attention to Illness Trivial disorders are likely to get aggravated if too much attention is paid to them. On the other hand symptoms of dangerous disorders if ignored can lead to fatal conditions. What should be taken note of and what should be ignored requires a firm sense of discrimination. (N. Asokan, MSS)   The Calm that Can Overcome Continuing Effect of Onslaught of a Pain In our observations of life, we have noticed that if one feels a sudden pain, and then intensely focuses on and reacts to that pain, it will invariably intensity. If, on the other hand, one were to control one’s reaction, --  such as not giving into the fear or worry that normally accompanies such an experience --  then the pain has a tendency to rapidly recede on its own. For example, let’s say you feel the first symptoms of a cold coming on. If, instead of reacting to this onslaught and giving in to your fears, you remain calm and put your mind at rest, in an hour or two there’s a good chance that when you observe yourself again, you will realize that you never had any symptoms after the original onslaught   This is surely very different from our ordinary view of such situations, in which we place our trust and faith in the “reasonable” view of science that tells us that once microbes enter, the illness is inevitable. Instead, our psychological shift or transition away from obsession with pain, and withdrawal of fear, moved us from negativity to the positive. In terms of life response, we see how shifts or transitions in our psychological perceptions, in our consciousness can alter the inevitability of negative. From a deeper consciousness still, we would have never reacted in any way to the onslaught in which case the problem would have disappeared instantly. Perhaps it would have never come into being in the first place. Again, we see that the level of our consciousness determines whether something is negative or not.   Overconcern Increases Problem The more you concern yourself with a pain or illness, the more it will grow. The same principle applies to a negative emotions, attitudes, or false actions.   Worry, Attention to Illness Energizes It Man worries so much about an ordinary problem of his that it is energised by his intense attention and possesses him as an octopus. It is the same with diseases. Method of Telling the Body to "Shut Up" -The Mother calls our body the noblest of instruments. At the same time, it is stupid, She says. Body is docile. It wants to obey. Its faith and humility are touching. That is what Mother says of Her body. Its obedience is unquestioning. Whatever the mind says, the body does. And the mind is often perverse. Obeying mind’s perverse orders, body falls ill, is Mother’s definition. So, when there is any ailment, She advises us to speak to the body, “You idiot, shut up!” several times. When spoken strongly to, the body, overcoming its earlier behaviour of utter obedience, begins to quiet down. The ailment disappears. People laugh at hearing this, but also out of fun practise it a few times. Invariably the ailment vanishes. It is surprising, but they forget it. -’Shut up, you idiot!’ is one of Mother’s humourous ways of drawing our attention to our long accumulated layers of Mind that are steeped in superstition. (MSS)   3. Using the Spirit: The Curative Power of the Spiritual Force When there is illness, remain calm, and gently call in the spiritual Force. It will have a curative effect, especially if one is patient, cheerful, and positive. It will seem like a miracle, but it is the infinite, creative, and dynamic power inherant in that Force. Spiritual Power Over Health A descent of spiritual peace and light can have a remarkably curative effect on the body. When medicines fail to deliver, many religious minded people try to invoke these through prayer. (N. Asokan, MSS) Centered in Spirit One Enjoys the Greatest Health Health is a priceless possession not only in advanced age but at all stages of growth, and to be centred in the Spirit is the surest way of enjoying the greatest health. (MSS) Untitled Faith in the spiritual Force heals all. Faith in the Divine that Cures Man believes that illness can be cured only by medicine while we must believe that the body cures itself. As a compromise, we take medicines. Instead of the 10 doses, the body cures itself in 2 doses. To have full faith in [the divine] Mother is to fully believe that She will cure us and She WILL cure us. As Mother advises we must be fully ready to take all the medicines. What happens is that one is cured by not going to the doctor at all or quickly cured after going to the doctor but that disease never comes again. (MSS) The End of Suffering and the Spiritual Evolution of Man The great spiritual teachers and avatars in history have confronted the issue of suffering in a variety of ways. Krishna who was to his followers God incarnate said that suffering was part of the Divine plan – i.e. it served a useful purpose in creation. Buddha was shocked by suffering and death, and saw life as impermanent as a result. He therefore sought a way out of this state by moving within where he found permanence in the eternal-like bliss of