Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
21
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Int
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Int
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a June 20
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SOUVENIR
Chief Patron
Shri MK Rajagopalan
Patrons
Prof. KR Sethuraman
Vice Chancellor, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
Advisory Panel
Prof. N Ananthakrishnan
Prof. Nirmal Coumare
Prof. M Ravishankar
Prof. S Ravichandran
Prof. AR Srinivasan
Organizing Chairman
Prof. Madanmohan
Organizing Secretary
Treasurer
Prof. K Jaiganesh
Core Team
Prof. K Henri Balraj
Dr. Meena Ramanathan
Prof. Ramesh
Mrs. AN Uma
Members
Dr. Nikhilesh Singh
Dr. Richa Gupta
Mr. S Vasanthan
Mr. Dhanushapnadeesh
Dr. Suchitra
Dr. K Ramya
Mr. Uthiravelu
Miss.R.Kavitha
INDEX
Page No
Messages
24
25
Programme schedule
26
31
34
36
39
42
44
46
47
53
56
62
Yogacharini Sangeeta Laura Biagi - Aum Japa: Sonic Awareness for a Healthy Life
65
70
78
79
80
84
90
Yogachemmal Dr.Meena Ramanathan & Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Yoga Practices for Prevention and Management of Psychosomatic Stress Disorders
92
107
113
I wish the International Yoga Day that is being celebrated as an academic bonanza.
Yoga was accorded the status of global importance on December 11, 2014 when the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) declared June 21 (the Summer Solstice) as the International Day of Yoga. The
resolution, which was moved in response to a call by the Prime Minister of India on 27th Sept, 2014, saw a
record number of 175 countries co-sponsoring it. This makes the Yoga-day resolution the best supported UNGA
Resolution. The whole exercise undertaken by UNGA confirms that Yoga is of great relevance to the post-Modern
society in the 21st Century.
How and when yoga originated is debatable. There is definite proof that yoga developed in ancient India.
Possible origins are in the Indus Valley Civilisation (3300-1900 BCE) and pre-Vedic north-eastern India (Bihar), the
Vedic civilisation (1500-500 BCE), and the sramana-movement (starting ca. 500 BCE).
Jacobsen has said that Yoga is not just a set of stretching exercises; it has five principal meanings:
a disciplined method for attaining a goal;
techniques of controlling the body and the mind;
one of the schools or systems of philosophy (darana);
along with other words, such as hatha-, mantra-, and laya-, referring to particular techniques of yoga;
Yoga as the goal of Yoga practice.
At Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth(SBV), the Centre for Yoga Therapy and Research (CYTER) combines rigorous
scientific approach with faithful adherence to the traditions of Yogic practice to create an effective therapy that is
complementary to modern medicine. It is lead by senior academicians who are equally well qualified in modern
Medicine and Yoga to achieve this with credibility.
The management of SBV whole-heartedly supports Yoga therapy as an effective complementary therapy
and these services are totally free to the patients attending CYTER.
We, at SBV are proud of the achievements of CYTER till date and of the week long events planned by
CYTER to mark the International Yoga Day 2015. We wish them success in all their endeavours.
Prof K.R. SETHURAMAN.
Vice-Chancellor,
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA CELEBRATIONS 2015
I take immense pleasure in wishing this national, nay-- Global endeavour great success.
Prof.NirmalCoumare.V
Medical Superintendent
MGMC&RI, Puducherry
I congratulate the CYTER team on their efforts and wish the event all success.
Thanking You,
Dr. S RAVICHANDRAN
Additional Director,
MGMCRI
MESSAGE OF BLESSINGS
It is the worst of times it is the best of times! The news headlines often make one hang ones
heads in shame for being a member of the human race. Yet, in the midst of all the gloom and doom,
sometimes a ray of light illumines the darkness. On Dec 11, 2014 a great announcement lit up the
global sky, and hope sprung once more eternal in the human breast. The United Nations has declared
June 21st as International Day of Yoga! An appropriate choice, this, the summer solstice, the longest
day in the year!
Indias pride is that the idea was first mooted when the Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi spoke at the General Assembly of The United Nations in New York. The resolution on International
Day of Yoga was introduced by Indias ambassador to the UN Asoke Mukerji on Dec 11 and had a record
175 nations joining as co-sponsors, the highest number ever for any General Assembly resolution. It is
also for the first time that such an initiative has been proposed and implemented by any country in the
UN body in less than 90 days. Through the resolution, adopted under the agenda of Global Health and
Foreign Policy, the General Assembly decided to proclaim June 21 every year as the International Day
of Yoga.
Shri Narendra Modi, set a wider stage in introducing this ancient science to the blas diplomats
of the UN General Assembly (who probably were impatient to end their long and tedious day with a
cocktail or two at one of the thousands of fashionable bars in New York). They paused long enough
to hear him say: (Yoga can be a vital factor in) Changing the lifestyle and creating consciousness with
climate change Well! At least Shri Modi, who is a fervent practitioner of Yoga himself as well as a
devout Hindu, could include the idea of changing life style and creating consciousness which are the
core values of Yoga. Shri Modi seems to be walking his talk and taking his walk all marks of a true
Yogic spirit.
The flag of Yoga and all it symbolizes now flies over the community of nations! May those of us
who adore this ancient wisdom keep it flying high!
I wish the CYTER team all the very best in their efforts to propagate this ancient art and science
of India within a modern framework for the benefit of society worldwide.
MESSAGE OF BLESSINGS
It is a matter of great joy to know that Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Pondicherry is organising
a Mega Event to celebrate International Day of Yoga 2015.
As Swami Kuvalayananda said in 1924, said that Yoga has a complete message for humanity. It
has a message for the human body. It has a message for the human mind. Also, it has a message for the
human soul.
Today we see Yoga flourishing throughout the world and 179 countries have accepted the
importance of Yoga discipline and are celebrating this event.
Yoga has a deep holistic approach to integrate human personalities and carries a valuable
message of peace and unity for the world. It does not divide humanity on the basis of caste, creed, rank
or geographical boundaries. It believes Vasudhaiva kutumbakam the whole world is one family.
Will young people come forward to carry this message, not only in India, but in every corner of
the world? I feel that his dream is realized today.
I wish you all the best for the success in your effort. Kaivalyadhama stands with you.
MESSAGE OF BLESSINGS
I am glad that Sri Balaji University has planned to celebrate the International Yoga Day of 2015 from June
21-26, 2015. I heartily congratulate and appreciate your efforts.
As you are aware that earlier days the Yoga was considered as an exercise required for keeping fit the
body. When it was popularised in the western countries the people started studying the basic texts from India.
Patanjali Yoga Sutraas and Hatha Yoga Pradipika were the original basic texts for Yoga. But they were neglected
as nowhere the great Rishi Patanjali had written that it is good for seeking God. Finally, the scholars realised that
once the man starts practicing Yoga he is approaching renunciation because of the practice of Ashthanga Yoga.
All the practices should start from control of mind.
Now-a-days more and more people and institutions are popularising the Yoga throughout the world.
Our beloved Prime Minister NarendraModiji could convince the members of UNO that the effect of Yoga can
be helpful not only in improving the physical and mental health but also harmony in the society because of
the holistic approach by the practitioners. It was recommended by the leading Yoga practitioners of the world
gathered at Bengaluru on 21.06.2012 to celebrate 21st of June as World Yoga Day. Yoga is performed following
Suns movement and 21st June is the longest day, hence it was recommended to be the World Yoga day. Now it
is the duty of every yoga practitioners to see that the World Yoga Day is celebrated meaningfully throughout the
world to spread the message of benefits of Yoga for holistic living.
In this endeavour I once again wish the function every success. Please arrange for spread of the Yoga
benefits not only for the body and mind but also for curing the dreaded diseases like Diabetes, Obesity, Cancer,
Heart diseases etc. If a proper basic things are taught to the present generation, they will definitely follow and
develop further. That is why the celebration is required.
MESSAGE OF BLESSINGS
It is wonderful that the World Yoga Day is being celebrated. Since Yoga is a way of life, every day and
every, moment is a yoga day!
We appreciate the efforts of CYTER to spread the message of Yoga to the medical community. We
appreciate the splendid work of Ananda Ashram in Pondicherry that has been done for all these years by
Yogacharini Meenakshi Deviji and Dr. Ananda Balayogiji who have dedicated their lives in teaching Yoga, art and
culture and making thousands of peoples lives beautiful.
Let us be true to the tenets of Yoga as we strive to live a yogic life leading to higher levels of consciousness.
We have to do our duties to our self, our families. our work, society, nation and the world and yoga has provided
very explicit guidelines about our sense of duty. Dharma, is a loaded word and here we use it as duty. This duty if
done with concentration, acceptance a sense of joy detachment and dedicating the fruits of the efforts to the
Highest,will lead to transformation of humanity. We have to recognize that each technique in Yoga should lead
to a higher level of consciousness.
We, at The Yoga Institute, Santa Cruz, Mumbai, being the oldest organized centre of Yoga in the world,
have been promoting Yoga by providing a free exposure to the Yogic concepts at different times of life to different
segments of society with appropriate technical backing. School teachers are told to teach in their regular classes
with few minutes of conditioning of the child before beginning of the lesson, or physicians are taught how
they may help their patients to get relaxed in their clinic or the worker does a little work with the attitude of
dedication.All this can help in gaining desired attitude so useful in integrating later on the appropriate yogic
practices with the right attitude. This has done more good than enforcing Asanas or meditation in a fixed pattern
to unsuspecting unprepared students. Traditionaga stood for a deep urge at change in values, attitudes, habits
and way of life
We send our message of strength and dedication to fulfil this noble aim of Yoga, leading to peace,
harmony and happiness in the world.
Smt Hansaji Jayadeva Yogendra
Director, The Yoga Institute,
Santacruz, Mumbai India
MESSAGE OF BLESSINGS
All 133 centres of AHYMSIN and meditation groups in 30 countries will be observing the Yoga Day by
inviting spiritually minded yoga teachers of their region to participate in one-day or half-day programs starting
with recitation of Rg-veda mantra 5.81.1 (the earliest reference to yoga in history) and including meditation,
silence, Yoga practice and audio-visual presentations.
We are dedicated to re-establishing the connection of yoga with ancient rishis to whom the knowledge
was revealed in the state of samadhi. We follow the definition(s) of yoga as in the classical yoga texts such
as yogah samadhih- Yoga is samadhi (Vyasa on Yoga-sutra 1.1). yogo moksha-pravarttakah- Yoga is that which
effects spiritual liberation (moksha)(definition of yoga in Ayurveda, Charakasamhita, Sharira-sthana 2.137).
tattva-darshanopaayo yogah- yoga is the means and method for realizing the transcendental reality. (in Vedanta,
Shankaracharya on Brahmasutra 2.1.[2].3 quoting a now unknown ancient text).
Therefore we teach yoga in its spiritual context and content, Hatha yoga is taught as steps in the ladder
to samadhi. This is how the Masters of the Himalayas have passed on the tradition for thousands of years.
The earliest reference to yoga in history : Yujate mana uta yujate dhiyo vipr viprasya bhato vipacita
Vi hotr dadhe vayunvideka inmah devasya savitu pariuti yunjate mana uta yunjate dhiyo viprA viprasya
bRRihato vipashcitaH vi hotrA dadhe vayunAvideka inmahI devasya savituH pariSTutiH -Rgveda 5.81.1
They yoke the mind (manas) in yoga. They yoke the meditative intelligence (dhih) in yoga; They the great
wise ones who belong To the expansive wisest One. There is but one Master of Wisdom Who upholds all our
sacred endeavours. Indeed great is the all round praise to that celestial divine sun-like Brilliant One.
I wish all sadhakas and participants of the yoga events organized by CYTER success in such a yoga. Yogo
vah sa-phalee-bhooyaat.
Shri-gurudeva-sevayam
MESSAGE OF BLESSINGS
It is indeed a pleasure and a privilege to hail one and all at the time of international recognition of Yoga
by celebrating Yoga Day. Yogic spirit should be reflected in every aspect of our life; not simply carrying out some
asanas and pranayama in the morning.
The yogic spirit should permeate every thought, word and deed; the four attitudes that Sage Patanjali
describes [1:33] should be followed. They are maitree, karuna, mudita and upeksha - namely friendliness (and
not jealousy, in case of someone being happy), compassion (towards someone in distress), happiness (when
someone is virtuous) and indifference (in case of vice).
These are very potent methods for generating peace within oneself and in spreading serenity without. If
everyone follows this mantra, there would be no hostility; only love for all beings.
Let yoga spirit prevail.
MESSAGE OF BLESSINGS
I am extremely happy to know that CYTER in the Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Pondicherry are planning
to organise a mega event on June 21-26, 2015 to celebrate the International Day of Yoga 2015.
