As the m i n d is emptied of its ingrained

problems, one automatically becomes m o r e

relaxed in all life situations. Conversely, the
cultivation a n d inducement of relaxation by
various techniques helps to both clean out the
accumulated dross and prevent f u r t h e r problems arising a n d causing new disturbances.
Relaxation techniques are therefore highly
r e c o m m e n d e d for rooting out mental problems. This is not only practised by yoga but
also by other systems concerned with the mind.
Psychiatry, for example, clearly recognizes the
importance of relaxation; this is why good
therapists either systematically relax the patient
with a special technique, or induce relaxation
t h r o u g h the a t m o s p h e r e of their r o o m and by
being relaxed themselves. Relaxation is absolutely necessary if you wish to empty your
mind.
T h e subject of relaxation has been fully
discussed already and you are strongly advised
to refer back to the relevant lessons 3 . Both
topics should be carefully read for they relate
very closely to the removal of mental problems.
We described those techniques for inducing
short-term relaxation, such as shavasana, which
can be p e r f o r m e d within a few minutes 3 . O n e
will almost immediately feel the beneficial
effects. T h e s e methods are really no m o r e
t h a n f o r m s of meditational practices, a n d
therefore can be used for diving into the mind
and disposing of its problems'.
We also suggested that you a d o p t a tenpoint code to help bring about a m o r e
permanent state of relaxation in life 4 . Although
this code is in some ways superficial a n d
artificial, it is designed to reduce the continual
conflict a n d friction that most people experience with their surroundings a n d others. With
practice a n d time the significance of the code
will penetrate the subconscious mind a n d help
to r e o r i e n t a t e your attitudes to life. Most
people are always tense a n d because of this
they cannot h o p e to resolve their problems.
This code will induce more relaxation and allow
you to treat life as a psychiatrist's couch, where
you progressively exhaust your inner conflicts.
We would also like to r e m i n d you that relaxation is essential in o r d e r to explore the mind
and confront your problems. Without relaxation this is impossible, and because most people
are continually tense they can never, u n d e r
normal circumstances, come face to face with
258

their d e e p e r conflicts. A reasonable d e g r e e of

relaxation, even for half an hour, is a necessary
p r e l u d e to recognizing your problems. So
relaxation, brought about by any m e t h o d is of
p r i m e importance.
Finally, we should like to emphasize that
d e e p states of relaxation for long periods of
time, whether during eating, sleeping, working
or whatever, can only come when the m i n d is
reasonably clear of problems. T h e m o r e one
empties tbe mind the m o r e one is able to relax
u n d e r all conditions a n d tribulations. Moreover, t h e m o r e l a s t i n g a n d d e e p e r t h e
relaxation, the easier it is to clean the m i n d .
They go together like the sun a n d the moon.
Relaxation leads to a less troubled mind, and a
less troubled m i n d leads to greater relaxation.
It is a circular relationship. But this relationship
must be initiated some time, if you want to
experience positive a n d wonderful changes in
your life.
Summary
We have not outlined definite techniques in
this topic, for we feel that consideration of the
headings described, namely 'Self-acceptance'
a n d 'Relaxation' requires time. Moreover,
putting them into practice in daily life on a
conscious level and with sincerity also takes
time. Although we have already discussed
relaxation it is m o r e than likely that you have
not h a d the opportunity to put the techniques
we gave into practice 3 . This applies particularly
to the ten-point code. For this reason, we
suggest that you spend some time in thinking
or rethinking about the code and apply it in
your life 4 .
In the following two lessons, we will discuss
m o r e tangible m e t h o d s of identifying a n d
exhausting mental problems, both conscious
a n d subconscious'.

Notes
1

Removal of Mental Problems: Part 2 - Book I,

Lesson 10, Topic 2; Part 3 - Book I, Lesson 11,
Topic 1
For further details on the subject of dharma
refer to Book II, Lesson 13, Topic 1
Book I, Lesson 1, Topic 5 and Book I, Lesson 2,
Topic 8
Book I, Lesson 2, Topic 7