Nirvana. Jesus said the way out of suffering was Love. However, the church turned him into an icon of suffering -- i.e. that he suffered for our sins so that we could live in life after death heaven without suffering. Each of the insights of these great beings are profound; yet each inherently are lacking in something. Krishna has the most profound view, though suffering and pain still remains unsolved. Buddha addressed suffering head-on, but found no solution other than being detached from it in silent bliss within. Jesus’ followers twisted his message; that the end of suffering could only be found in heaven, not on earth. The Indian sage and seer Sri Aurobindo agrees that suffering is part of the Divine plan – i.e. it creates more diversity/multiplicity through which Divine action can unfold. But he also acknowledged that we needed to overcome, abolish suffering, disease, and death in life once and for all. He said that this was accomplished by bringing the Spirit into the becomings of life; by opening ourselves to the spiritual Force which would overcome all human limitation, including suffering and death. As he indicated, this Force is the Creator power that enabled a universe to emerge from a Divine Source and Reality, and it also available to us to overcome the limitations of life, including disease, suffering, and death. When we open to that Power, they begin to quickly give way. Sri Aurobindo thus brings the evolutionary spiritual process of Creation to bear to overcome the limitations of humanity, ushering in a new stage of life on earth. He links consciousness and spirit to the modern evolutionary evolution to overcome suffering in life. He asks us to bring the spiritual Force and Being into the becomings of our life to transform humanity. Curing Illness through Prayer and Faith When devotees of the Force fall ill, they pray for a cure. Whether it is allopathy, ayurveda, or other method is immaterial. As a rule, they place greater faith in the Divine and secondarily in the drug and the physician. A cure invariably comes. Learning to look on the physician as an instrument of Grace has proved effective in most cases, maybe all cases. Our experience is that few have total faith, which can even dispense with the necessity for the treatment in the first place. (Paraphrase of MSS) Curing Neck Pain through the Force There is a also physical pain in the neck due to the bone in the spine wearing out. Doctors advise a brace for the neck and care in the movements. A lady, a native of Pondicherry, developed such a pain. The pain became acute. There was no remedy in medicine. She found the pain unbearable. Though a native of Pondicherry, she knew nothing of The Mother. Recently she heard of Her and began to develop faith in Mother. She found that no prayer to Mother fails. It was surprising to her. Her knowledge of The Mother was that She was a powerful deity. Her experience confirmed it. Her mind had not gone beyond that, nor was there any curiosity to inquire. Once someone gave a flower to her husband. For about ten days her husband brought that flower home. A friend explained to her what Mother has said about flowers. That talk strayed to Prosperity flower. She vaguely recalled that that flower was the one her husband had been bringing earlier, called nagalingam, ‘Prosperity’. Her beauty parlour was a modest one. Suddenly she remembered that during the ten days when ’Prosperity’ was coming to her, her parlour was giving her Rs. 1000 per day. Faith in the Mother sprouted. She wanted to pray to Mother to get rid of her neck pain. The faith overlooked the opinions of some doctors who had given it up. She sat in meditation one day. As she went in deeply, she found a powerful force entering her left hand. It frightened her. She got up and left the place. In spite of the fright, something in her longed for that experience again. It was the Force entering her body. She resumed the meditation. Again the Force entered. It was alternatingly frightening and fascinating. There was no pain in the neck now. It was unbelievable! The pain in the neck left her once and for all. In her life it was a miraculous incident. The Force that enters can frighten people, as it is very strong. But the fascination will be greater and will overcome the fright. The human in us is frightened; the Soul in us is receptive and enjoys the touch of the Force. (MSS) Consecration Ends "Illness" A woman had an x-ray done indicating a possible growth in her chest. She had faith and decided to consecrate the return visit to the doctor. The doctor, completely baffled, told her that his new reading of this very same x-ray (not a new one) revealed a completely normal condition. Clearing the Negative Energy Mother gives a simple solution for cleaning the negative energy. Imagining the Mother’s white or Sri Aurobondo’s blue light above your head and then let the light descend into your body cleaning away all that is not your true self and fill with Mother’s energy. (Ramesh, paraphrased) Call Peace to Overcome Pain Calling peace into yourself is also a way to reduce physical pain. When a pain occurs, quiet your mind, and don't let it give sanction to the pain (i.e. don't give in to such thoughts and feelings as "Oh no not again" or "Now I have to go to the doctor"). Then call in Peace into yourself for a few moments. Relax. Then watch the pain ease or even disappear. This is also a great technique for reducing stress. The New Freedom of the Body to Decide Its Fate  Unlike other parts of the human being we can say that the body has the least freedom to decide its own fate. We can say that we have mental freedom; e.g. wee are feel to feel as we wish; and we have vital freedom; e.g. we can feel as we wish. However the body does not have this determinism to decide its fate. It is not conscious enough to do so. However with the descent of the Force into the body, the cells of the body feel that it is its own master, that it is autonomous. If it becomes ill the will of the cells of the body can decide to get better. This is a more conscious will. This can occur when the spiritual Force descends into the body. So if one opens to this Force on a regular basis then a connection is made between our mental will and this physical will so that the cells of the body can better respond to the will of the mind. Now the body determines if it is going to better or worse, our mental will over it is almost nil. If the body's cells becomes more conscious by opening to the Force, a system is now available to overcome illness.  Body Cures Itself Man believes that illness can be cured only by medicine while we must believe that the body cures itself. (MSS) The Doctor Who Has The Inner Vision Of The Patient's Illness From the deepest consciousness the doctor can perceive that a state of illness was a necessity, often a willed necessity by the soul in order to go faster on the path -- to save time, to gain lives. This is one example of bringing a higher consciousness to the situation. He can also understand the importance of peace, of opening to the spiritual Force, and other aspects of higher consciousness. If that same doctor can also have perfect medical knowledge, knowing all that they know about the human body and the way to cure it, he will bring a magnificent service to the patient. (Paraphrase of The Mother; The Agenda Volume 5, September 26, 1964) Overcoming Phobias through the Spirit Fear is an emotion. No one likes it. When fear acquires a reality, i.e. a personality and rules the person, then we say he suffers from a phobia, though both words mean the same. Being in God is indefinable security. Being away from God, in ego, causes fear. Man does not seek the security in God. He seeks that security in his family, friends, and society. To be accepted by the society, to be adored by the family is security. To be left out by the society, to be despised by our own family causes loneliness. Loneliness in weak people generates fear. The fear of the known is heavy. The fear of the unknown is crushingly heavy, as it can crush one out of his existence. One clearly feels that one can be free of this phobia only when his life quits his body. Medicine has a way of offering some relief for some time. Generally any of these reliefs for a period leads to aggravation of the fear, the symptoms reappearing more strongly. The opposite of phobia is security. An affectionate family offers an admirable psychological sense of security. Popularity which is social acceptance creates a sense of social security. Innate GOODNESS and the belief in it often brings an expansive smile to the lips, as that native goodness is the source of psychological security. Beyond the family, society, and ethics lies spiritual security, the knowledge that one is a Spirit inside. Well, that is something for the sages. We are not rishis or sages. During times of stress of phobia, if one takes to meditation and goes in dwelling on the idea that he is a Spirit, the relief is instantaneous, tangible and will last longer than what one gets otherwise. A Blessing Packet is prasad [i.e. blessed] from the Divine Mother. It carries Her power. Put it on the stomach before going to bed and keep it there during sleep. There will be no fear during the sleep. Should this experience give you the touch of spiritual security, understand the when the idea that Spirit is real, The Mother is real, is accepted by the Mind, the phobia will go away forever. Claustrophobia is one such dreadful fear. The Blessing Packet carries The Mother’s presence. It gives sure temporary relief. If the Mind moves to the IDEA that the Mother is Spirit and desires to seek it, the relief is instantaneous and lasting. One can accept the Spirit which is powerful. But one can feel the several grades of relief and choose what he prefers. Mantras of any description can have a similar effect. As long as MAN seeks the Spirit in one form or another, relief of some level is sure. (MSS, slightly modified) Need of Healthy Body for Spiritual Aspirant Spiritual aspirants also need to keep their bodies fit and strong. Otherwise the pressure of incoming spiritual forces may be too strong for a weak and unexercised body to bear. (N. Asokan, MSS) The Mind of the Cells Several decades ago, the French author Satprem wrote a book called “The Mind of the Cells.” It was his interpretation of the