CYTER has been very successful in disseminating the knowledge of Yoga in a very useful way to the
medical fraternity at the Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University and also by rendering yeomen service through yoga
therapy.
The team under the able leadership of Prof Madanmohan, with Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi
Bhavanani as Deputy Director and Dr Meena Ramanathan as Co-ordinator is bringing together the ancient Indian
art and science of Yoga and the modern medical science. Their research work is also bringing out a lot of valuable
information to the world of Yoga and Medicine.
I congratulate them and wish them success in their endeavours. The work of CYTER needs special
commendation in that it is just not helping the affluent living in the metros but those who are economically
weaker sections of the society living in and around Pondicherry.
MESSAGE OF BLESSINGS
Yoga is a practice and a Method of Knowing that which is worthy of understanding and experiencing.
The Various practices which are body, breath and mind oriented serves this purpose. Having a skewed view that
yoga is confined to intensive practices of postures and focusing on this dimension alone can limit our knowledge
and experiences.
Refining the mind to achieve clarity about life situations and enhancing the quality of existence is central
to Yoga practices.
On this International Day of Yoga the efforts to promote health and well being across the world is a
worthy self-empowerment initiative.
A true spirit of caring and sharing is best achieved with application of yoga in a holistic sense.
Even a little bit of practice can be protective, and for those who live the life of a yogi.....there is no limit.
MESSAGE OF BLESSINGS
I am glad to hear that a mega event is being organized on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga
by the Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER) at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry
from 21-26th June, 2015.
In this era of globalization, when we are exploring new heights of advancement, our ancient wisdom and
cultural practices face a new kind of challenge. Amidst materialistic developments and ambitions, the hassles of
life continue to increase and people find themselves confronted with many lifestyle disorders.
The void between peace and progress raises a question on the sustainability of mankind itself and Yoga
is the only path that can only emerge as the bridge between the two.
Yoga in itself signifies awareness, integrity, harmony and equipoise. I believe Yoga should be equally
accessible to the masses, regardless of their socio-cultural or socio-economic background, and that universality
of the Yoga shall be the central message of the International Day of Yoga.
I am sure that this event and its souvenir will spread awareness about yoga and through the efforts of
the CYTER team, would accomplish all its desired objectives.
Dr. Chinmay Pandya
Pro Vice-Chancellor,
Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar
MESSAGE OF BLESSINGS
As a student of the Raja Yoga lineage of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj, it is an
honour and joy for me to write a message of blessings in support of the celebrations of the International Day of
Yoga 2015, organized by CYTER in the Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Pondicherry.
It is time that the world recognizes yoga not only as a valuable tool for health and happiness but, most
importantly, as a way of life.
It is indeed a day to celebrate when people from different traditions come together to unite in harmony,
to support each others spiritual growth, to share philosophical, cultural and political sattvic choices.
My heartfelt blessings to CYTER for the most valuable work you do in sharing the pearls of wisdom
extracted from the science and art of yoga, for researching, for never giving up, for disseminating the seeds, for
welcoming people who, like me, come to yoga from a different culture and language, but always with a pure
heart and immense gratitude.
May this be the first of many days of celebration! May we come together to foster peace, union, and the
sharing of high spiritual goals and ideas.
May we work together in peace, may we get along, may we support each other.
Aum Shanti Shanti ShantiAum.
Yogacharini Sangeeta Laura Biagi, Ph.D.
Senior Yoga Teacher, ICYER at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry
Visiting Assistant Professor, Vassar College, New York
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this week-long programme planned by us to celebrate the
International Day of Yoga which is being celebrated not only in India but all over the world on 21 June.
CYTER is organizing a public awareness programme at MGMCRI City Centre on 21 June with mass
performance of the Common Yoga Protocol being performed all over the country as directed by the Ministry
of AYUSH, Govt of India. We are also giving yoga awareness programmes for staff and students of the four
constituent colleges of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University from 22 to 25 June. I am pleased to welcome you especially
for the National Seminar and CME on Therapeutic Potential of Yoga being conducted in collaboration with the
Dept of Physiology, MGMCRI on 26 June 2015.
At the outset, I wish to express my heart-felt gratitude to our honble Chairman, Shri MK Rajagoplan
for his encouragement and support for organizing this programme. I am grateful to our honble Chancellor, Prof.
Pagadala Rajaram for his inspiring encouragement. Guidance and support of our respected Vice-Chancellor, Prof.
KR Sethuraman made planning of the programme a smooth affair. Dean, Research and PG studies, Professor N
Anathakrishnan has been a source of inspiration and motivation.
I am grateful for the support of our Dean (Administration) Prof. M Ravishankar, Medical Superintendent,
Dr Nirmal Coumare and Additional Director, Dr S Ravichandran for their support. Logistic support by the
management of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University is gratefully acknowledged. I am grateful for the support extended
by the Department of Biochemistry.
I thank my colleagues from the Department of Physiology and CYTER for their unconditional support.
I am sure that the academic programme will be enlightening and enjoyable experience for you and wish you all the
best for the week-long celebration.
Dr. Madanmohan
Organizing Chairman
MGMCRI
virtue, towards the Yamas and Niyamas, the cultivation of morality is like that. One must go down to
see ones flaws, ones faults and failings down to the dirty cellar of Samskara stored for lifetimes in sub
consciousness, before one can go up.
One must experience the humiliation of knowing just how low one can go, just how undeveloped one
is, before excellence in virtue can be achieved. Rock bottom is the solid place to start the upward climb.
Another useful pattern to contemplate is this: in the beginning one must be rigid, disciplined, unbending
in ones practice, in ones efforts, until a certain level is attained. After that, the discipline can be more
flexible. Playfulness and creativity can then be enjoyed on that solid scaffolding.
All real excellence in spirituality, virtue, or for that matter, almost any authentic human endeavour (not
fame or glory which is created by media manipulation and mass hypnosis and hysteria, but real genuine
mastery, artistry and excellence), is a deeply moral activity in which the aspirant must defeat his/ her own
natural desires and egotistical motivations. One has to fight the urge not only to self-celebrate but also
the need to self-deprecate.
Here is where the ancient Yogic values of Vairagya (detachment) and Viveka (discernment) must be
joined to Abhyasa (disciplined effort towards a goal). One must literally see oneself from a distance as
though looking at the earth from the moon. The pinnacle of spiritual growth is at the top of the spiral.
There stands Ahamkara, the sense of individual self, the ego. This is the last point, the last frontier which
must be crossed to transcend from humanity to Divinity. It is the peak of the material mountain, the
summit of all experience, where the sense of I am is experienced. It is there that the Sadhak, the seeker
after truth, must make that leap of faith into the abyss, into the unknown, into the far reaches of outer
(inner) space.
Then a miracle occurs The flight of the Alone to the Alone. On the wings of Vairagya and Viveka,
having faithfully practiced long periods of time with Abhyasa, disciplined focused effort, one may make
that final glorious journey to Freedom, Mastery, Moksha!
The ocean does not keep a dead body as such for long. So, the practitioner of yoga does not let
abide in himself the defects like attraction, aversion, confusion, pride, self-adoration, boasting,
jealousy, envy, malice, deceit, crookedness, roughness, bad moral conduct, and affliction.
Even though the ocean holds in itself pearls and many kinds of jewels, but keeps them
concealed, so should a sadhaka of yoga attain in himself the jewels like right path, fruits [of
sadhana], meditation, samadhi, coalescence, insight, wisdom and so forth. These one should
keep concealed and not put on display.
The Ocean keeps an association with the largest of creatures. So should a sadhaka of yoga
keep company with a great monk who has these qualities: one who desires very little, is
contented, speaks with a steadiness, has pure conduct, is modest, soft-natured, deep, venerable,
eloquent, zealous, rejecting vice, listener of the precepts of others, granting precepts to others,
an expounder, guide to the right path, generating a sentiment of dedication in others by his
homilies of dharma, and a benefactor.
As the ocean receives the waters of all thousands of rivers as well as streams from clouds, yet
it does not break its boundaries, so a sadhaka of yoga receiving benefit, respect, prostrations,
honours, yet should not break the boundaries of the precepts.
As the ocean receives the waters of all thousands of rivers as well as streams from the
clouds, yet it does not become all full [unable to receive more], so a sadhaka of yoga must
never be satiated in learning, conversing about dharma, listening to the precepts of others,
contemplating these, examining these, studying the depths of philosophy and sacred texts
Milinda-panha-pali. 6
Opamma-katha-panhe,
2 samudda-vaggo,
10 samuddanga-panho
These studies are devoted to three aspects of Yoga, namely case studies, scientific and therapeutic aspects
and comparison with physical exercises in athletes.
Specialty of our studies:
We are conducting a number of experiments in our most sophisticated laboratory for the past two and
half decades.
yy Morgan Transfer Test was used for the first time for Lung Testing in the Indian Yoga field.
yy Longest follow up studies on diabetes.
yy At the Institute, research in the effect of yoga on diseases planned to establish a cause - and effect
relationship in the first instance, and if possible, to understand the mechanisms involved in order
to bring out changes in diseases through yogic practices.
yy In the studies done by others, the combined effect of several yogic practices was observed, while
this Institute carried out the studies with selected the yogic practices individually or in small groups
keeping in view common man.
yy This is to identify yogic practices, which have a greater effect on the control of diseases, so that
patients may benefit by concentrating on them.
yy Extensive work and the largest follow up studies had been done on diseases like asthma, diabetes,
and obesity etc.
yy Selection of Yogic practices is based on authentic yoga/Hatha Yoga treatises only. In this contest it
is worthwhile to mention that the author of this article have been long association with Dr. Swami
Gitanandaji, Founder of Anandashram, Pondicherry. The author / editor book reviewed 3 pages
by Swamiji (Yoga life Vol. 16, No.9, September 1985) commented as follows Such works are
timely when research into the literary aspects of Yoga as well as the Scientific aspects of yoga are
becoming popular. As per the blessings of Swamiji, the Hatharatnavali Text selected for TKDL
Project, CSIR, Govt. of India for Patent Rights for Yoga and this text referred in textual references
of common yoga protocol day of yoga celebrations 2015.
yy Simple yogic practices were recommended to the common people.
yy This Institute has given India and especially Andhra Pradesh a place in the world map of Yoga. It
is one of the unique Yoga Institutions in the World having sophisticated modern laboratories and
conducting scientific, philosophical and literary research in yoga.
yy This Institute has cleared the misconceptions of people regarding physical exercise, Surya Namaskar,
and Yoga irrespective of caste creed, colour and aid the path to scientific research in Yoga and increased
awareness of the benefits of yoga. We have created a Yogic Materia Medica by prescribing appropriate
Yogasanas for the specific health disorders.
yy Research conducted in VYRI has conclusively established beneficial efforts of Paranayama for patients
suffering from respiratory disorders.
yy We have proved that there is a reduction in blood glucose and consequent dependence on insulin and
oral hypoglycaemia drugs in diabetic patients after practising Dhanurasana, Ardha-matsyendraasamas
& Pranmayama.
yy It has also been reported in our research that regular practice of Yoga Mudra and Shalabhasana harmful
and advised not to practice by the diabetic patients. Conversely, irregular practice will lead to aggravation.
yy Back-ache and neck pains were relieved within one month of practice of Niralambasana,
Bhujangasana, Ushatrasana etc.
consciousness of our planet is the goal of Sri Aurobindos yoga. The practical implication of a rise in the
average level of earth consciousness is that the affairs of the world would then be conducted from that
higher plane of awareness. At that plane, the ego-driven ignorant consciousness that works on the basis
of superficial differences and divisions is replaced by a knowledgeable consciousness that acts on the basis
of the underlying oneness. That will be the ultimate solution to the problems of human existence such
as evil, injustice and suffering. The highly optimistic futuristic extension of spiritual philosophy is Sri
Aurobindos unique contribution to Vedanta.
Closing thoughts
Sri Aurobindo was a seer who was also a philosopher. Philosophy can be based on rational analysis.
Truth based on rational analysis can be erroneous, and is always subject to doubts and questions. But a
seer has experienced the Truth. Experience has a certainty that leaves no room for doubts and questions.
Therefore, the one who has experienced the Truth is called a Realized Soul, which means that the Truth
has become real to him. Sri Aurobindos magnum opus on spiritual philosophy, The Life Divine, is based
on his Realization, but for the sake of intellectuals, he has also analyzed and rationalized his experiences.
Since he was not only a great seer but also an intellectual genius, The Life Divine is extremely thorough,
thoroughly rational, and leaves no question untouched or unresolved. A more complete and poetic
description of Sri Aurobindos experiences, and a summary of his spiritual philosophy, are also available
in his epic, Savitri. Savitri is truly an Upanishad in the English language. Sri Aurobindo wrote about a
hundred years ago but gave a roadmap that can serve mankind well for at least a few thousand years.
