Geometry of Circannual Rhythms
Geometry of Circannual Rhythms
K. Chandra Hari
Abstract
Present paper is an attempt to invite the attention of the
modern biological world onto the possibility of a specific geometry
prevailing for the biorhythms arising out of luni-solar phenomena.
Work has its genesis in the ancient Indian Tntric wisdom that
postulated a sidereal luni-solar calendar and Zodiac along with
eclipse related observances in their effort to realize mysterious
psycho-physical potentialities. The most outstanding aspect of this
prehistoric conception is that it names the Zodiac or fixed stellar
frame of reference in terms of the Nodes of lunar orbit and the
reference star chosen Mla or (-Scorpii is located close to the
galactic center. This astronomical conception had as its basis the
symbolic equivalence with the Tntric body described in terms of the
six wheels of the cerebro-spinal axis, which may be identified with
the autonomic nervous system and the associated endocrine glands,
which display different endogenous rhythms. Paper attempts to raise
a specific question: Can there be a specific geometry (apart from
the light-dark cycle and seasons) such as that of the Tntric Zodiac
for any of the biorhythms apparent in the human body? The tntric
observances related to eclipses also requires investigation as to
their role in the biorhythms associated with human body.
(. Introduction
The biological rhythms arising out of geophysical factors
are:
12.4 hoursTidalCirca Tidal
24 hoursDailyCircadian
14.8 days-Circa Semi lunar
29 daysMonthlyCirca Lunar
365 daysYearlyCircannual
As is well known these rhythms have their genesis in the Earths
spin, revolution round the sun and the superimposed revolution of
the Moon round the Earth. Circadian, Circa Lunar and Annual rhythms
have different stages distinguishable in terms of light, lunar
phases and seasons. These three cycles are incoherent to each other
and are apparently distinct environmental rhythms that exercise
their impact over the biosphere. In both vertebrates and mammals
these rhythms have been under study for quite some time now in
respect of their durations guiding the formation of endogenous
biological clocks and clock genes. An altogether different side of
the problem is whether these rhythms in their influence on human
beings have a specific spatial geometry against the
stellar/galactic background? As for example, considering the
circannual rhythms, which we describe as the year, can there be a
specific beginning and end points for the cycle in its relation to
the human body?
In the language of mathematics/geometry, is it possible to
identify a zero point for the solar annual rhythm in terms of its
impact over the human body?
An overview of the chronobiological literature suggests that the
topic is new to the field and studies have not taken place in terms
of a sidereal frame of reference for the apparent revolution of Sun
around the earth against the background of stars. But clues
regarding the possibility of a specific sidereal geometry for the
circannual rhythms is apparent in the ancient science of Tantra
that stipulated a sidereal or fixed Zodiac based calendar for
Tantric observances to kindle the mystic power of Kundalini in
human beings. Present paper is an attempt to invite the attention
of modern biologists to the tantric way of life that relied upon
many cosmic rhythms such as that of the eclipses in manipulating
the tantric body described in terms of the six occult wheels
(autonomic nervous system?) for gaining supernatural control over
body functions. Those who may think of the tantric pursuit as
irrelevant to modern biology may kindly have a look at the
following words of A.L. Basham:
The chief vein of the body, known as susumna runs through the
spinal column. Along it at different points are six wheels or
concentrations of psychic energy. At the top of the vein susumna
within the skull, is sahasrra, a specially powerful psychic center
symbolically referred to as a lotus. In the lowest wheel, behind
the genitals, is the Kundalin, the Serpent power, generally in a
quiescent state. By yogic practices the Kundalin is awakened, rises
through the vein susumna, passes through all the six wheels of
psychic force, and unites with the topmost sahasrra. By awakening
and raising his kundalin the yogi gains spiritual power, and by
uniting it with Sahasrra he wins salvation. The awakened Kundalin
gives to the yogi superhuman power and knowledge, and many yogis
have practiced yoga rather for this than for salvation. Some adepts
of this form of yoga have developed powers which cannot fully be
accounted for by European medical science and which cannot be
explained away as subjective but the physiological basis of laya -
and hatha -yoga is certainly false; there is no kundalin, susumna
or sahasrra. The ancient mystical physiology of India needs further
study, not only by professional Indologists, but by open-minded
biologists and psychologists, who may reveal the true secret of the
yogi. For whatever we may think about his spiritual claims there is
no doubt that the advanced yogi can hold his breath for very long
periods without suffering injury, can control the rhythm of his own