experiences of Mira Alfassa -- later known to her followers as “The Mother.” In the book, Satprem documents the life long pursuit of The Mother to transform her body in order to permanently overcome pain, disease, and even death itself. Satprem’s book was entitled ‘The Mind of the Cells’ because in the process of experimentation and discovery involving her body, The Mother began to realize that the cells had a consciousness of their own, and if their “perceptions” could be reoriented, they would not decay, and fall into disease, illness, and death. Today if we look around, we see that science may soon be able to overcome several forms of illness, including heart attack and stroke -- leaving only cancer and other major forms of atrophy to be resolved in the future. It is said that individuals could live well into their hundreds as a result. One pioneering technologist even believes that it may be possible to live to 1000 or more through the wonders of modern science. I for one certainly do not doubt that possibility. And yet, The Mother’s approach to the transformation of the body’s capacities was entirely different; and I believe, will prove to be far more effective in the long run. And it is for this reason: the effort she made is in fact the direction that the human body itself is evolving towards. Slowly man’s greater consciousness is beginning to have an impact on the cellular matter that makes up our physicals bodies. The Mother’s effort was an experiment to speed up the process; to overcome tens of generations of evolutionary change in a single lifetime. Though she succeeded only in part, she identified most of the subtle cellular constraints that need to be overcome.   Her approach was to enable unending life by changing the programming of the cells through the influence of the higher consciousness of the spiritual Force. By opening to the wider power and energy of that Force, the inbuilt programming of the cells, which now subscribes to the inevitability of suffering and decay, gives way to a wider “understanding of possibility”, including the belief and faith in its own unending health and immortality. Even now, we are beginning to see the power we have over the body’s illness. We have come to understand that the body often falls ill because a person is unwilling or unable to make a certain psychological change necessary for that individual’s personal growth and progress. As a result, the body falls in. If that person, however, crosses over that threshold and makes the necessary life change -- perhaps a change in an attitude, or taking to a new level of psychological strength, or takes a new unprecedented action -- the body can relent and health is restored. This is but one of several insights into the subtle nature of health that others are discovering around the world. Of course, many are aware of the power of the Spirit to heal. Done in the right way, and with the widest understanding of the Spiritual Reality and its various powers, there can be ultimate effectivity through this approach. It is then only a matter of degree for the tissues and cells themselves to become conscious and readjust their programming to believe in their possibility of unending longevity. As our bodies become conscious to their own possibility of unending health and life, they may evolve themselves and achieve what they have come to perceive.  Yes, we can use medicines and genetic engineering to accomplish similar results, but it would not be the more fundamental evolutionary change that The Mother was after. We have not become more mental and spiritual beings because of technology, but as a result of a development in understanding and consciousness. So while I encourage all scientific developments that try to improve the conditions for the physical body -- even those whose outcome might be unending life through technology -- I believe that it does not address the fundamental issue of our physical existence; how to reverse the functioning of the cells from its current status of disbelief to one of belief in unending health and existence. It is then just a matter of our becoming more conscious at various levels, which extends to the cells of our body, which then shares that wisdom and perception. When we take up that challenge and learn to utilize the Spirit to alter the mindset and belief systems of our own selves, extending to the Mind of the Cells, then we will be creating the conditions for a permanent end to suffering, illness, decay, disease, and even death itself. It seems to be an inevitable part of our evolutionary destiny. Also See Thoughts on Spiritual Methods of Achievement in Life   3. Integral Approaches: Overcoming Serious Illness If you do have a very serious illness try to do the following: ·         Remain as calm as possible. This will help you create the underlying conditions for recovery. ·         Try to maintain a positive attitude. This will also help you create the underlying conditions for recovery. This is very important. ·         If possible, try to understand the psychological problem, attitude that is at the heart of the current illness. Now make an effort to change that attitude.  