MEDITATIVE DHYANA
many methods suggested for this purification. Tapas is one method. Another method for this purification
is to perform good deeds such as giving alms or supporting people who are on the path to realization,
students and others. Another way recommended in the Yoga Sutras is the attitude of pratipaksabhava.
This is an attitude to be cultivated which oppose our attraction to material things and desire to possess
them. This is a difficult method for most of us; often we know we need to curb the feelings that are
inappropriate but cultivating an opposing attitude at that time is not easy.
The commentators of the Yoga Sutras have explained the methods presented above for restraining and
ultimately transcending all desires. When we rise above our desires, we have reached purity of thought
and action, known assmruti parisuddhi. In dhyana, we require a strong resolve to maintain the state
of dhyana. When we get up from dhyana, we say I was in dhyana. In samadhi however, resolve is not
involved; it is a natural state to which a trained mind precipitates. In samadhi, the meditator, meditation
and the object of meditation all merge into one single entity. All relative concepts disappear and only
one activity of the mind persists. This is called samprajnata samadhi, a state in which the mind is still
immersed in an object of meditation. The next higher state of samadhi is asamprajnata samadhi wherein
the mind is totally still and purusha is established in its own pure and unsullied state.
Yogcharya S. Sridharan
Aasna_yast>keict! a[ayamenkecn
AaharXyaninymE>keicCDaIykmR[a
invayRNte=iolaraega>labRlaAip
sanbhysatakecitprymenakecana
hradhynaniyamaikecicchstryakarma
nivryantekhilrogprabhaldurbalapi (Yoga Rahasya I.28)
All illnesses irrespective of whether they are simple or complicated can be cured through Yoga. Some
are cured by sana, some by pryma, some by diet, some by disciplines and some by Vedic rituals.
(4) In deciding on a yoga course for an individual particularly for therapy purposes, factors relating
to age, work done by the individual, place of stay, surroundings, energy and strength of the person
is taken.
kaldezvyaev&izitvIRyivcar[at!,
yaegyaeg< kvIRt }ain maEinijtaTmvan!.
kladeavayovttiakttirvkyavicrat |
yogaprayogakurvtajnimaunijittmavn || (Yoga Rahasya I.30)
Before Yoga is taught the teacher should consider the time, surroundings, age, nature of employment,
energy and strength of the person and his power of comprehension. The teacher must be learned and
with self control.
The most important emphasize is the personal practice for the Yoga Teacher (Therapist). Only when
the teacher has achieved certain proficiency in Yoga through practice, which is depicted through the
knowledge and the stature of the mind, he/she becomes fit to teach Yoga and that too as a Yoga Consultant
for Therapy.
The water of the waterfall overflowed to all through the Life School -The Yoga Institute, Santa Cruz,
Mumbai, India which Shri Yogendraji founded in 1918, making it the worlds oldest organized centre
of Yoga. His dedicated family of his wife Mother Sita Devi, son Dr.Jayadeva Yogendra and his wife
Hansaji have continued to spread the message of vibrant living throughout the world. Yoga has become
a household word today thanks greatly in part due to these householder yogis.
Historically, The Yoga Institute has judiciously combined techniques of modern research methodology,
which uses a utilitarian approach, with the pure, traditional approach of a yogi. Research has been
conducted on disease conditions like asthma, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, orthopaedic conditions
including osteo and rheumatic arthritis, psychological problems. These have been published in national
and international journals, and our books and the series of Yoga Cyclopaedias edited by Dr. Jayadeva
Yogendra. There might be billions of researches done in Yoga all over the world. The Yoga Institute,
Santacruz is different in that it has always emphasized on Yoga for transformation. It is a holistic
approach, a way of life.
Yoga is a way of life involving moral discipline, mental hygiene, correct routines, habits, etc. Thus treatment
of disease condition in yoga is a secondary aspect of the larger process of healthy integration of ones
personality on the basis of accepted norms. It is after keeping in view this true purpose of yoga system
its theory and practice - that treatment of disease is carried out at The Yoga Institute since 1918, nearing
the 100 years milestone.
Yoga is just an effort to constantly remove such impediments that come in the way of the highest
spiritual experience. Continuing in the tradition of the Founder Shri Yogendra, his son, Dr.Jayadeva
Yogendra writes, The interest in Yoga is growing but remains limited to the immediate; the physical and
psychophysical Treatment of disease and body building seems to be the object.A new approach however
is needed to provide a deeper meaning to Yoga- a comprehensive view understanding of the overall good
of mankind has to be discovered. It will not be only curing of disease or strengthening the biceps and
triceps muscles of the body. Nor will it be for maintenance of good relationship with the outside world.
It will be rather an all comprehensive spiritual dimension. One will experience the highest good for
mankind and would continuously live that experience.
Shri Yogendraji, learnt deeper secrets of yoga techniques that he was convinced was of great significance
to the well-being of humanity. His Guru Paramahamsa Madhavadasaji asked him to spread the message
of yoga to the common people, i.e. the householders. He set out with a firm determination to serve
humanity through yoga, and after moving across 14 different locations, he finally established The Yoga
Institute in Santacruz, Mumbai, India
In one of his earliest writings Shri Yogendraji clarifies: The cures affected by yoga have been variously
ascribed to both healing and therapy. Healing is generally associated with the art of curing a disease with
spiritual or faith cure achieved in some inexplicable form. Yoga healing in this sense - often passing as
miracles - is a form of the therapy which has recently been fully recognized as a permissible method of
treatment.
Yoga healing through an obscure instrumentality undertakes the restoration to a normal condition the
medical term being homeostasis. The Yoga Institute set the framework and codified the principles of
yoga as a way of life with therapy as an offshoot. The Yoga Institutes unique approach to yoga with the
Bhavas (attitude training) and emphasis on Yamas (restraints), Niyamas (observances). It introduces
yoga lifestyle through a balance of Ahar (food) Vihar (recreation and relaxation) Aachar (routines
and behaviour) Vichaar (thought forms), keeping in mind the human goals of Dharma (duty), Artha
(earning), Kama (pleasure) and Moksha (selfless service).
Shri Yogendraji systematized the Asanas, which are nowhere clearly and unequivocally described in
all their details in the old literature. Knowing that the static execution of Asanas as practiced by Yoga
adepts of old was not feasible or even advisable for yoga beginners, he introduced the dynamic execution.
Most important he formulated a certain breathing pattern to be practiced in coordination with bodily
movements when doing the asanas. He further formulated a safe course of nine pranayamas of an
ascending order of difficulty. He devised a relaxation practice, Yogendra Nispandabhava, which is a great
gift to todays many un-relaxed people. Of the kriyas the hygienic practices of Hatha Yoga he selected
safe ones and standardised them. For the theoretical and intellectual basis of this great knowledge he
chose the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali which was compiled some 2000 years ago but is now valid as it ever
was and will ever be.
Yoga, as a process of education of the total personality, helps in steadying the mind. An unsteady mind
being a source of disease, the practice of Yoga influences the mind and helps in management of certain
diseases. The therapeutic aspect of Yoga is merely a by-product of its hygienic and preventive education
of the physical, the mental, the emotional, the moral, the intellectual and the spiritual. Controlling of
the ever-changeful mind is not so easy, because our mind is already programmed to carry through the
various antics till death. Our past heredity and ecology are responsible for our lifestyle, life-span, our lifeexperience and also our diseases. We develop as a consequence characteristic weaknesses or susceptibilities,
especially of the nervous cells and system as a whole, and we inherit such impure bio-energies (Pranas)
and as a result lack in capacities of absorption, elimination, maintenance or repair and growth.
Yoga took a meta-scientific attitude towards the problem of disease and its constitutional removal. The
Yogi is not satisfied just by understanding the gross body by itself in management of the disease. He is
instead more concerned with subtler factors involved in the pathogenesis of disease. These subtle factors
according to Yoga stem from the psyche. In the management of diseases, Yoga remains nonspecific. It
helps in generating greater Sattva (calmness) bringing about Prajna - (consciousness) as opposed to
Prajna-Aparadha (error of intellect). With the right approach and a balanced state of mind, it is easier to
set up healthier routines and right habits. This is, of course, the Yoga way of life which reduces Tamasika
(inert) and Rajasika (excitable) excesses in our personality make-up. Mind itself is the cause of diseases
and also of its cure.
KAIVALYADHAMA
An Institute for Scientific & Philosophico-Literary Research, Training & Therapy in Yoga
course for school teachers. It is responsible to execute various schemes of the Government of India such
as Promotion of Yoga in Schools NCERT Scheme, Promotion of Yoga in School health Department
of AYUSH, and specially designed training for Navoday Vidyalay wherein teachers are deputed to teach
the students and the teachers in 20 schools every year. Special courses for international students, like
Chinese, Korean and Japanese are also conducted by the college. It was declared as a Nodal Agency for
promotion of Yoga in schools by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India.
Right from beginning Swami Kuvalyananda organized the institution as spiritual center on one hand
and a therapeutic center on the other. It may be recalled that in late 20s Swamiji was invited by no less a
person than Mahatma Gandhi to treat him for certain ailments and also to obtain instructions regarding
his exercise and diet. In fact, Swamiji went to the Nandi Hills near Bangalore, Karnataka, and stayed with
Gandhiji to give him treatment for quite a few days and then followed it up with regular correspondence.
For ages now the value of Yogic System in treatment, rehabilitation and prophylaxis of certain diseases
has been well known and rightfully acknowledged.
With this in mind, Rugna Seva Mandir, a department devoted exclusively to the treatment of various
diseases through Yoga, has been functioning at Kaivalyadhama. Since 1924, its year of inception. With
the passage of time the number of patients seeking the advantages of Yogic therapy increased and the
need was felt to establish a full-fledged Yogic Hospital to cater to them. This became possible due
to the munificent donation by Shri Amritlal Gupta, who personally experienced the benefits of Yogic
therapy. The Shrimati Amolakdevi Tirathram Gupta Hospital and Health Care Centre is a result of his
magnanimous donation. This is the first ever hospital of its kind in India where Yogic treatment is given
under complete medical supervision and results assessed on scientific lines with the help of a research
laboratory.
Since Yoga helps balance the mind and body leading to better health, people began to understand that
it was a means of preventing ailments. Thus, the increased awareness of the benefits of Yoga necessitated
the conversion of the hospital into a full-fledged Health Care Center. The aim now is to provide people
with an efficient system of Health Management through Yogic practices. To broaden the sphere of health
and wellness, a nature cure centre was added in 1991 and a Ayurveda Centre in the year 2007. Thus now
you have a full-fledged Hospital and a health care centre rejuvenation, detoxification and healing.
The working of the institute is guided by the Governing Body, which has Swami Maheshananda as
the Chairman and Shri.O.P.Tiwari as the Secretary. An advisory body Chaired by Former judge of
the Supreme Court, Justice Shri. B.N.Shrikrishna has experts from various fields which advises the
Governing Body on important policy matters.
It is no exaggeration to say that Scientific Yoga in the single largest contribution of Swami Kuvalyananda
and that Kaivalyadhama is embodiment of that pursuit.
CHOICES IN LIFE
Annamayakosha
Pranamayakosha
Manomayakosha
Vijanamayakosha
Anandamayakosha
-
-
-
-
-
Physical body
Energy body
Mental body
Awareness body
Blissful body
Thus humans exist on multiple levels and the koshas reflect this in their state of consciousness. Most
ideas about ourselves relate to the first three bodies. The physical body is born of flesh, matures, withers
away. Emotions and thoughts are also of a fleeting nature.
We live under the false assumption (maya), that our personality is all there is. This belief seems rather
limited. Such an erroneous view of life is rather limited, due to our ignorance (avidya).
Interestingly, the word person comes from the Latin persona or a mask. We experience life through our
five senses. It is what we perceive to see, hear, smell, etc. None of these views are reliable because different
people use a variety of ways to deal with their senses. New ideas are often rejected in favour of the old
and tried. We are stuck in a rut as the saying goes. We prefer security instead of rocking the boat.
Life consists of, getting up, going to work, eating and drinking, back to bed. Now and then this pattern
is broken by going on holidays, changing our job. Soon we are back to where we were before.
Mental and Spiritual Make Up
The Western study of the mind is called psychology. If the psyche means the soul, then it involves more
than mere mental input. In yogic terms we exist as ahamkara or ego and Atman or the Higher Self. We
can choose our rate of progress if we want to avail ourselves of the numerous opportunities offered to
grow in consciousness.
The questions arises, Do we really want to change? This depends almost wholly on whether we are ready.
In the East a guru assists in this process. He exerts his influence over the chela or student in order to
advance him or her in their spiritual growth. I think the truthful position is that the guru achieves this
change in a student by imparting love and respect.