heart-beats, can withstand extremes of heat and cold, can remain
healthy on a starvation diet, and, despite his austere and frugal
life and his remarkable physical contortions, which would ruin the
system of any ordinary man, can often survive to a very advanced
age with full use of his faculties. (emphasis by present
author)
((. Ancient Indian Tntric Calendar
The tntric calendar is based on a mathematical projection of the
Yogic biorhythms on to the apparent solar and lunar orbits and the
fixed stellar frame of reference so obtained is named after the
Nodes of Solar and Lunar orbit which implies the tapping of a
celestial rhythm inherent in the eclipses. In other words the
impact of celestial rhythms over a yogic body suggested a specific
geometry to the circannual rhythms i.e., it suggested a specific
sidereal luni-solar calendar having the star Mla ((-Scorpii) as
reference. Tntric sidereal zodiac had its signs relative to this
stellar reference that became famous as Mladharam (Mla, the
fiducial) and on the Yogic body it marked the position of genitals
and bottom of the cerebro-spinal axis. In legends this supreme
secret got personified as Mahakala or Great Time and it got
scripted into ancient traditions as genital worship of time. As
such the ancient Indian calendar had its New Year beginning
coinciding with the solar transit over Mla and such new years
achieved great importance when it coincided with the new moon and
other quadrangular positions of Moon relative to Sun. Typical
examples of such positions can be found in AD 1971,1990, 2009 or in
1969, 1984, 1944, 1925etc. When ever the solar transit over Mla
coincided with the eclipses such epochs had greater significance to
the tantric cults and this is reflected in the personification of
the lunar nodes as the serpent of time adorned by Mahakala a
cryptic synonym of Mla star. Similar luni-solar phenomena and New
Year coinciding with the solar transit into Kanya got personified
as Mahakali and thus ancient India had two systems of sidereal
calendar the remnants of which can be found in the prevailing
celebrations of Deepavali and Durgashtami or Kalashtami.
India today has a way of life carrying the signatures of the old
Ages where Tantra or Saivgama had its sway over the society and
most of the ancient Indian sciences had their origin in the tntric
paradigm of life. One of the hallmarks of this ancient civilization
as can be gleaned from ancient literature that have survived the
onslaught of time had been an obsession with time as to worship it
as a Great God Mahakala of the ancient Tantra, as mentioned above a
personification of the stellar reference (Star Mla) of the
computation of time vis--vis the marker of the New Year. According
to the modern Christian calendar Sun transits over this point
around 16th of December which is nearly 43 solar days before the
Dipavali celebrations of 2002 and this difference is a consequence
of the loss of the true rationale of the festival as well as the
luni-solar calendar. Deepavali originally had its rationale from
the new moon and the first tithi of the bright half that coincided
with the solar transit over Mla, which marked the New Year epoch of
the worshippers of Lord Siva and sidereal luni-solar calendar. In
calendar terms Mrgasrsha sukla-pratipada coinciding with the solar
transit over Mla was the original Indian New Year, which is
described in purnic literature as Bali-pratipada, in the name of
the Great King of Asuras viz., Mahbali who ruled over the region
surrounding the Narmada in present day Gujarat state of India. Star
Mla also received personification as Kla the lord of death,
described also as Yama in the terminology of Yoga. End of the year
on Krttika Krishna 30 and New Year of Mrgasrsha sukla-pratipada
marked the Solar transit over the Mldhra of Klapurusha the seat of
the occult power Jyoti (light) or Mahkundalini of the Universe. It
is this basic astro-tntric rationale that led to the celebration of
the New Year by lighting lamps.
From the above discussion it is apparent that the sidereal
zodiac was conceived in pursuance of the Yogic feel of the geometry
of circannual rhythms of luni-solar phenomena including the
eclipses and this discovery lies at the bottom of the doctrines of
Saivgama as is evident from the following cultural remnants.
1. Siva or Time personified receives the appellation Gangdhara
and this is a pointer towards the year beginning or year marker
situated at the point where Aksagang cuts the ecliptic.
2. While doing pradakshina in a Siva temple there is injunction
against the crossing of Ganga, which is at 2/3rds (should have been
if not today) of the periphery.
3. Over the zodiac Mla marked the expiry of life death a
reflection of the year ending. The Zodiacal symbolism may be
further expressed as:
2400: Death Point on Zodiac: Mldhram: Klalingam: Mahkla and
Mahkli, Yama. Jyoti of Jyotihsstra is in fact the flame of
Kundalini Jyotihsastra, the science of Kundalini in terms of
celestial lights and their rhythms
2400 and the Mla star also signify the abode of all spirituality
and the source of Kundalini Mans transcendence of disease and death
as Yogi, Pasupati, Mrtyunjaya.