Also, remember in the past when that attitude showed itself, and try to reverse the situation in your mind. Hope for positive changes in relation to this attitude in the future. ·         If you have a psychological or spiritual discipline, such as prayer, use it. Stay positive and have faith in your discipline, and in the future outcome of your prayer. Watch for signs of positive development, even if the were not exactly what you were praying for. One's Internal and External Life He who lives in tune with nature lives a long life and it is a healthy life, too. One’s external life can be in tune with the environment. His inner life too can be of the same vibration of the external surroundings. That inner life is known as character. Personality is a better description. (MSS) Determinants of Good Health One's level of stress, attitudes, level of consciousness in general, level of consciousness as it relates specifically to the body are of equal, if not greater importance, in maintenance of general physical health.   Outer Approaches to Health (top)   Some Tips on Healthfulness --Build Up Your Energy for Healthfulness -- The more energy you have the more likely you are going to be in better health. Anything that builds up your energy is healthful,; anything that reduces your energy is unhealthful. Specifically energy can be released in yourself -- by learning a new skills or niche, by keeping a general positive attitude, by changing a bad habit or poor attitude (this is an important one!*), by shifting our focus to others, by speaking less and more softly, by "calling" energy, by prioritizing our life activities, by eating right, by exercising, and by eliminating energy wasting activities, amongst others. *A person's health can immediately take a turn for the better when a deep seated attitude, habit, prejudice, or opinion is changed. Overcoming the offending weakness, releases the block of energy in the body, which enables the body to heal rapidly. Thoughts on Higher Levels of Energy --Take Care of Yourself for Healthfulness -- Get the proper amount of rest; eat a healthy diet; and get some exercise. Avoid unnecessary stressful situations and environments. This is, of course, common sense! --Reduce Stress for Healthfulness -- Most people believe that we become ill because we catch a virus. In fact, recent studies have shown that 60-90% of all illnesses are the result of stress. Moreover, there are even indications that non-bacterial, non-congenital forms of cancer and other diseases are also caused by lack of mental tranquility. A simple suggestion to reduce stress is it to try to keep calm when stress is all around you. The more stressful your surroundings, the more one should go deeper within to find a place to remain calm. Second, take any actions in your life to reduce stress. Consider exercise, meditation, prayer, or other disciplines to reduce stress. Finally, consider reorganizing your priorities in life to reduce stress. --Quality of Sleep for Healthfulness -- Getting the proper hours of rest, i.e. sleep, is important. Just as important is the quality of the sleep; i.e. its true restfulness. One can go into dreamless sleep of pure consciousness if one silences the mind, and calls in peace before sleeping. We can also learn from our sleep. Most dreams are mish mashes that don't mean much of anything, though there are instances where we can learn from the dreams. The overwhelming majority of nightmares are not premonitions of some sort. Very infrequently they are however. It depends on the inner capacities of the individual. --Thoughts on Healthy Diet   Supermeal for Diabetes Supermeal that not only helps with diabetes, but completely cures it:  Super Meal menu/foods: The five live foods that heal diabetes: 1. Super Carb: vegetables, plant foods - example: spinach, broccoli, asparagus, apples, celery, mushroom, seaweed, bitter melon, kothamalli etc., 2. Super Protein: lean protein - example: tuna fish, salmon fish, beans, lentils, lean meat like - chicken meat, eggs. 3. Super Fats: omega fatty acid rich food - example: olive oil, walnut/hazelnut/almonds etc., nuts, ricebran oil, pumpkin seeds, 4. Super Liquids: filtered water, water from raw juices, green tea, herbal tea. AVOID TAP WATER. 5. Organic whole grains: sprouts, barley, oats, brown rice. The five dead food to AVOID: 1. Refined flour 2. Refined sugar 3. Hydrogenated oils or trans fat: examples - margarine, fried foods, chips etc 4. Saturated fat: animal meat - like beef, pork, mutton, cow milk, cow cheese. 5. Alcohol or drugs or tobacco _____________ Your super meal plate, would have a combination of Live food that cure. The amount of food is around: Super carbs: 30 to 45% of your food. Super Fats: 25 to 35% Super liquid: 16 to 24 ounces - AVOID SODA Super Protein: 20 to 30% Plus whole grain.   