Without trust we get nowhere on the spiritual path. If we do not have faith, how can we respectfully love
God or ourselves. Our knowledge grows the more we are connected with the Divine Source. When this
energy permeates our Being and we become one with it, we will achieve Self-realisation. Intuitively, we
know this to be true. But do we also feel it in our heart? It demands mental and spiritual insight, not
just intellectual knowledge. There must be no separation between the Self and the Divine. Yet our ego
assumes a false identity, believing to know better.
Why does this happen? The ego wants to dominate and in the process distorts our view of life. This is a
good example of power corrupts if we allow it to do so. Fortunately, the Rishis or Seers are willing to
show us how to uplift ourselves. Their teachings are still as relevant today as they were in the past. Are we
willing to listen to them? Most of us are too busy to hear that Small voice within, let alone take notice
of some holy man or woman, or reading the sacred scriptures.
Kriya Yoga
The heading of our article is Choices in Life. Of course the ability to choose depends on the freedom
of choice. In turn it frequently leads to an action, (cause or effect) meaning kriya. Kriya Yoga consists of
tapas, brahmacharya, Ishvarapranidhana, believed to be the quickest way to Self-realisation.
Tapas - Much more than discipline. It also means purification by fire.
Brahmacharya - Literally, a follower of Brahma the Creator. Often abstinence of sex.
Ishvarapranidhana- Ishvara means God. We offer ourselves to a Deity or a Higher Power.
Yes! We do have choices providing we avail ourselves of the opportunities to grow in awareness. The
implication is that we must welcome every chance to do so. That requires dedicated practice. The key to
this aspect of mental and spiritual development is vairagyaor dispassion.
is created. Aligning one Self with the Atman enables us to experience a cosmic existence. It results in a
condition of super-consciousness or samadhi.
The Pathways
Life is full of opportunities to make something worthwhile of it. The saddest part is that so many people
forgo the chance to respond to the challenges. This applies equally whether things look good or bad.
Some dwell too much on the past and blame any situation on their hardships. Others hope the future
will be better.
Whether people strike it unlucky depends entirely on their point of view. They see adversity as a chance
to learn from it. Optimists fall down but get up. When pessimists fall down they often do not have the
energy to get up again. A third category simply continue in the same manner whatever may happen to
them.
Thus we can divide people into three categories:
Sattvic
Rajasic
Tamasic
The first category shows determination. From a yogic perspective they are regular in pursuing their stated
objectives and make the best of things.
The second category is easily distracted. They lack conviction and loose sight of their aim in life. A
considerable amount of karma has to be overcome. The third category has no incentive to get involved
in anything. They wont even miss the lack of choice. Their motto is: Why bother? The more freedom
we have, the greater becomes the number of choices. Furthermore, if we adhere to the concepts of the
Universal laws, the easier life will be for us.
Pathway One Leads To Freedom
Pathway Two Leads To Restricted Freedom
Pathway Three Leads To Lack Of Freedom
Wouldnt you agree that any person who walks Pathway One shows the greatest potential for spiritual
development? Since we all like to be free to choose, it seems ironic that anyone in their right mind would
want to suffer from lack of choice. But this is a choice too!
Do we exercise our ability to choose wisely? It appears not much of the time. Yet we dont want to
limit the range of choices. I can hear you say, Not me! We need to be aware of positive and negative
consequences of our actions. Forewarned is forearmed as the saying goes.
If we seek material happiness things will die, objects get broken or are lost. Gone is our happiness. False
assumptions lead to disappointments. If we find enlightenment it will result in peace and true happiness.
The Atman becomes fully absorbed in bliss consciousness or samadhi. Life will be complete.
Our happiness is shattered, due to attachment to the phenomenal world. If we realise our Divinity,
however, then we will understand the eternity of an indestructible Energy.
We feel this Energy pulsate through us as a higher frequency. Now we can truly say that we are alive.
Harmony is established at all the different levels. It prevails in the microcosm and the macrocosm.
We must allow this Energy to flow through us. That is the purpose of yogic practices. The clearer it is the
more Light and Love is created in life. When we are Self-realised well make choices which are in tune
with the Infinite. Aum tat sat. - Amen That (is the) Truth.
Sundays when we performed the elaborate Guru Pujas for the Samadhi Lingam of Sri Kambliswamigal,
the brass flower plate I was holding would shake with the immense vibrations produced by Poojya
Swamijis Mantras.
Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri had the most magical command of psychic mantra and he could produce
phenomena by chanting Sanskrit that I have never witnessed anywhere in the world. I was very fortunate
to have him as my Guru when I was young and he was in his forties. When he was much older he seldom
demonstrated his power with mantra.
He would induce profound psychic states in members of the Satsang group through chanting Shakti
mantras. One of the most spectacular events I witnessed occurred about 1957 at the Yoga Jivana Center
in Vancouver, Canada.
Swamijii had a lovely German disciple he named Rajinda and one night at Satsang he chanted some
special mantras with the result that Rajinda went deeply into trance and her body became so rigid that
Swamiji picked her up by one hand under her neck while her feet stayed on the floor. He released his
hold on the back of her neck when her body was raised about forty-five degrees off the floor and she
appeared to remain suspended by the feet, oscillating a few degrees back and forth with every intonation
he made. This defiance of gravity went on for several more minutes before he lowered her to the floor.
The shock of witnessing such things and being in his presence when he chose to demonstrate such power
is hardly comprehensible or even imaginable to those who have not experienced it. I stopped trying to
communicate the magic of such moments because most Westerners dismiss such an account as a lie at
worst, or an illusion, at best.
He was still capable of mischievously demonstrating right up to the early 1980s. In a New Age World
besoughted with channeling the following account by an American disciple of his, Yogacharya Rajudev,
who studied at the Pondicherry Indian Ashram with him in the 1980s is amusing. But one evening
stands out in my mind above all others. We had a student in the Ashram at the time who fancied
herself a psychic and had made a reputation in her home city for being able to lead people into past life
experiences. Swamiji, who of course had no tolerance for this kind of psychological hucksterism, decided
that enough was enough, and announced one afternoon that the evening Satsangha would be devoted
to a Yogic Sance where we would explore the past lives of some of the Ashram members. As his first
volunteer he brought a young American girl up to the front of the room and after chanting several
mantras started asking her if she could remember anything of her former life as a Chinese fighter pilot
being shot down in a dogfight with the Japanese over the East China Sea. When she said she couldnt,
the voice of someone, certainly not Swamiji, suddenly erupted from his body in fluent Mandarin. It
was so startling it sent chills up my spine and a young student sitting next to me was so frightened she
couldnt stop shaking until much later in the evening!
The understatement of my life would be to say, Swamiji taught me a few things about everything and
hence I have reached a point where I do not know anything about anything except anything I know
anything about.
The benefits of the japa of the Pranava AUM are listed in the Upanishads, as well as in Tirumandiram
and in the Bhagavad Gita. Always it is stressed that AUM is the svarupa of the Divine, its form made
manifest. In the tenth chapter of the Gita, Vibhuti Yoga, Lord Krishna tells his valiant warrior and friend
Arjuna: Among the great sages, I am Bhrgu; among utterances I am the mono-syllabled OM; among
holy offerings, I am the offering of Japa; among immovable objects, I am the mount Himalaya. (Tr. by
Swami Tapasyananda, Verse 25)
By repetition of AUM, one can attain liberation. In Chapter eight of the Gita, Akshara Brahman, Lord
Krishna tells Arjuna: Thinking of Me continuously, with a mind trained in the practice of spiritual
communion and freed from the tendency to stray away to other objects, one attains to the Divine Spirit
Supreme. (Tr. by Swami Tapasyananda, Verse 8)
Established in the spiritual communion by inhibiting all sensations, concentrating on the heart centre,
and drawing up the vital energies to the head, one should meditate on Me along with the utterance of
the single-syllabled mantra Om denoting Brahman. Departing from this body in this state, one attains
liberation. (Tr. by Swami Tapasyananda, Verse 13)
The Mandukya Upanisad begins by saying that Om is all this; whatever was is, and will be, as well as
that which is beyond the triple conception of time (quoted in John Grimes Ganapati. Song of the Self, p.
78). AUM is a vehicle to regain a state of balance through the awareness of the limits of our perceptions.
AUM is divided into three main sounds: A, U and M. Number three is a sacred number in many esoteric
traditions. It is the number linked to creation and the manifestation of form. Yogacharya Dr.Ananda
Balayogi Bhavanani in his book Yoga 1 to 10 writes:
The Pranava AUM (OM) is the Cosmic Nada (sacred sound of the universe), It existed before (Pra)
anything arose anew (Nava). [] The Pranava consists of three parts, namely the Akara (AAA), the
Ukara (UUU), and Makara (MMM). According to Tirumoolar, the Akara stands for the Jiva, Ukara
for the Para, and Makara for Shiva. He equates SIVAYA Mantra with the Pranava when he says that
Si stands for Shiva, Va for Para, and Ya for the Jiva. According to the Yogatattvopanishad, the three
Lokas, the three Vedas, the three Sandhyas, the three Svaras, the three Agnis, and the three Gunas are all
supposed to be the letters of the Pranava. The Garuda Purana says that the three syllables represent the
manifest (Vyakta), the unmanifest (Avayakta), and the Purusha. (p. 52)
Maharishi Patanjali, three thousand years ago, codified the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga in the Yoga
Sutra. In a succinct way only 195-196 Sutra Patanjali exposes human afflictions and their causes, the
ways to overcome them until steadiness of body and mind are reached, and then the further steps to
attain concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana) and finally, liberation (Samadhi). The eight limbs
(ashtaanga) of Ashtanga Yoga are analyzed under many angles (anga) so that we may find our individual
way into these coded disciplines.
In Sutra 27-29, Patanjali describes the benefit of the constant repetition of the Pranava Aum, the sound
of all sounds, the manifestation of all worlds, the embodied vibratory form of Isvara (God, the Absolute).
The repetition is not a mechanical one. One needs to first understand the meaning behind this seemingly
to turn a personal invocation into a Universal evocation. This concept is very important, as it is believed
that intoning Mantra without the protective seal of the AUM can attract the opposite effect.
In Tamil Nadu the AUM is often embodied in Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the Divine
Lord Dispeller of Obstacles, the Obstacle to the Obstacles. Both in the Sanskrit and in the Tamil symbols
for AUM one can imagine the head of an elephant with a twisted trunk, Vakra Thundaya. In her article
Striking Sparks. Making Fire, Smt Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani details the importance of
making and keeping a fire, Homa, in the ancient Indian household (home) and the necessary tools for
the traveler, the fire sticks:
These sticks were a life off bestowed upon one either by Guru or father. The fire sticks are a pair,
consisting of the flat lower stick, known as the AranimKritva. This has a small groove cut in the center,
into which the CottaraAranira, the upper stick, fits. To create the fire, the upper stick must literally be
drilled into the lower stick with exactly the right speed and pressure. The upper stick moves a full circle
to the left, stops for an instant, and then returns for a full circle to the right.
The heat builds up. The process must not stop, otherwise the point of friction will defuse and ignition
will not occur. Repetition (Abhyasa), constant action without stop, is the key to creating fire. Incessant,
unrelieved friction and intensity of unbroken effort alone will produce the sparks which create the fire.
Finally, from vibration to silence again. Quoting a passage from the Svetasvatara Upanisad (114), Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani unveils the process of making fire as a metaphor for the process of
enlightenment involving the Pranava AUM:
Svadehamaranimkritva, pranavamcottaraaranim dhyananirmathanaabhyasat, devampashyennigudhavat,
Make your whole being the lower fire stick, and the Aum (the Pranava) the upper fire stick. Ignite the
fire within by the power of the Adhyaan, your meditation, and touch the hidden source.
Sources:
1. Bhavanani, AB. Yoga 1 to 10. Understanding Yogic Concepts through a Numerical Codification.
Satya Press, Pondicherry, India, 2005.
2. Bhavanani, AB. Understanding the Yoga Darshan. Satya Press, 2011.
3. Bhavanani ,MD. Striking Sparks, Making Fire.Articolo on-line: www.icyer.com
4. Emoto, M. The Hidden Messages in Water. Hillsboro, OR: Beyond Words Publishing, 2004.
5. Grimes, JA.Ganapati. Song of the Self. Sri Satguru Publications, Ganeshpuri, India, 1995.
6. Mathur,HC. The Science of Awakening Consciousness (Our Ancient Wisdom).Occult India
Publications, New Delhi, 1990.
7. Tapasyananda, S.tr., Srimad Bhagavad Gita: The Scripture of Mankind. Sri Ramakrishna Math
Press, Chennai, India, 2008.
