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The hormone secreting glands the endocrine glands - are described as stars of the interior universe of human body in a book entitled Astrological Correlation with the Ductless Glands. The book further states "As the mutual dependence and cooperation of different planets in the solar system maintains the balanced existence of the entire system, so do the collective efforts of the ductless glands in regulating harmonious functioning of the mind and body." Under this analogy, the book compares the agya chakra (in the pineal gland) with the Sun, pituitary gland with the Moon, adrenal with Jupiter and thyroid with Mercury. Simile of mars is given to the parathyroid and of Venus to thymus.

The movements of the planets and the radiation emitted from their surface affect the matter on the earth at molecular and atomic levels and also influence the conscious elements the psychological factors. The activities of the interior stars the endocrine glands in the solar system inside our body, affect even more concretely, the functioning and conditioning of the latter at physical, mental and emotional levels simultaneously.

The author of Occult Anatomy describes these glands as etheric centers and correlates their stimulation with the interplanetary conscious activities  expressions of cosmic consciousness. The material elements and the biomolecules in the living beings on the earth all receive the effects of cosmic activities through their own interatomic movements. The hormonal glands are also considered to be associated with the latent centers (chakras) of supernormal energy. Their stimulation is associated not only with the activities at the physical level in the body but also at the mental and emotional levels. Thus, in the view of the author of the above book, these glands must be having some linkage with the subtler centers of a superior consciousness, which bestows a variety of boons on human beings through the hormonal activities of these glands.

As per the research-results of Dr. Charles R. Stoquard, the expression of love, affection, compassion and other soft sentiments is manifested through some endocrine hormonal secretions. If the latter are obstructed, one would develop an insipid, apathetic and eventually a cruel personality.

In his book entitled Anatomy of Emotions Dr. Hyzel throws light on the hormonal secretion mechanism and its effects on protoplasm. In his view, the existence of consciousness (chetan) in a human being is not there simply to maintain the vital energy; rather, it seems to serve the great purpose of sublime expression of the eternal Self (the Soul). It has absolute power of automating the enormous activities of the body and elevating the emotions and thoughts to the higher realms of consciousness.
The mutual dependence of hormonal secretion on emotional status and vice-versa is amazing. This implies that the origin and manifestation of the elements of life expressed in the hormonal functions have as much spiritual basis as the more obvious physical one. The source of their existence therefore appears to be in chetan (consciousness) instead of jada (matter).

The Ductless Glands:

The magic of the ductless glands has attracted researchers from all disciplines of biomedical and allied sciences. Major findings of the recent past are now well reported and some of these have also appeared in the textbooks. There are seven principal glands in the endocrine system; namely, Pineal, Pituitary, Thyroid, Parathyroid, Thymus, Spleen and Adrenal. Pancreas and Gonads are also included in this group of important hormone secreting glands.

 The pineal gland tiny like the tip of a pin - is located in the brain. This is associated with mental and spiritual development. This gland is considered to be the junction between the external (gross) and the internal subtle domains of life. This center is also identified as the third eye or the sixth sense. Expert yogis connect their consciousness with the activities of the visible as well as the subtle world through the medium of this important center. This center is also regarded as the origin of rousing afflatus and as the source of receiving divine light and knowledge. Contact with extraterrestrial beings, ghosts and divine spirits is believed to take place through this subtle communication center.

The pituitary gland also lies in the head right behind the root of the nose. Brilliance or sharpness of intellect, enthusiasm, sentiments of love and affection, power of self-restraint are generated and controlled by this gland. It also regulates the growth of the body; dwarfism, or exceptional height are results of its malfunctioning. The differentiation between genders (manhood and womanhood) also originates at this center. This tiny gland governs the transitions associated with puberty, youth and reproductive potentials, too.

The thyroid gland is present inside the throat. It plays a major role in maintaining mental stability and development of ones nature. Emotional level and development of character also largely depend on the functioning of this gland.
The state of this center is responsible for inducing alacrity and enthusiasm. Slight over-stimulation of this gland makes one impatient, anxious, agitated or excited prattler etc; one almost loses his senses in this condition. Harmonious activity of the thyroid gland contributes to development of talents and overall elevation of personality.

The parathyroid a gland of the size of a grain of wheat is closely associated with the neuronal system. In terms of mental and emotional effects, this gland contains the reservoir of courage to fight against injustice and immorality. It also arranges for the repair of damaged or sick cells, organization of ligaments and nerve fibers. It is a rich source of immunity and vitality.

The thymus gland lies in the upper central part of the chest. This gland contains the power required for the growth and development of the embryo. If this gland is underdeveloped or functionally disordered then the foetus will not receive proper nourishment even from a healthy mother. This is the principal gland that governs the normal development of an infant through the successive stages from childhood up to teenage and youth. In short, this is a regulator of the growth and healthy development of the body.