The Deepavli legends such as that of Naraksura arose out of the
identification of the Krttika Krishna 30 with Mla star as lord of
death Yama or Naraksura meaning the Asura of the netherworld where
Yama is seated. The portrayal of Narakasura as the son of Earth
point towards a distant epoch of 4137 BC when the equator was
coinciding with Mla. Evidences supporting the antiquity of the
worship of Mla star as Siva include the worship of time as genitals
and astronomical interpretation of Sivas iconography that survived
the eons of time.
It is worth noting that at Prg- Jyotishpura or Kmkhya in the
city of Naraksura Devi is worshipped as genitals installed on the
banks of Aksa Ganga and at the Navagraha temple all the nine Grahas
are worshipped as Linga.
As is the case with the Navagraha worship of Pragjyotishapura,
in Klahasti the serpent of time Rhu or the Rhu-Sikhi Chakra is
worshipped as Linga.
(((. Astronomical Factors Involved in this Geometry
It will be interesting to note that the star Mla or (-Scorpii is
placed near the galactic center and as such the above described
geometry of the circannual rhythm may be the result of the
orientation of the galaxy with respect to the luni-solar-geo space.
Seasonal phenomena in fact take place relative to the direction of
the earths axis in space (Dhruva in Indian mythology) and this
direction is undergoing slow variation around the ecliptic axis
(Vishnu in Indian mythology) to complete the precession cycle of
nearly 25920 years. In terms of ecliptic longitudes, the Galactic
center is at 242015 [(=(-5032)] and the Galactic North Pole is at
155026 [(= - 29049] with reference to Mldhram defined to be at
2400. It is apparent that the tntric calendar is reflective of the
geometry of galaxy as the annual rhythm is about a fixed star
having no proper motion placed close to the galactic center. A
fixed frame of reference can be seen with the ecliptic poles also
around which the earths axis cuts a cone.
Seasonal phenomena takes place without a fixed reference and may
vary from place to place as we see between north and south
hemispheres. But the circannual rhythm implicit in the ancient
Indian tantric calendar is universal and is specific to the human
body and had also implications in Ayurveda in the matter of
collection, preparation and administration of medicines. This is
further evident from the fact that the sidereal sign or Rsi Dhanu
that began the New Year received personification as Dhanvantari or
Vaideesvara, Sivas incarnation as Physician with the elixir of
immortality.
Apart from the year beginning and end the Tntric Zodiac presents
the 12 solar transits in to the 30-degree signs conceived with
reference to Mla as being significant in the lives of a human
being. Sidereal and synodic revolutions of the Moon too are
utilized in conjunction with solar movement in the Yogic
processes.
(V. Human Physiology in Tantra
Tantra is very specific in its choice of the cerebro-spinal axis
alone as constituting the abode of the Yogic power Kundalini. Even
though the abstract terminology of Tantra (Shadchakras or the Six
wheels) defies comprehension, in modern times the researchers have
identified the abode of Kundalini as the autonomic nervous system
the two branches viz., sympathetic and parasympathetic of which
(Ida & Pingala or Sun & Moon) sandwiches the central
nervous system (Sushumna). The autonomic components form plexuses
where they cross each other and these nerve centers in turn control
the endocrine organs. Tantra stipulates the existence of six wheels
about which the following identification may be made based on
modern researches in chronobiology and endocrinology.
The crux of the tntric system as is evident from the terminology
is jna Cakra or the Wheel of Command that may be identified as
equivalent to the Pineal gland (thought to be vestigial till recent
times) in which rests the control of the different biological
rhythms. Occupying the center of the brain, it controls the
endocrine system through the pituitary and hypothalamus. Pineal
achieves the regulation of circadian rhythm through the
diurnal/nocturnal production of neurohormones such as serotonin /
melatonin having many different modes of action and bearing on the
human mood circuits. Melatonin production is controlled by
hypothalamic suprachiasmic nucleus (SCN) based on the feedback from
other endocrine glands which may be identified with the other
wheels of Tantra.
The light sensitivity of the pineal gland has given it the name
third eye a concept that lies at the very foundation of Tantra, in
the portrayal of Mahdeva. Apart from the control over biological
clocks, PG is supposed to regulate metabolism and also the
endocrine glands.
An examination of the location and functioning of thyroid
enables us to identify the same as Visuddhi Cakra located in the
throat. Thyroxine regulates the metabolic rate of the body and
neurochemically its under the inhibitory control of the pineal
gland with a feedback control as well. Many of the related hormones
are found to exhibit circadian rhythms that call for appropriates
timings in hormone therapy.
