107. Mediation for Bliss
T he pineal gland is a pea-sized, pinecone-shaped organ situated at the centre of the brain, directly behind the middle of two eyebrows. Physiologically it produces neurotransmitters melatonin and serotonin that are responsible for the sleep cycles as well as moods, respectively. It is also referred to as the ‘third eye’ as it contains photoreceptors like normal physical eyes. Various cultures have described it in different ways such as the seat of the soul; responsible for spiritual enlightenment; a sixth sense which sees beyond what the five senses can see; a symbol of spiritual awakening; a connection between the physical and spiritual world. In the Indian context, the space between the eyebrows is called Agya Chakra and represents the pineal gland. This background will help us understand Krishna’s method to control senses and mind when he says, “Shutting out all thoughts of external enjoyment, with the gaze fixed on the space between the eye-brows, equalizing the f...