The spleen is the largest gland in the endocrine system. Metabolic activities, efficiency of the digestive system and the purity of blood mainly depend on this gland located to the left of stomach below the diaphragm. It also plays a major role in the activities of the nervous system. This gland has special connection with the solar plexus and the subtle body and is therefore considered to be responsible for transmitting the effects of cosmic activity to the body and mind.

The adrenal gland, located right above the kidneys, is also called supra- renal gland. Its shape and size resemble that of a large seed of a kidney bean. Many of the natural tendencies and biological characteristics of male and female genders are developed through the specific secretive activities of this source. This center is also called the second brain. It triggers inspirations for taking courageous steps and appropriate actions in situations of severe difficulties and crises; valor, or cowardice are the results of different types of functions of this gland.
The occurrences of change of sex are often triggered by some disorderly variations in the hormonal secretions from this gland.

Gonads the reproductive glands - regulate the activities of the genital organs and reproductive potentials. The sexual strength and related youthfulness and reproductive capacity of an individual depend upon the secretions from these glands. It is a common observation that in old age, all the sense organs are gradually weakened and the body loses physical strength. However, sometimes people nearing hundred or more years in age are found producing children like the young ones. Such unnatural and surprising events result because of the extraordinary functioning of the gonads in those old persons.
The progress of research on the endocrine glands is still in its infancy. The knowledge obtained by modern scientists on hormonal secretions is far from complete. Still, whatever has been observed and analyzed so far is quite encouraging. Physiologists are surprised to find that the negligible quantities of hormones secreted by these glands are indeed the principal regulators of vital functions of the body and the mind.

 The physical health of brain, heart, spinal cord, kidneys, liver, stomach, intestines and other organs is commonly regarded as the basis of total health; causes of diseases (if any) are attributed to the possibly sick states of these organs. Hematological tests are performed to identify the presence of germs and viral infections. Pathological tests of stools, urine, saliva, etc are also used as indicators of the internal state of the body and treatments are offered to rectify or remove the disorders or infections found through such investigations. However, ever since the remarkable role of hormonal secretions has come into light, it has become clear that the states and functions of different organs and the cellular and molecular systems are only the leafs and branches of the tree of human body. Its roots lie deep in the core of the endocrine system.

The stoutness, alacrity, beauty, extraordinary potentials of different sense organs, immunity and vitality etc, are no longer attributed to the physical strength and functions of the body. Instead, the specific hormonal secretions are given most of the credit for such manifestations. The same is true in case of mental faculties also. If the dormant state of intellect, hasty or illusive mentality, etc do not change in spite of best psychological and medical treatments and sincere efforts of the persons concerned, the imbalance of associated hormonal secretions is identified as the major cause of such deficiencies. On the other extreme, sharp memory, bright intellect, sound reasoning, foresightedness etc are also considered as the gifts of perfect order and efficiency of specific hormonal activities.

 Moving a step further from the level of body and mind, we find the deeper and altogether different aspects of personality reflected in the nature and character of a human being. These belong to the domain of convictions and emotions and thus bear upon spirituality, too. The latent power of hormonal secretions seems to be associated even with the status of the inner self, expressed in internal tendencies and deep emotions. A natural question arises here "Could morality and high ideals of life also be governed by hormonal reactions?" Then what is the use of swadhyaya and satsang etc. in the development of personality? If the endocrine glands, in some way, are the principal regulators of the integrity of character and emotional purity then we ought to review the present understanding of the methods of refinement and sublimation of internal character and research deeper on the subtle activities of consciousness.

 In this context, it would be appropriate to consider the ancient Indian science of the Shat chakras (the six extrasensory energy nuclei, ESN, along the endocrine column). These six subtle centers of etheric energy, located in different plexuses along the spinal column, are junctions which link the human consciousness with the latent currents of conscious power existing in the cosmos and thereby affect the activities of their functional counterparts - the endocrine glands.

The Sadhanas of Kundalini Jagrana involve penetration and stimulation of the Shat chakras at an orderly pace. The effects of associated processing within the body may be understood in gross scientific terminology if we consider the eternal connection of the Shat chakras with the endocrine glands. This approach would explain how the spiritual sadhanas are useful in regulating all aspects of personality development and opening the paths of all round progress and elevation in a natural way. Most of us may want to understand how the awakening of the shat chakras and corresponding control and refinement of the functions of the endocrine glands could be accomplished by spiritual sadhanas? For finding an answer, we will have to undertake research into the scriptures on yoga and study the subliminal effects of practicing the Shat chakra sadhana.


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"Science means unresting endeavor and continually progressing development towards an objective, which the poet's intuition may comprehend, but the scientist's intellect can never fully grasp…."

Max Planck

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