ABSTRACT
In the Yogic model both body and mind are seen as manifestations of Spirit, with the mind playing a vital role at the interface between Spirit and matter. The five elements of ether, air, fire, water and earth are relating to Chakras, which are energy centres that connect the three levels of human being – body, mind and Spirit. The physical body is regarded as the grossest manifestation of Spirit, whereas the causal body is ‘the magnetic sphere of the soul’ with the astral body between the two. The soul is considered to reside in the heart of every creature. The Heart Chakra is the bridge between human higher and lower nature and an important point for the transformation of lower into higher energies. In Yoga and Ayurveda, the breath is often used to control the movement of Prana in the body. This is called Pranayama and is a system of complex healing techniques and a preparation for deep meditation.