Anhata Cakra may be identified as Thymus acting in conjunction
with pituitary that produces prolactin as indicated by Serena Roney
Dougal. Thymus exercising control over the immune system is
influenced by the neuro-endocrine system under the control of the
pineal. Manipra Cakra is identified with Adrenals consisting of
Cortex and Medulla Cortex releases many
stress/anxiety/metabolism/activity/controlling hormones on a
rhythmic light-dark cycle linked with hormones from the pituitary
and the hypothalamus. Medulla produces adrenaline that deals with
short-term reactions to stress and management of glucose.
Svdhishtna and Mldhra, the lower wheels are related to the Gonadal
steroids, pituitary gonadotrophins etc., that have a bearing upon
the functioning of generative organs. These have been found to be
under the control of pineal gland via melatonin, which show
rhythmic variation during menstrual cycle. In the functioning of
all these glands, chronobiology looks at only the light-dark and
seasonal rhythms and not any other specific geometry possible.
Tntric calendar suggests otherwise a specific geometry linked to
the galactic structure as influencing the psycho-physical rhythms
(endogenous rhythm/ SCN circadian pacemaker) of the human body. Its
worth remembering here that one of the most antique and exact
discoveries of an astronomical phenomenon is the periodicity of
eclipses apparent in the metonic or Saros cycle. Does this 19-year
rhythm of the eclipses mean anything to a human body?
V. Conclusions
It is well known that all ancient civilizations had a
pre-occupation with calendar phenomena and the cultural ruins of
India, Babylon and Egypt attests the gigantic efforts gone into the
making of a scientific calendar. Among all such efforts, the Tntric
calendar is special and is based on a physical rationale that
strikes a symbolic equivalence between the Zodiac and the Tntric
body. Present author has made an effort here in to place the tntric
idea of a circannual rhythm to the attention of modern biologists
so that it becomes a topic for modern investigations. Tntric system
suggests different rhythms of Sun and Moon operating upon the two
components of the autonomic nervous system while the system as a
whole responds in some mysterious way to the luni-solar rhythm
apparent in the phenomenon of eclipses. The fact that the two
invisible geometrical points where the orbits meet the Nodes of the
lunar orbit was selected as of cardinal importance is evident from
the name Rhu Sikhi Cakra and this alone attests the scientific
spirit and realization involved in the formulation of Tntric
Calendar and Zodiac.
All biological clocks are adaptations to life on a rotating
world
William Schwartz
The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It
is the source of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion
is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in
awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.
Albert Einstein
00
2400
B-204, Parth Avenue, Chandkheda, Ahmedabad-5. HYPERLINK
"mailto:[email protected]" [email protected]
Basham, AL., The Wonder That Was India,
DateSunSidereal SunMoonSidereal MoonPrecession ArcThursday, 16
December 1971, 19:36 UT264012240025205422804224012Sunday, 16
December 1990, 16:40 UT264028240025901223404424028Wednesday, 16
December 2009,13:40 UT264044240026503024004624044Tuesday, 16
December 1969, 07:15 UT264010240035702233301224010Friday, 15
December 1944, 14:35 UT26303123904226303123904223049Tuesday, 15
December 1925, 19:0526301923904626301923904623033Tuesday, 16
December 1986, 07:04UT2640012390372640015903724024Saturday, 16
December 1967, 23:21UT264019240011840196001124008
Satyananda, Saraswati, (1972) 1.The Pineal Gland (Ajna Chakra)
2.Kundalini Yoga Bihar School of Yoga, Bihar, India.
Melatoninfunctions to cause control over physical functions such
as pulse rate, circadian rhythm, metabolic rate and is supposed to
cause relaxation and enhanced duration of life in short it meets
all that the Yogis tend to achieve.
Thyroxine controls the pace of body machine - an overactive
thyroid means that the heart beats fast, one becomes thin, sexual
desire increases, and the mind works overtime.
On A PossiblePsychophysiology Of The Yogic Cakra System html
I am suggesting that the pineal gland is the physical aspect of
ajna chakra; the thyroid of vishuddhi; the breasts of anahata; the
adrenals of manipura; and the gonads of swadhistana and muladhara.
These endocrine glands are all positioned at the traditional points
of thechakras, and their functions are remarkably equivalent to the
traditional descriptions of the chakra functions. I am therefore
proposing that the endocrine system is the physiological aspect of
the yogic spiritual tradition of the chakras, and that the
autonomic nervous system can be equated with the yogic nadis.
Professor of Neurology at the University of Massachusetts
Medical School
PAGE 2