Internet Gives Vast Access to Knowledge More than the Doctor -Internet now makes available to a patient a vast knowledge, which only experienced doctors possess. Internet gives the patient the knowledge of a disease which often patients do not share with their doctors. In certain minor diseases which the doctor rarely comes across, the patient can have a far greater information than his doctor from the Internet. -Imagine the clients having as much knowledge as the professional has. A doctor may feel his patients are doctors. (MSS) Benefit of Organic Farming Organic farming has proved that those fed on its produce are immune to epidemic or endemic diseases. (MSS)   On Medicine, Vaccination, Doctor's Approach, Etc. (top)   Body Cures Itself Man believes that illness can be cured only by medicine while we must believe that the body cures itself. As a compromise, we take medicines. (MSS)   Self-Confidence Makes Medicine Medicine The effectivity of medical treatment depends as much on the effectivity of the medicines as on the self-confidence of the patient. (N. Asokan, MSS)   Trust Makes Medicine Medicine That placebo medicines are able to restore health as much as real medicines shows the power of trust. The patient believes that the medicines will deliver the cure and the belief activates the curative powers of the body even in the absence of support from drugs. (N. Asokan, MSS) On Medicines Medicines are probably necessary for the most acute conditions. However, for lesser conditions medicines may be less necessary. In fact, our observation is that if an individual with a minor to midrange illness takes only a small dosage of the prescribed medicine, it may be enough to help in the healing process.  Through thousands of years the human body has believed in and received relief through the healing power of medicine. This belief has passed down through the years into the very fibers of our "body consciousness." That is, the body itself (as opposed to our mental knowledge) "believes" in medicines. So when the body is given medicine the body knows it should try to get well. If that's the case, then even a small dosage of the prescribed medicine will trigger the body's belief in the healing power of medicine. The body then begins to get well. It's not so much the medicines that cures us to get well, but the recognition of the body of the medicine that turns the tide.  This leads to an even more astounding realization that it is the body's "will" to get will that ultimately determines if a person gets over an illness. The body has a will in its cells (the body mind?) that is different even than the will of our conscious mind and its thoughts and our feelings and emotions. There is also the possibility of the mind gaining control of the body will to reduce illness. Beyond that there is the utilization of the force of the higher consciousness to gain control over illness. Though Vaccination Has Been Helpful, It is a Hindrance for Those Taking to Spirit Vaccination saved the world from smallpox. The man who discovered a vaccine for polio was awarded the Nobel Prize. Plague killed a third of the population in England. Plague too met its death at the hands of modern medicine. Today most of the fell diseases of the world are extinct or nearly so. Even in poverty stricken India, similar measures have raised longevity from below 40 to above 60 years. This is a cardinal service. When people speak against memorization as a method of teaching, we are told all the stalwarts in the arena of world politics, especially Indian politics are the products of a system of which memorization is an essential part. It is true that memory is a great desirable power with astonishing results that astound us. But as a tool of teaching, it is more a bar than a help. Vaccination introduces the disease into the system and thus creates immunity. Therefore, Mother does not approve of it. Those who live by Spirit rise above the need for a defence system in the blood. Their consciousness rises to a level where no disease can attack them. They are naturally immune to any disease. No immunity is called for, for them. Immunity is needed by those who are vulnerable to attack of diseases. To introduce a disease into such a healthy physical system is undesirable. That will weaken their natural resistance. Immunization is not for people who frequently invoke the Spirit. (MSS) The Doctor Who Has The Inner Vision Of The Patient's Illness From the deepest consciousness the doctor can perceive that a state of illness was a necessity, often a willed necessity by the soul in order to go faster on the path -- to save time, to gain lives. This is one example of bringing a higher consciousness to the situation. He can also understand the importance of peace, of opening to the spiritual Force, and other aspects of higher consciousness. If that same doctor can also have perfect medical knowledge, knowing all that they know about the human body and the way to cure it, he will bring a magnificent service to the patient. (Paraphrase of The Mother; The Agenda Volume 5, September 26, 1964) Faith in Doctor We trust the doctor, because we have faith in doctors. We trust the medicine the doctor gives, because the doctor says it will work. Doctor's Limited Perception of Illness An example of ignorance expressing in life is a doctor only perceives a very limited solution because he is only addressing the surface problems of the patient. Calm on Onslaught of Pain Whenever you feel a physical pain, do not react to the sensation with any mental