Elimination of tension is not such a simple matter. There is a problem which has to be solved. Hidden deep within the recesses of the mind are the samskaras or archetypes which influence the emotions, personality and life of each and every individual. Stress arises from this inner store of experience.
Happiness and unhappiness lie deep in you and these experiences are stored in the form of samskaras. Within you they are accumulated in the form of particles. From particles they become waves of energy. These waves then develop into a force which later emerges as an experience. So, your experience of happiness or unhappiness arises in the form of a wave that is born of one particle.
Another name for this is karma. These archetypes collectively form the karma of an individual. It is on account of them that your mind, emotions and personality are formed. If you suffer in life it is because of your deep-rooted karma. To deal with stress the karmas have to be purged out by the practice of yoga.
Printed in YOGA, Vol. 5, No. 5 (September 1994)