Creation of the World by Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis
Both in the Ayurveda and the yoga sciences, there is an early part of the day referred to as Brahma Muhurta (the Ambrosial Hours) that is considered as the most auspicious time for achieving and sustaining knowledge and awareness of true self. The time is between 4:00 and 6:00 am, approximately two hours before sunrise (near the equator). Both sciences describe the immense benefits to the body and mind from waking up at this time. According to these sciences, the earth’s relationship with the sun and moon at this time of the day is such that certain physiological changes happen in the human system that is highly beneficial. The term Brahma Muhurta actually means “the time of the creator.” So waking up at this hour and using the time in the best possible way helps you to re-create yourself. Back in India, in the olden times, temples would open their doors at this time for people to commence their spiritual activities so that they get the most benefits. What other activities are preferred at this time?Both the Ayurvedic and yoga texts discuss the importance of chanting mantras or practicing silent meditation (dhyana) and deep concentration (dharana) or breath practices (pranayama), as a means to connect the body and mind and align it with this time of the day. At this hour the mind is clear, calm, and with much less thoughts occupying it, and is therefore better for cultivating silence, focus, and concentration, which is not possible at other times. It is in these hours that the prana (the basic life force of consciousness) and auric protection (koshas) is strongest. Furthermore, an added benefit is the fact there is less noise and disturbance to interfere with the meditation and yoga practices as the rest of the world is still asleep. Ayurveda has a fairly simple explanation regarding this time period: Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the three energetic forces that govern the tides of the body and mind. Understanding these forces and the times when they each govern helps us to tune into the natural rhythms of the world and make harmonious decisions to maintain a good health span. The doshas exert their influence twice upon us in four-hour intervals throughout the 24-hour period. Each four-hour period is dominated and influenced by one specific dosha and its qualities. Understanding this allows us to choose physical activities, sleep, diet, food choices, etc. that will support the dominant energy inside and around us to keep is in balance. The Vata force begins at about 2:00 am and lasts until 6:00 am, corresponding to the Brahma Muhurta period. This is a time of receptivity and calls for absorbing the purity of the air. Ancient yogis discovered that at this time of day, the qualities of air and ether dominate and there is purity and lightness, so this is the best time of the day for meditation, prayer, chanting, and other spiritual practices. Being awake and alert at this time helps to minimize all kinds of distractions and sensory inputs, such as bright lights and loud noises, and maximize the practice of mantra meditation, affirmations, or breath practice as there is a dominance of the sattva quality or purity in the mind as well as in the atmosphere. My grandfather used to start his morning routine (gentle asanas poses for 15 minutes, pranayama practice for 15 minutes, and 30 minutes of silent meditation, followed by a 60-minutes mantra meditation and recitation) at 4:00 am. By the time this routine was complete it would be about 6:00 am and he was ready to take on his other daily activities. I do not recall my grandfather ever visiting a doctor or being in the hospital. He had a very peaceful death at 92.
According to modern science, melatonin levels, which constitute a part of the body’s circadian rhythm, peak in the night and ebb by the time the sun rises. Melatonin is seen as a mood stabilizer and may enhance cognition. There have been some studies with mixed evidence on the short-term effects of melatonin on cognitive function. In one such study Melatonin decreases delirium in elderly patients: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. melatonin enhanced memory functions and lowered the risk of delirium, although it was not clear from this study whether the authors measured endogenous, natural levels of melatonin or whether it was externally administered. The drop in melatonin levels is accompanied by a rise in the anti-stress hormone cortisol, whose levels rises during the early morning hours and are highest at about 6 am. The rising levels of cortisol results in the activation of anti-stress and anti-inflammatory pathways and also stimulates all of the body organs.
All-in-all, despite a lack of proper scientific evidence and based on the Ayurvedic/yogic texts and anecdotal reports, it appears that the Brahma Muhurta time can be used for mental detoxification to achieve clarity, which in turn enables one to achieve a deeper meditative state and sustain a healthy life and a quality health span. This reminds me of the saying “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Subscribe to Yoga for Healthy Aging by Email ° Follow Yoga for Healthy Aging on Facebook ° Join this site with Google Friend Connect