8. Giri, SG.Yoga Step by Step, Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry. 1976
9. Giri, SG. Pranayama: The Fourth Limb of Ashtanga Yoga. Pondicherry, India: Satya Press, 2008.
Our Yoga Therapy in India site provides profiles of one or more institutions within each of these facets
of Yoga Therapy along with interviews of their directors, many of which are founders of modern Yoga
Therapy.
Additional Objectives
Along with creating a video portrait of Yoga Therapy in India, we explored a number of questions we felt
were important for understanding Yoga Therapy in India and in the West.
History of Yoga Therapy
First of all, we wanted to understand how modern Yoga Therapy began. Who were its foundersand what
were their unique contributions?
The birth of modern Yoga Therapy is closely allied with a renaissance in Hatha Yoga that occurred at the
beginning of the 20th century. The practice of Hatha Yoga began around the 10th century and expanded
in scope up through the 17th century, represented by Hatha Yoga texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika
and Gheranda Samhita.
From the 17th to the 19th centuries, Hatha Yoga continued to be practiced by monks or ascetics in small
isolated groups, but without strong supporting organizations. This decline in Hatha Yoga was due to
several factors:
Successive waves of Muslim invasions from central Asia beginning in the tenth century had a
profound affect on Indian society. Under Muslim rule, attitudes toward Indias spiritual traditions
varied from repressive to supportive, buteven when rulers were open-minded, as in the case of the
Mughal emperor Akbar, there was mistrust of anything associated with Tantra including Hatha
Yoga.
English colonization, which began in the 17th century, also affected Indias spiritual traditions.
The English colonizers denigrated Indian culture as backward and inferior.Thomas Macaulay, a
British historian, was one of the main supporters of the Indian Education Act of 1836, which
made English the primary language of instruction in India. According to Macaulay, It is no
exaggeration to say that the entire Sanskrit language is less valuable than what may be found in
the most paltry abridgement (of English) used at any preparatory school in England.
The foundation for spiritual education in India was the gurukulam where students lived and
studied in the home of the guru. Within this system, students gained knowledge and also wisdom
4. Yoga Therapy associated with other healing techniques. This integrative approach combines Yoga
Therapy, either group or individual, with other complementary healing approaches, especially
Ayurveda and Naturopathy.
We observed a tendency toward an integrative approach in which the initial evaluation is conducted
by a physician who is also a yoga therapist. This is followed by the elaboration of a treatment plan for
an individuals specific needs in consultation with practitioners of the different complementary healing
methods and the Yoga Therapy team.
The Types of Yoga Practiced
We also wanted to observe the specific practices used in the variousYoga Therapy centers to see if there
are commonalities. Some of the main practices observed were:
Much of the Yoga practiced in the West has a strong influence from Krishnamacharya and his
lineage. This is not true for much of Yoga Therapy in India where the practices clearly have
a different genesis. There was a common thread in many of the practices including the warm
ups, Asanas, Pranayamas, Bhandas, Kriyas, and methods of meditation used. The practices we
observed have a strong correlation to the original texts of Hatha Yoga.
Pranayama is given a very high level of importance as a therapeutic modality in India. Yoga
Therapy sessions sometimes consist exclusively of Pranayama. Important research is being done
in Pranayamas benefits and precautions for specific conditions.
The Shatkriyas, the cleansing practices, are used very commonly and highly effectively in a
number of Yoga Therapy centers in India. Several centers have therapeutic units exclusively for
these practices.
Sanskrit mantras are used extensively as therapy. Mantras are empowered by thousands of years
of continual usage. Some centers prescribe specific mantras based on an individuals health
condition and ayurvedic assessment.
The Current Yoga Renaissance
We tend to think of the great milestones within Yoga, such as the compilation of the Yoga Sutras, as
belonging to the past, but there is a Yoga renaissance occurring in India right now. All of the Yoga
organizations, both old and new, are playing a significant role in this revolution in which large numbers
of Indians from all walks of life and all socio-economic groups are beginning to practice Hatha Yoga.
Swami Ramdev is at the center of this movement. His organization, Patanjali Yogpeeth, centered in
Haridwar, has captured the interest of mainstream India in a way that is unique. His Yoga television
broadcasts have as many as 30 million viewers daily. He has over one hundred thousand affiliate
organizations offering Yoga free to all socio-economic groups throughout India, with a special focus on
those groups that had previously had little contact with Yoga.
are the center and the other facets of Hatha Yoga are the periphery. We recommend giving
appropriate importance to pranayama, shatkriyas, mantra and other techniques that are being
used so effectively in India.
3. We encourage partnerships with Yoga Therapy institutions in India to make their books and
publications readily available in the West. We suggest that Yoga Therapy schools in the West
include Indian Yoga therapy textbooks on their required reading lists.
4. Sanskrit is not just a language; it is the medium through which Yogas healing essence has been
communicated for thousands of years. We recommend that basic literacy in Devanagari as well
as the ability to pronounce Sanskrit appropriately be a part of the IAYT standards.
5. We recommend ongoing communication between Yoga Therapy accreditation organizations in
India and the West around a range of issues including the possibility of recognizing each others
certifications.
6. A Yoga renaissance is occurring in India that is expanding to China, Japan and other countries
around the globe. We encourage greater understanding of this profound development so that we
in the West have a more active participation in Yogas global community.
7. We recommend that all Yoga Therapists spend time at Yoga institutions in India in order to
experience directly the core values that are the essence of Indian Yoga therapy.
We offer our deep gratitude to the Yoga Therapy organizations and professionals we met for their
openness and to the Indian people for welcoming us so warmly. We also thank the International
Association of Yoga Therapists for recognizing the value of the Yoga Therapy in India Video Project.
Brahm-alayam Ashram,
Devbhakti Mandir, HridayaNatya Mandapa, Citra Jyotir Kala,
Lotus Publ; Non-profit, member; CID-UNESCO, Holland.
1. Desambharatha/i itidevprana-jyotir-buddhi-anandamaum. Land of divine India it is gods prana
energy-light-wisdom, divine inner joy aum.
2. Sampradayamyogam;it is we live the path of evolution with sunshine energy harmoniously aum
3. The atman/divine soul-spirit is associated with & cantered in universal consciousness/ param
atman, aum
4. The atman/ divine soul-spirit is as natural as a sunshine ray in us, aum
5. The universe/ vishvam is oneness/ yogam-yuj& by natural practises & living, we experience that
reality of divine oneness, aum
6. Evolution means; we become cosmic-related people aum we exist from the universe/ vishvam ,
which is light/ devjyotiraum
7. Sampradayamyogam; it is to core yourself with the origin the divine/ the light, which gives
always; dev-sama divine harmony aum
8. Yogically; it is the sattvic guna ( pure serene quality) of our consciousness that brings us to a
higher awareness aum
9. Yogam/yuj; what is a quality? it is a value. fi. we have qualities/values of harmony, purity, justice,
wellbeing etc; sama-sattva-jyotir-nirnayakah, ayur-vedametcaum
10. Yogam/yuj; it is to live the sattva pure qualities/ values & nirguna what is connected with the
eternal life, in the here & now, as then these higher values become our evolution aum
11. Sampradayamyogam; in a sadhana life-style, we also keep silence/ maunam muni; it is a sattvic
practise for to let go what is needed & to connect oneself again with the higher life energy aum
12. Yogam/yuj; it is a path of aliveness divine wisdoms, aum. it means to share & be with god (ahimsa)
aum
13. Yogam/yuj; we are eternal beings aum. do not reject it, otherwise we reject evolution (divine/
light) aum
14. Yogam/yuj; we train & live (sadhana) the higher life consciousness-awareness as much as possible
we are able to with sincerity & responsibility aum
15. Yogam/yuj; what does the world/ earth really need? certainly no violences -wars (himsa), but
higher life meaningful values (ahimsa), aum
16. Yogam/yuj; to continue the sadhana in day-to-day life, we will receive the experiences needed to
evolve in(to) that divine life aum
17. Sampradayamyogam; to share that universal light & wisdom wellbeing/ vishvamjyotir-buddhiayurvedam it is living holistically (in the divine soul heart-spirit/ deivamatma-hridaya) aum
18. Desambrahmanjyotiritiprana-buddhi-ayurvedam, dev-shraddhahridayi-atmaniaum. land of
gods light it is prana energy-wisdom-wellbeing-divine trust in heart-spirit aum
Yoga in the form of Asanas and Pranayamas are always a blessing to any form of modern medicine. The
therapeutic index of asanas can be beneficial in culturing physical state while pranayamic techniques can
be vital in culturing mental health. Asanas referred in our ancient scriptures has been critically analyzed,
and by the virtue of the pose every asanas has its own specific indications and contra indications. Many
books from recognized yoga centers from our country have discussed and reported the benefits of asanas
in both physical dysfunction and other common medical ailments.
In this era of modern medicine one should always remember to refer the ancient Indian traditional
medicine of ayurveda and its principles. Its left up to the decision and the disposal of the individual
to carefully select and apply the desired technique of yoga therapy to suit the need of the patients. In
this aspect as a physical therapist I felt the need and the necessity to discuss the role of yogasanas and
pranayamic techniques in the therapeutic potential as far as musculoskeletal conditions are concerned.
Musculoskeletal complaints may usually arise by fourth to fifth decades of life and is of degenerative
in nature. This age group needs a thorough understanding of the problem they experience and thereby
providing a right platform to treat the pathology and prevent from its complications. The course of any
orthopaedic issue can get worse if the augmenting factors are not attended to. Yoga therapy by virtue of
its universality and holistic approach can be a better solution to control and modify the worsening of any
deviation of biomechanical issues.
It becomes an utmost responsibility of any physical therapist particularly from India to critically select,
analyze and apply the suitable asanas for the patients considering their co morbidities. In this regard
more research papers are required to familiarize the approach so that the application becomes more
scientific and valid more than a claim.
This presentation will discuss yoga application in a therapeutic potential in musculoskeletal conditions.
Potentialities
Extensive research on Yoga being done all over the world has shown promise with regard to various
disorders and diseases that seem to be amiable to Yoga therapy. These include the psychosomatic and
stress disorders such as bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome,
gastro intestinal ulcer diseases, atherosclerosis, seizure disorder (epilepsy) and headache. It also includes
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA CELEBRATIONS 2015
physical disorders such as heart disease, lung disease, and mental retardation. Psychiatric disorders such
as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and substance abuse can also be managed
along with other therapies. Musculoskeletal disorders such as lumbago, spondylosis, sciatica and carpel
tunnel syndrome can be tackled effectively with Yoga practices that offer a lot of hope in metabolic
disorders such as thyroid and other endocrine disorders, obesity and the modern metabolic syndrome.
Therapeutic Modalities of Yoga Therapy
1. Physical therapies: Asanas, Kriyas, Mudras and Bandhas gently stretch and strengthen muscles, improve
mobility, flexibility, respiration, circulation, digestion and elimination, and promote a general sense of health
and well being.
2. Emotional therapies: Swadhyaya, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Bhajana can calm and centre
the mind, helping to relieve stress and mental fatigue and bring about emotional balance.
3. Development of proper psychological attitudes: By encouraging us to step back and look objectively at our
habitual patterns of behaviour and thoughts, Yoga can help us to cope better with situations that put our
bodies and minds under strain. Development of the following qualities are also emphasized in order to
become mentally balanced humane beings: Vairagya (detached, dispassionate attitude), Chitta Prasadann
(acceptance of the Divine Will), Maitri (friendliness towards the happy), Karuna (compassion for the
suffering), Mudita (cheerfulness towards the virtuous) and Upekshanam (indifference and avoidance of
the evil) etc.
4. Mental therapies: Relaxation and visualization practices, Trataka, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana as well
as Dhyana. Relaxation is a central element in Yoga therapy as relaxation is the bodys way of recharging its
cells and helps to ease physical, emotional and mental tensions.
5. Spiritual therapies: Swadhyaya, Satsangha, Bhajana sessions and Yogic counseling are important aspects of
Yogic therapy that are often neglected in favour of the physical therapies alone.
6. Preventive therapies: Yoga has numerous preventive benefits especially when it is started early in childhood.
It helps in the prevention of accidents by increasing awareness as well as agility. Improved immunity helps
I preventing infectious and contagious diseases. The added benefit of starting early is that the person knows
the technique so that they can do it if needed at a later stage in life. Yoga also offers rehabilitative therapies
for most musculoskeletal conditions as well as in recovery for debilitating illnesses. The practice of Yoga also
goes a long way towards prevention of disability and improving quality of life in numerous chronic conditions.