or emotional feelings. Keep calm, and then begin to ignore the pain completely. Don't mention it to someone else, especially a doctor. How the Doctor, Scientist Should View the Science Behind the Field of Medicine     Other (top)   The Nature of the Body The Changing Nature of the Body Because every moment you're actually changing your body, reshuffling, exchanging its atoms and molecules with the rest of the universe, and you're doing it faster than you can change your clothes. In fact the bodies, which you're using right now to sit on the chairs, are not the bodies that you came in with a little while ago." Walt Whitman wrote: "Every atom that belongs to you as well belongs to me." And this is not a poetic metaphor, it's a fact. So if you think you are your material body, you certainly have a bit of a problem: Which one are you speaking of? (Deepak Chopra)   Cleanliness, Sanitation Cleanliness, Sanitation, and Human Health Cleanliness and health are positively related. Rising improvements in public sanitation have led to sharp reductions in mass epidemics that use to decimate populations in the past when public hygiene was low. (N. Asokan, MSS) Obesity Modern Sedentary Life Creates Illness The physical exertions of primitive man kept his health robust and hardy. The comforts and sedentary life of civilized times have lessened the need for physical exertion. Unfortunately this has weakened his constitution and led to rising incidences of diabetes, heart diseases and caesarean deliveries. (N. Asokan, MSS) On Obesity In the West, prosperity makes them eat, rather overeat. About a third of the population is believed to be obese. For the first generation that came out of poverty, eating is irresistible. (MSS) Obesity and First Generation Out of Poverty Poverty consciousness becoming Prosperity consciousness has one generation of obese individuals in between... Generations that have missed food, compensate the loss when food is available. (MSS) Obesity and First Generation Out of Poverty The first generation that comes out of poverty tends to be overweight, as they finally have food in abundance. Then future generations become more educated and are better able control themselves and so weight comes down. In US Hispanics and Blacks who moved out of poverty became fattest. Educated next generations are having less of an eating problem. Similar for Indians in India. This is for overweightness in general. Fast food diet and other factors contribute to the quality of the food and therefore diabetes. Understanding the social causes of obesity and diabetes, including poverty, is a key to dealing with the problem. It indicates the psychological motivations and lack of control that drive gluttony.   Alcohol and Drug Abuse The Legacy of Bill Wilson Bill Wilson was a stockbroker in New York in the 1920s and 30s. He was a hard driving man; a compulsive stock speculator who turned to drink to keep his nerves intact. His intoxication became so extreme that he embarrassed his family, was often completely out of control, and frequently was found drunk on the floor of his home or on the streets of the city. His wife was often ready to leave him, and yet she stayed after endless incidents because she loved him. After awhile it became unbearable for her too as his bingers embarrassed friends and family. A few times he was taken away to the hospital and he was held down like a mentally deranged patient. She had even considered putting him in an asylum. He had now come to the end of the line. One night he fell asleep in a drunken stupor. He felt he was going mad and that his life was over. Suddenly he woke and a bright light appeared all around him, as a sense of peace overwhelmed him. That peace stayed with him, and in one day he gave up alcohol completely. He had such a profound experience that he tried to convert other alcoholics on the street with his new found faith, but failed utterly. His failure almost set him back to drinking since the cause of drinking in the first place was in part a fear of failure, amongst other things. Now he was failing again. One day his boss asked him to go to Akron, Ohio to settle some financial affair. He was reluctant to go on one day notice, but went anyway. At night after the meeting he was edgy because of the intensity of the meeting. He had not taken a drink in six months. But now he saw a lounge in the hotel lobby where he could find women and drink, but somehow managed to control himself, and avoided going there. Finally, he could bear it no longer and went into the lounge. But when the bartender asked him what he wanted, instead of asking for a drink, he asked for 20 nickels. He then used those coins to call people who were members of a local church to see if they would simply talk to him. No one wanted to talk to him. Finally he found someone who would listen, and he hurried over to meet this man. It was a doctor (Dr. Bob Smith) who himself was a newly reformed, but only tentatively cured alcoholic. (The life response to his control and his decision to make the call to find someone to talk to appeared to me as the pivotal event that enabled his great accomplishment, and established his