7. Pain relief therapies: Yoga is a useful addition to the pain relief therapies as it increases pain tolerance and
provides an improved quality of life. It can be safely said that Yoga helps us endure conditions that it may
not be able to cure.
of the different schools of Yoga to the same condition. It is better to follow any one system that one is
conversant with, rather then trying to mix systems in a Yogic Cocktail. One must also be vigilant as
there is a strong presence of numerous quacks pretending to be Yoga therapists and this leads to a bad
name for Yoga therapy as well as Yoga in general.
Conclusion
Yoga helps us regain the ease we had lost through dis-ease (as implied by sthira sukham asanam). It
also produces mental equanimity (samatvam Yoga uchyate) where the opposites cease to affect (tato
dwandwa anabhigatha). This enables us to move from a state of illness and disease to one of health and
well being that ultimate allows us to move from the lower animal nature to the higher human nature and
finally the highest Divine Nature that is our birthright.
Recommended Reading
and alcoholism determine the incidence of heart disease and cirrhosis of liver. Exercise, healthy diet and
rest and relaxation are important components of lifestyle. From the yogic point of view, proper posture
and brahmacharya are very important components of ones lifestyle. Yog is the most perfect lifestyle
module as it is comprehensive and holistic in its nature.
Yog for healthy lifestyle
Yog is a scientific-spiritual discipline and conscious evolution of our physical, mental and spiritual aspects.
Its ultimate aim is to become divine by achieving unity with the all- pervading Divine Consciousness.
According to Sri Aurobindo, All life is yog because yog is a philosophy that can be applied to everyday
activities of our daily life. The ancient marvel of yog which is the most precious gem of our cultural
heritage has been preserved despite centuries of stagnation and suppression due to brutal foreign
invasions. And now it is our duty to promote and propagate it for the benefit of entire humanity. Yog is
holistic and its relevance is universal. It is the best means for improving our health as well as preventing
and managing stress and stress disorders which are unmanageable by our health care delivery system.
According to materialistic view, we are essentially a body that has a mind. On the other hand, from the
spiritual and yogic point of view, we are spiritual beings having human experience. In other words, we
are an individual soul that has two beautiful instruments, body and mind. These three entities, i.e. soul,
body and mind continuously and dynamically interact with, and influence each other. Yog has profound
influence on our total health and personality because it has desirable effect on all the three aspects of our
being. Yog is holistic in nature since it is science, philosophy as well as art. It has promotive, preventive as
well as curative potential. Its effect is augmentative as it improves our physical, mental as well as spiritual
health. Yog is a time-tested and safe tradition. Compared to other modes of health intervention, it has
many advantages. It is economical in terms of time, energy and resources. Being holistic, it is ideal for our
horizontal, in-depth as well as vertical development. For prevention as well as management of stress and
stress disorders, there is no method as effective and as far-reaching as yog. That is why Yogeshwar Krishn
describes the superiority of a yogi in unambiguous terms (Tapasvibhyo adhiko yogi. Bhagavadgita, 6:46)
Proper posture
From yogic point of view, proper posture and movement are important components of healthy lifestyle.
Posture is a manifestation of physical and mental balance and has powerful influence on physical aging
and mental mood. Good posture is very important for energetic and active life. When you are stooped,
you look old and feel old. Do not think that slumped posture is natural to old age. So, lift yourself against
the physical weight of gravity and mental weight of aging. Whether sitting or standing, maintain a
good, firmly upright but comfortable and relaxed posture as asan should be firm but comfortable (Sthir
sukham asanam. Yog Darshan). Stand and move with grace and vigor and do not tighten your muscles
stiff in unwanted and awkward position. Of the 700 muscles that we have, good posture needs only 5 key
muscles. Yogic posture is ergonomically appropriate and physiologically sound. Therefore, avoid poor
posture and slouching in a chair as it:
i) Distorts alignment of bones and creates more pressure on lower back.
ii) Tenses muscles resulting in muscle pain and stiffness of joints.
iii) Interferes with breathing and decreases vital capacity.
There is evidence that pranayam has therapeutic potential. In an interesting work from our laboratories,
we have demonstrated that subjects trained in yog can achieve a state of deep psychosomatic relaxation
and significant decrease in oxygen consumption within 5 minutes of practicing savitri pranayam
(Madanmohan et al. The Yoga Review, 3: 25,1983). Savitri pranayam is a slow, deep and rhythmic
breathing in which the ratio between purak, kumbhak, rechak and shunyak (bahya kumbhak) is 2:1:2:1.
Telles and Desiraju ( Indian Journal of Medical Research, 94: 357, 1991) also have demonstrated
that pranayam can decrease oxygen consumption significantly. More recently, we have demonstrated
the beneficial effect of pranayam in patients having premature ventricular complexes and palpitation
(Prakash et al. International Journal of Cardiology, 111: 450, 2006; Ravindra et al. Ibid, 108: 124, 2006).
It is clear that the power of pranayam is available to us freely. Let us use it for the benefit of the humanity.
Yog for prevention and management of stress
The all- pervasive stress and stress disorders are the bane of modern society. The main cause of stress
among the affluent sections is material progress without a parallel development of inner, spiritual
resources and this results in deep rooted conflicts and disharmony. Healthy balance between worldly
enjoyment (bhog) and detachment (tyag) is good for mental health. This point is beautifully taught in a
Vedic verse thus: This whole universe is pervaded by Ishwar. Enjoy this world with a sense of detachment
and do not covet the wealth of others (Ishavasyam idam sarvam. Yajurved, 40: 1). Chronic stress results
in disturbance of mental and physical equilibrium. The consequence is a host of chronic disorders like
hypertension, angina, diabetes mellitus, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel, chronic pains, insomnia and cancers.
It is alarming that the incidence of these lifestyle diseases is increasing in India. The problem is more
marked in urban areas where people are living a routine of daily rat race. Over-ambitious, ever-struggling
and restless persons (type A personality) are more prone to stress disorders. They can be screened in
their early life by psychophysiological tests and taught yog relaxation techniques as a preventive measure.
Yog has a comprehensive and holistic approach to health and is the best treatment for stress and stress
disorders. A judicious combination of simple stretching asans, slow rhythmic pranayams, yog nidra and
dhyan is most effective and ideal for prevention and management of stress. Mantr (e.g. AUM) chanting,
jap and bhajan singing, especially in a dedicated group (satsang) are very effective for managing stress
and improving mental health. Yogeshwar Krishn gives a very high place to jap and bhajan singing
when he says Among the offerings, I am the offering of jap (Yajnanam jap yajnosmi, Bhagavadgita,
10: 25) and He is the best yogi who worships Me by bhajan singing (Shraddhavan bhajate yo maam,
Bhagavadgita, 6: 47).
Many workers have demonstrated the effectiveness of yogic techniques in the control of blood pressure
and hypertension ( Selvamurthy et al. Ind J Physiol Pharmacol, 42: 205, 1998: Datey et al. Angiology,
20: 325, 1969). Yog lays great stress on proper diet, a distinctive feature of which is emphasis on purity
(satvik ahar) and moderation (mitahar). Overeating is a form of malnutrition that results in conditions
like obesity, diabetes mellitus, and arthritis. Yogeshwar Krishn emphasizes the importance of regulation
in diet, recreation, sleep-wakefulness and other activities for the yog sadhak (Yuktahar viharasya.
Bhagavadgita, 6: 17). Chhandogya Upanishd emphasizes the importance of purity of diet for our inner
purity (Ahar shuddhou satva shuddhi. 7: 26: 2). Purity of mind results in improved mental health and
freedom from psycho-somatic disorders. It is clear that yogic lifestyle is very effective for prevention as
well as management of stress and stress disorders.
conducted a randomized controlled study in elderly and studied the effects of Trataka in comparison to wait listing.
Neuropsychological test performance in Trataka group was better after exposure. In Yoga research, randomization
and choice of controlled condition are both challenges, more so in the clinical situation when one applies Yoga for
therapy as an add-on or as a sole agent. Yoga being a time-tested practice, subjects ask with a surprise why this
should be tested again/now. This surprise could lower the consent rates in addition to other barriers for Yoga. [9]
In a recent study on schizophrenia comparing add-on Yoga with exercise or wait list, the researcher had to contact
over 1000 patients to be able to obtain consent from just over 100 patients. [10]
In several of the measures used to study the effects of Yoga there can be a rater or subject bias. For example,
reporting of severity of pain, depression, etc., can be influenced. Hence the trials demand blinding of the rater, the
subject and the laboratories as well. In clinical drug trials therefore, identical-looking capsules/tablets are used
in place the control condition. Patients/experimental subjects as well as the assessing doctors will hence be blind
to intervention. Hence the reporting of effects remains objective. Blinding minimizes placebo effect. Blinding in
studies of Yoga is even more difficult. The closest that has been possible is use of exercise as a control to Yoga asanas.
[10]Still, there is no guarantee that blinding would occur. Alternatively an outcome parameter has to be chosen
that is least likely to be influenced by the placebo effect. Such a parameter will also be free of rater-bias. Some
examples include a structural measure of an organ (brain) in imaging, changes in the gene or its expression etc.,
With advances in molecular biology and related technology, it is likely scientists could unravel basic mechanisms
of Yoga and produce more robust evidence of effects of Yoga as desired by modern clinicians.
References:
1. Varambally S, Gangadhar BN. Yoga: A spiritual practice with therapeutic value in psychiatry. Asian J
Psychiatr 2012;5:186-9.
2. Ebnezar J, YogithaBali M R, John R, Gupta O. Role of integrated approach of yoga therapy in a failed
post-total knee replacement of bilateral knees. Int J Yoga 2014;7:160-4
3. Infante JR, Peran F, Rayo JI, Serrano J, Dominguez ML, Garcia L, Duran C, Roldan A. Levels of immune
cells in transcendental meditation practitioners. Int J Yoga 2014;7:147-51
4. Vinchurkar SA, Singh D, Visweswaraiah NK. Self-reported measures of mindfulness in meditators and
non-meditators: A cross-sectional study.International Journal of Yoga. 2014;7:142-146.
5. Holton M K, Barry AE. Do side-effects/injuries from yoga practice result in discontinued use? Results of
a national survey. Int J Yoga 2014;7:152-4
6. Bhavanani AB, Ramanathan M, Balaji R, Pushpa D. Comparative immediate effect of different yoga asanas
on heart rate and blood pressure in healthy young volunteers. Int J Yoga 2014; 7:89-95.
7. Mooventhan A, Khode V. Effect of bhramari pranayama and om chanting on pulmonary function in healthy
individuals - A prospective randomized control trial. Int J Yoga 2014; 7:104-110.
8. Talwadkar S, Jagannathan A, Raghuram N. Effect of trataka on cognitive functions in the elderly. Int J Yoga
2014;7:96-103
9. Baspure S, Jagannathan A, Kumar S, Varambally S, Thirthalli J, Venkatasubramanain G, et al. Barriers to
yoga therapy as an add-on treatment for schizophrenia in India. Int J Yoga 2012;5:70-3.
10. Varambally S, Gangadhar BN, Thirthalli J, Jagannathan A, Kumar S, Venkatasubramanian G, et al.
Therapeutic efficacy of add-on yogasana intervention in stabilized outpatient schizophrenia: Randomized
controlled comparison with exercise and waitlist. Indian J Psychiatry 2012; 54: 227-32.
MA, MSc, PhD., Cordinator-cum-Yoga Therapist, CYTER, MGMCRI and Yoganjali Natyalayam,
Pondicherry. http://sbvu.ac.in/cyter-center-for-yoga-therapy-education-and-research
2
Deputy Director, CYTER, MGMCRI and Chairman ICYER at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry.
www.icyer.com and www.rishiculture.org
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA CELEBRATIONS 2015
6. Attitude: It is important to Let things lie for some time when facing problems and many
situations resolve on their own. Other situations may appear smaller and less stressful after some
time. Development of a detached attitude can also help us to have a better perception of situations
and this in turn helps us to face them better.
7. Visualization: Visualization of a pleasant solution to the problems can also help a lot. This is quite
different from daydreaming. This is widely adopted by players and athletes for improving their
performance. After a stressful encounter, coolly sit in your chair, close your eyes and visualize the
episode as an act of an ignorant person and excuse him for the incident.
8. Auto-Suggestion: Another mental technique is Positive self-suggestion. The negative thoughts are
to be replaced with positive ones and an attitude of I can and I will is to be developed.
9. Self effort: Stress is related to the individuals environment and their tolerance capacity. As both
of these are different in different people, each individual has to settle for their own method for
managing their day-to-day problems. It must be clearly understood that we are responsible for our
health and happiness and have a duty to take care of these Divine gifts. Swami Gitananda Giri
used to often say, Health and happiness are your birthright. It is through our own efforts and will
power that we can ultimately solve the problem of stress and achieve our birthrights.
Yoga is an integrated way of life in which awareness and consciousness play a great part in guiding our
spiritual evolution through life in the social system itself by understanding that Yoga is the science and
art of right-use-ness of body, emotions and mind.
Basic Warming Up Practices
Jattis are basic movements of the body parts that help to release pent up tensions in those parts. They
increase circulation to the part and also the flow of Pranic energy is increased due to the movements. A
few of these practices will be described now.
Take up a comfortable standing position such as the Samasthiti Asana. Stand on one leg and shake the
other leg. Repeat on the other side and then alternate a few times between right and left. Stand on both
legs and start to shake your hands one at a time. Alternate between the right and left a few times and
then start to shake both hands at the same time.
Shake your hands and move them up, down, to the left and to the right. Shake your hands all around you
in a circular movement. This helps to energize the Pranamaya Kosha, our energy sheath or subtle body.
Come back to the standing position.
Open the legs two feet apart and keep the hands on the hip. Move the torso in all four directions clockwise and anti clock-wise in a grinding action. Then do it in a continuous manner. Bend forward and
perform some toe touching with a bouncing action. Bounce to the front, and then move to your left.
Move to your right and then come back to the front. Come back to the standing position.
Tala Kriya
The term, Tala refers to a Palmyra tree and you should try to stretch yourself
as tall as that tree while performing this practice. Take up a comfortable and
stable Samasthiti Asana. Breathe in and lift both arms up over your head
until they are parallel to each other. Let the palms of both hands face inward
and then go up onto your toes and stretch up as high as possible. Hold the
breath and feel the healthy stretch along your whole body from toes to finger
tips. Breathe out and relax your arms back to your sides while coming back to
the flat foot posture. Repeat the practice two more times at each session for
maximum benefit. With practice the posture can be held for a longer time and
normal breathing done while holding the posture for 30 to 45 seconds.
Release the posture and come back to the Uttana Asana. This posture gives an excellent massage to the
abdominal organs and is very useful for those suffering from diabetes as well as digestive disorders. It
is also useful for neck and back problems. Repeat the practice on the opposite side in a similar manner.
Hold the posture for 30 seconds with soft breathing. Release the posture and come back to the Uttana
Asana and relax with deep breathing for some time.
Ardha Matsyendra Asana
Sit erect with both legs stretched out in front and your palms gently pressing
on the ground by your sides in Uttana Asana. Fold your right knee and place
the heel tight in against the perineum. Place your left foot by the side of your
right thigh by crossing it over the knee. Bring your right hand round the outer
side of the left knee passing between the chest and the knee and catch hold of
the left big toe. Your right shoulder blade rests on the outer side of your left
knee.
Take your left hand round your back and try to get a grip on your right thigh.
Look back over your left shoulder. The erect knee acts as a fulcrum for getting
maximum twist of the spine. Keep your trunk vertical. Hold the posture for 30
seconds with soft breathing. This posture gives an excellent massage to all the
abdominal organs and is very useful for those suffering from diabetes as well
as digestive disorders.
Release and come back to the Uttana Asana.
Repeat on the opposite side by folding your left knee with the heel tight in against the perineum. Place
your right foot by the side of your left thigh by crossing it over the knee. Bring your left hand round the
outer side of the right knee passing between the chest and the knee and catch hold of the right big toe.
Your left shoulder blade rests on the outer side of your right knee.
Take your right hand round your back and try to get a grip on your left thigh. Look back over your right
shoulder. The erect knee acts as a fulcrum for getting maximum twist of the spine. Keep your trunk
vertical. Hold the posture for 30 seconds with soft breathing. When you are ready slowly release the
posture and come back to the Uttana Asana.
Chatus Pada Asana And Vyagraha Pranayama
Take up the Chatus Pada Asana with your
weight evenly distributed between your
hands and knees. Start breathing in and out
for an equal count of six. While breathing
in slowly lift your head and arch your back
downwards. Then breathe out slowly and
lower your head while arching your back
at the tip of your nose. Feel the cool inspired air flowing into your nostrils as you breathe in and become
aware of the warm expired air flowing out of the nostrils when you breathe out.
Consciously regulate your breath so that the duration of the incoming and outgoing breathes are equal.
The inspiration and expiration can be for a count of 4 or 6 initially and then with practice elongated to
a count of 8 or 10. Perform at least nine rounds of this conscious deep breathing and enjoy the relaxed
sensation that spreads throughout your body.
Relaxation in Shavasana can be further deepened by utilizing Savitri Pranayama to relax and rejuvenate
your body, emotions and mind. Breathe in through your nose for a count of 6. Hold in the breath for a
count of 3. Breathe out through your nose for a count of 6. Finally hold the breath out for a count of 3.
Make sure that you are breathing in and out through both nostrils and that you are using the complete
Yogic breathing. Perform at least 9 rounds of this combination practice that heightens the relaxation to
a very deep level.
After performing 10 to 15 minutes of the Shavasana slowly start to move your fingers and toes. Perform
conscious stretching and make a smooth transition from the relaxed to the active state. Lift your left
arm over your head and turn over onto your left side. Continue the turning action until you come into
the face-prone posture. Perform Makara Asana by placing your right hand on the left while the left is
placed palm down on the ground in front of you. Keep your forehead or chin on your right hand while
keeping your legs a foot apart. Bring your hands forward near your shoulders and push yourself back into
the Bhujanga Asana. Continue the back bending movement and go into the four footed Chatus Pada
Asana. Relax into the Shashanga Asana with your arms stretched out in front and then finally come back
to the Vajrasana. With your palms on your thighs sit quietly for some time and enjoy the effects of the
deep relaxation that has spread to every part of your body.
Spanda Nishpanda Kriya
This practice is done from Shavasana using the yogic concept of Shpanda Nishpanda, which means
the coupling of tension and relaxation. We consciously tense different parts of our body as much as
possible and then relax them to the maximum in a step-by-step manner. This produces a better relaxation
response than the mere attempt to relax without putting in the initial effort of tension.
Lie down in a comfortable supine Shavasana with your entire body in a singe straight line. After a few
seconds of relaxation in this position, start to tense your entire body part-by-part from your toes up to
the top of your head until every part of your body is as tense as possible. Hold this 100% tension state
of Spandha for a few seconds. Let all the muscles of your entire body be as tense as possible. At the peak
of the tension, just let go and immediately relax your entire body 100%. This is the state of Nishpanda.
Enjoy this relaxed state and with conscious awareness continue to watch your breath as it comes in and
goes out of your nose.
Repeat this practice again by tensing up your entire musculoskeletal system to the state of Spandha and
hold it for a few seconds. When ready let go completely and enjoy the Nishpanda state for a few minutes.
Again shake your hands as fast as possible. Breathe in and catch hold of the tension in your fist. Throw it
all away with a blast. Make sure that you are using your diaphragm muscle vigorously while blasting out
the breath in this practice. After performing 3 to 9 rounds of this practice, relax in the standing position
and enjoy the feeling of relief that sweeps through your arms as you relax with some deep breathing.
Pranava Pranayama
Tasya vachakah pranavaha, the sacred sound of the Divine is the
Pranava says Maharishi Patanjali. This develops abdominal, thoracic
and clavicular regions of the lungs to their maximum capacity. This
Pranayama has unlimited healing potential and brings about harmony
of body, emotions and mind. It is an important part of Rishiculture
Ashtanga Yoga tradition as taught by Yogamaharishi Dr Swami
Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj.
Adham Pranayama, the abdominal or lower chest breathing. Put
the fingers into the Chin Mudra with the index and thumb fingers
touching each other at the tips. Keep the other three fingers straight
and united. Take a deep breath into the lower chest and abdominal
regions and then let it out with the sound aaa.
To perform thoracic or mid-chest breathing, the Madhyam
Pranayama, curl your fingers inward to form Chinmaya Mudra. Take
a deep breath into the mid chest and thoracic regions and then
breathe out with the sound ooo.
Adyam Pranayama is the clavicular or upper chest breathing and
utilises Adhi Mudra. Clench your fists with your thumb in the centre.
Keep the Adhi Mudra on your thighs and breathe deeply into the
upper chest and clavicular regions and then exhale with the sound
mmm.
Joining the earlier three parts of the breath in a complete Yogic
breath is the fourth stage, known was Mahat Yoga Pranayama. Put
the Adhi Mudra with knuckles of your right and left hands touching
in front of the navel. This is now known as the Brahma Mudra. Take
a deep breath into the low, mid and upper chest regions. Now let the
breath out with the sounds of aaaooommm. Relax and enjoy
the feeling of potent healing energy flow through the entire body.
Chandra Pranayama
Sit in Vajrasana and perform Nasarga Mudra with your right hand. Close your right nostril with your
thumb. Inhale slowly through your left nostril for a count of four. Now exhale through the same left
Take up a straight back sitting position and sit facing to the North or East in the early morning. Keep
your mind as placid as possible, as this is the important feature of the early morning meditation. Breathe
slowly and rhythmically, but very quietly. Do not upset the peace. Hold your mind concentrated inside
your head at a point in line with the eyebrows. Relax. Dont attempt to force visualization, simply be alert
and expectant. Presently, you will have the sensation of movement within the head, as though watching a
ticker tape of your thoughts. The thoughts will be in extreme slow motion. Observe the thoughts. Dont
get emotionally involved with them, just watch them. You will actually be able to see your thoughts, as
well as hear them. Usually, the thoughts are quite mundane, but benign. Simply observe them, passively
and dispassionately.
Om Japa: Take up any meditative posture and start to perform the Savitri Pranayama in a 6 by 3 or 8 by
4 rhythm. Make an audible Pranava OM in the Bindu Nadi. With Japa-Ajapa, make silent intonation
of the Pranava OM concentrating at this same point. Do not let the mind waver away from either a
conscious repetition of the Mantra OM, as Japa, or as the silent Ajapa.
Professor Dr MADANMOHAN
Dr. Madanmohan is Professor & Head, Department of Physiology at the
Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute and Director CYTER.
He has teaching & research experience of more than 45 years and his fields
of research are yoga, yoga therapy, cardiovascular & respiratory physiology.
He has delivered more than 50 invited talks on yoga in conferences, academic
forums and organizations and has numerous awards including Gold Medal &
Scroll of Honor, Annual Internal Oration (2009-10), JIPMER Scientific Society;
Best Personalities of India Award and Gold Medal, Friendship Forum of India
and Honorary appointment to the Research Board of Advisors (1999) of the
American Biographical Institute.
He was Founder-Programme Director of ACYTER, JIPMER. He has 110 research papers (including
original research work) in national and international journals, more than 80 abstracts and 30 magazine
articles. He has guided 36 PGs (MD, MS, MSc, and PhD) students in their thesis work and 15 medical
students in their ICMR Research Studentship. He has worked in 26 research projects as chief investigator
/ co-investigator. He has personally given yoga training to medical students, school children, police
personnel and general public as well as yoga therapy to hospital patients. He has organized many
workshops and CMEs in Yoga and edited 8 proceedings of workshops / CMEs / symposia and 3 reports of
research projects in yoga. He has served as expert in selection committees of UPSC, JIPMER, University
of Madras, NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, Pondicherry Government Medical College and AIIMS. He has also
been part time MCI inspector (for UG & PG) for inspection of medical colleges and Member, Inspection
Committee for Medical Colleges, Pondicherry University. He was honoured by Yoga Jivana Satsangha
(International) with the Karma Yoga Shironmani in 2003 in recognition of his illustrious service for the
integration of yoga and modern medicine.
Dr M PRAKASH RAO
Dr M Prakash Rao is a senior homeopathy consultant of Pondicherry who
is currently serving as Scientist-4 and Research Officer in Clinical Research
Unit for Homoeopathy Puducherry under Central Council for Research in
Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
He completed his DHMS from JSPS Homoeopathic Medical College, Hyderabad and MD (Homoeopathy)
from Dr BR Ambedkar University. He has undertaken the epidemiological research of a door to door
survey and incidental medical aid in the state of Puducherry as well as carried out on 14 clinical research
projects on different health conditions as well as three collaborative studies with JIPMER.
He has received Outstanding Young Person Award from Junior Chamber of Pondicherry in 1990
and Certificate of Appreciation from Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry. He has been awarded by
the Rotary Club of Pondicherry Mid Town, Lions Club of Pondicherry, Bharath Jan Vigyan Jatha and
Citation for popularizing Homoeopathy in Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu by Tamil Nadu Homoeopathic
Qualified Doctors Association in 1996.
Male
Female
TG
Total
2010
31
28
59
2011
440
750
27
1217
2012
210
542
10
763
2013
553
817
1372
2014
2047
2276
122
4445
2015 (Jan-May)
1255
2551
3811
Grand total
11667
Yoga Education:
Holistic health, integrative treatment and mindbody medicine are now buzz words. Integrating Yoga
with modern medicine will enable us to produce holistic physicians for health delivery of tomorrow as
integrative medicine becomes popular.