legacy.) That night they discussed their experiences. It was a catharsis for both of them in that now they could talk out their problems on common ground. The conversations went on for days. As a result of this they met others who were afflicted, and talked with them casually as well. They too very much enjoyed the experience. He and his new doctor friend stayed in Akron and talked with many others. Finally a group was established there with regular meetings where drunkards could talk over their problems. The group then spread to other likeminded groups here and there around the country. This movement took on a life of its own, and spread like wildfire. This association spread throughout the world, until today where there are now 40,000 locations in over 100 countries. It is the AA, the Alcoholics Anonymous organization. What struck me the most about this dramatization of Bill Wilson's life in a film was the fact that these two men simply needed to talk about their situations. They did not want treatment or religion, but conversation with a similarly afflicted individual to discuss their common hurt. The conversations gave them a feeling of support which engendered trust and gave strength, enabling members to better deal with their problem. That very need for casual conversation among like minded individuals in an anonymous setting was the very basis, the ultimate value that enabled AA to spread and succeed. It was that simple a method. What these two had experienced together multiplied thousands of times over, becoming a phenomenon around the world. Life had responded to their intensity which spread and met a need of society. They were both the pioneers and guinea pigs who had to go through a terrifying ordeal in their lives to find the right method; which was simply talking over their addiction among fellow addicts. In a way it seems no more a solution than a man discussing his problems with a friend or a psychologist. The difference was that the ability to simply talk to another with the same problem was the right method that became the salve that could enable a happier life; one unfettered by the torment of addiction.    Miscellaneous Methods of Increasing Our Levels of Energy in Life Facial and Skin Indicators of Health Bright faces and shining skin are excellent indicators of health. When these two are there claims and pronouncements about ill-health are likely to be false. (N. Asokan, MSS)   Utility of Pain as Warning Mechanism Pain is an unpleasant sensation that we would like to get rid of permanently. But it is nature’s warning mechanism of injury and as such it plays a very positive role. (N. Asokan, MSS) Illness and Ill-Will One fascinating conclusion of our research is that often when an individual has a sharp pain or feel unwell it can actually be caused by another person's ill-will toward us. This is of course a difficult phenomenon to document, but that has been the experience of many individuals who participated in our research. For example one person gets a sharp pain somewhere and then another person (who in this instance has a hostile will to our beliefs or calls to us at a time of distress) suddenly calls on the phone or appears at our doorstep. (This is not to suggest that others are the only cause of our illness or pain. Needless to say this topic will require greater research to understand the outer causes of illness, the inner psychological causes of our illness, and the occult trans-human causes of illness.) In the book Lady Anna by Trollope, Lady Anna suddenly gets sick after days of admonition from her mother against her marrying someone of a lower station. The mother even half-seriously says: "I will kill you if you marry this person." Even this angry thought, not truly intended literally, creates the illness in the other person.  Health and Well-Being §         A weakened or otherwise unbalanced psychological state attracts illness.  §         Illness enters externally through the subtle physical body sheath, and then if penetrated and accepted by the person spreads. The fear of an illness increases its intensity. §         The mind can try to control the propensity to illness through psychological improvement. Ultimately however only the Supramental consciousness can control illness, which has even deeper roots in the subconscient of the individual.  §         The inconscience of the body makes transformation of the physical the most difficult of the three planes. It is obstructive, is tamasic, tending toward inertia, has a fixed nature, wants to repeat its same actions continuously, doesn't want to change. It is only the control of mind or greater still through the power of sprit and the Force that it can change. (MSS)   Health is Secured at All of the Physical, Vital, Mental, & Spiritual Levels of Our Being -Health is very important for all, but no one thinks of it until he falls ill. When we are ill, we only think of getting rid of our illness, and do not so much consider restoring our health. -One who is chronically ill or in old age dwells on health as it is a precious possession to him. Even when such people, by a fortunate turn of events, enter a state of health, they forget it.