Our PG Diploma in Yoga Therapy (PGDYT) is one of the innovative courses in the country as it is
offered through a medical institution and combines the ancient wisdom with evidence based approach of
modern medicine. The course is conducted by experienced faculties who have Yoga and modern medical
training as well as a wealth of therapeutic and research experience with more than 200 publications to
their credit.
This two semester (480 hr) part time course aims to produce qualified Yoga therapists competent to impart
a scientifically sound Yoga therapy programme for patients of different conditions. The syllabus includes
topics dealing with teachings drawn from ancient texts combined with modern medical advancements
thus exposing students to various clinical applications of Yoga as a therapy in a medical institution.
Internal assessment is given based on seminars and assignments and the students participation in regular
patient care and research activities of CYTER in the hospital. A total 600 marks is allotted for theory
including:
Foundations of yoga
Foundations of modern medicine
Foundations of yoga chikitsa (application of yoga as a therapy)
Application of yoga in different fields of human endeavor
Role of yoga in cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and digestive disorders
Yoga as a therapy for neurological, endocrine, metabolic, psychiatric and other disorders
There is an extensive Practicum in both semesters (400 marks) that provides training in extensive Yogic
techniques that are then applied in different conditions. Hands-on training in conducting sessions for
healthy participants as well as clinical experience in dealing with patients of various conditions is provided.
The first batch of students graduated from our PG Diploma in Yoga Therapy (PGDYT) in March 2015
and we are very proud that they will be the first set of Yoga Therapists graduating from a modern medical
university. The second batch of students are currently pursuing the second semester with great interest.
We are planning to convert the course into a two year Master of Science in Yoga Therapy (MSc YT) from
the upcoming academics session ( July/Aug 2015).
Outreach Programmes, Events And Honurs:
Efforts to include Yoga in MBBS curriculum. Regular updates on the psycho-physiology of Yoga
and its therapeutic potential are given for the 1st year MBBS students.
Yoga training has been given for nursing students of the Kasturba Gandhi Nursing College on
a regular basis since 2011. Nursing recruits visit CYTER during their orientation programmes
and are given special sessions highlighting benefits of Yoga. At present 100 nursing students are
enrolled for a 6 week training programme.
Regular Yoga awareness programmes in MRD since September 2013.
Regular talks as part of arthritis, obesity, back pain, diabetes awareness programmes organized by
various departments.
Capsule talks and lecture-demonstrations in Scientific Academic Forum (SAF)
Outreach programmes in educational institutions and other social organizations to create
awareness of Yoga and the functioning of CYTER at MGMCRI.
A CME-cum-Workshop on YOGA AND LIFESTYLE DISORDERS was organized by
CYTER and Department of Physiology at MGMC&RI on 22 November 2013. More than 250
medical and paramedical professionals and students as well as Yoga practitioners and enthusiasts
took part in the CME that gave participants an overview of the role Yoga can play in lifestyle
disorders by inculcating a healthy lifestyle.
The CYTER team of Prof Madanmohan (Director), Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani (Deputy
Our Deputy Director Dr Ananda gave a special interactive session on Mind, Health, Discipline
Development for XII Std Students of the Wiseman HSS in Pondicherry on 1st October 2014.
More than 200 students and staff attended the session where they were introduced to the concepts
and scientific basis of Yoga. They were also made aware of the training and patient care facilities
available at CYTER.
An interactive session was conducted by Meena Ramanathan, Coordinator-CYTER as a CPE
on 26.10.2014 for in service pharmacists, staff and faculty of Indira Gandhi Government General
Hospital and Post Graduate Institute (IGGGH&PGI) Pondicherry. She gave an interactive
talk cum practical session on Yoga, the Mind Body Medicine; A balm to calm the minds. The
4th CYTER Foundation Day was celebrated on 1st November 2014 in a gala manner. Prof N
Ananthakrishnan, Prof S Krishnan, Prof VR Srinivasan, Dr Nirmal Courmar, Dr Ravichandran
felicitated the occasion. Mrs Asha and Mr Balamukundan represented the administration and
NS graced the occasion. A yoga demonstration was done by students of the PGDYT course and
the Senior citizens from Serene Pelican Township. Participants, students and faculty gave their
positive feedback on the past 4 years of the activities at CYTER since its inception in 2010.
CYTER conducted a special Programme for people of the third gender from SCHOD Society,
Cuddalore from 3rd to 7th November 2014. More than 15 transgender citizens attended the
sessions at CYTER, as part of a pilot study of Senthil Kumar, MSc Nursing, KGNC. Dr Ananda
gave an introduction and then the practice session was conducted by Yoga instructors Dhanush,
supported by Latha.
Our Deputy DirectorDr Ananda Balayogi Bhavananiwas an invited expert for the Consultative
Meeting of World Health Organizations Collaborative Centre in Traditional Medicine (Yoga)
at MDNIY, New Delhi on 10.11.2014. The meeting was Chaired by Dr Ishwar Basavaraddi
(Director MDNIY) and conducted by Dr Ishwara Acharya (Director CCRYN and Programme
Officer WHOCC). Other eminent members were Dr.Shirley Telles (Patanjali University), Dr. SC
Manchanda (Ganga Ram Hospital), Dr Bimal Chaajer (SAAOL), Dr KV Naveen (SVYASA)
and Dr JS Thakur (PGIMER). The WHO representatives were Dr Kim Sung Chol (TIP in
Traditional medicine) and Dr Kathleen AS Holloway (Regional Adviser).
CYTER Team took part inPondicherry Yogasana Associations 29th Yoga Sport Championship
held on 15th and 16th November 2014. More than 1200 participants were given awareness about
CYTER.
Coordinator-CYTER Dr Meena Ramanathan conducted a CME on 23.11.2014 for Nurses,
Educators, Social Workers, Sisters and Nuns, staff and faculty of the congregation of St.Cluny
as part of The South East Province Health Commission Meet for the South Zone on Yoga &
Meditation; The Mind-Body Medicine; The Balm to Calm the Mind at St. Josephs Hospital
(CLUNY).
A CME on SLEEP, CONSCIOUSNESS AND MEDITATION: NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL CORRELATESwas held at MGMC&RI, Pondicherry on 27thNovember
A three month biweekly Yoga training programme was conducted at CYTER for 2nd year BSc
nursing students of KGNC. 50 of the 2nd year BSc nursing students of KGNC (1st Batch) underwent
intensive training program including stress reduction, surya namaskar, asanas, pranayamas and
relaxation techniques. They were also exposed to an introduction to Yoga philosophy, psychology
and lifestyle. The valedictory of the Yoga training programme for the 1st batch was held on 4th
March at CYTER. Prof KR Sethuraman, VC, SBVU gave away the certificates for the 50 students
in the presence of Dr Madanmohan (Director CYTER) and Dr Renuka (Principal KGNC).
The students did a demonstration and gave excellent feedback. Faculty members of KGNC and
CYTER staff participated in the event. At the suggestion of the vice chancellor an avant-apres
compassion was done with the students giving single words for the way they perceived the pre
-post effects of yoga training in their lives. The second batch of 50 students started their training
on 9th March and this biweekly programme is continuing at present. The students have also
been participating in pilot studies on the effects of various yoga techniques thus simultaneously
enhancing their scientific understanding of Yoga.
Dr Meena was invited to be a panelist for the Womans Day celebrations event organized by
Pondicherry Tourism and The Hindu at Hotel Surguru. She was felicitated for her significant
contribution to welfare of women in Pondicherry and presented her views on the empowerment
of women through Yoga.
Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani attended the Board Meeting of the Council for Yoga
Accreditation International of which he is a member of the Board of Directors. The meeting
was held at Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavla, India on 14-15 March and presided over
by Shri Om Prakash Tiwari, Chairman of Board in the presence of Dr HR Nagendra, ViceChair of Board with other Directors including Dr Ananda in attendance. Dr Rajan Narayanan,
Secretary of Board conducted the meeting that passed major resolution on setting standards for
Yoga instructors, teachers and therapists. The Council for Yoga Accreditation International is a
Peer Accreditation Association of Yoga Certification and Degree Granting Institutions modelled
around the University accreditation system in the United States and field specific, standards
bodies like that of law schools, business schools and medical schools.
Dr Ananda was invited to deliver a special address at the Maharishi Gitananda Yoga Centre at
the Lexicon school in Viman Nagar, Pune on Sunday 15th March 2015. The centre is run by
Sumita and Praveen Mukherjeewith the support of the Lexicon Group. More than 30 members
of the Pune Yoga family joined Dr Ananda for a Satsangha and enjoyed every moment of the
interaction that resulted from inquisitive questions regarding many aspects of Yoga.
Dr Ananda was invited to be on the AYUSH Ministry Committee of Yoga Experts for
International Day of Yoga celebrations 2015. He attended the first of the meetings in New Delhi
on 6th April 2015. The meeting was chaired by Dr HR Nagendra, Chancellor SVYSA University
and attended by eminent yoga experts as well as secretaries and officers from departments of
AYUSH, MEA, HRD and Culture.
Dr Ananda participated in the Executive Council meeting of the Indian Yoga Association at
MDNIY, New Delhi where many important decisions were taken regard celebration of the
2013; 3(6):17-23
8. Madanmohan. Integrating yoga and modern medicine. Annals of SBV 2013; 2 (2): 7.
9. Madanmohan. Yog for healthy lifestyle. Annals of SBV 2013; 2 (2): 20-23.
10. Bhavanani AB. Psychosomatic mechanisms of yoga. Annals of SBV 2013; 2 (2): 27-31.
11. Bhavanani AB. Yoga practices for prevention and management of lifestyle disorders. Annals of
SBV 2013; 2 (2): 32-40.
12. Bhavanani AB, Ramanathan M, Balaji R, Pushpa D. Differential effects of uninostril and alternate
nostril pranayamas on cardiovascular parameters and reaction time. Int J Yoga 2014; 7: 60-65.
13. Sharma VK, Raja Jeyakumar M, Velkumary S, Subramanian SK, Bhavanani AB, Madanmohan,
Sahai A, Dinesh T. Effect of Fast and Slow Pranayama Practice on Cognitive Functions in
Healthy Volunteers. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research 2014; 8 (1) : 10-13.
14. Bhavanani AB, Ramanathan M, Madanmohan. Immediate effect of alternate nostril breathing
on cardiovascular parameters and reaction time. Online International Interdisciplinary Research
Journal 2014; 4; (Sp Issue): 297-302.
15. Bhavanani AB. Yogic perspectives on mental health. International Light 2014. Jan-March: 1417.
16. Bhavanani AB. Yoga. Clinical Roundup: Selected Treatment Options for Depression. Alternative
and Complementary Therapies 2014; 20: 54-55.
17. Madanmohan. Yoga for youth. Souvenir of the National Yoga Week 2014. MDNIY, New Delhi,
Feb 2014. Pg 52.
18. Bhavanani AB, Madanmohan, Meena Ramanathan, Srinivasan AR. Yoga improves psychophysical
health of nursing students. Souvenir of the National Yoga Week 2014. MDNIY, New Delhi, Feb
2014. Pg 65-70.
19. Bhavanani AB. Introducing integral yoga education for the youth. Souvenir of the National Yoga
Week 2014. MDNIY, New Delhi, Feb 2014. Pg 84.
20. Meena Ramanathan, Bhavanani AB. Immediate effect of chandra and suryanadi pranayamas on
cardiovascular parameters and reaction time in a geriatric population. International Journal of
Physiology 2014; 2 (1): 59-63.
21. Rajajeyakumar M, Amudharaj D, Bandi harikrishna, Madanmohan T, Jeyasettiseloune, Bhavanani
AB. Immediate effect of different pranayam on short term heart rate variability in health care
students. A preliminary study. International Journal of Physiology 2014; 2 (1): 39-43.
22. Bhavanani AB. Yoga: A novel integrative therapy. NisarVarta 2014; 6 (5): 13-15.
23. Bhavanani AB, Jayasettiaseelon E, Sanjay Z, Madanmohan. Immediate effect of chandranadi
pranayam on heart rate variability and cardiovascular parameters in patients of diabetes mellitus
and hypertension. Yoga Mimamsa 2013; 45 (1&2): 1-13.
24. Dinesh T, Gaur GS, Sharma VK, Bhavanani AB, Rajajeyakumar M, Sunder AS. Effect of slow
and fast pranayama training on handgrip strength and endurance in healthy volunteers. Journal
of Clinical and Diagnostic Research 2014; 8 (5): BC01-03.
25. Bhavanani AB, Meena Ramanathan, Madanmohan. Yoga and mind body therapies in health and
disease: a brief review. Annals of SBV 2014; 3 (1): 29-41.
26. Bhavanani AB. Yogic perspectives on mental health. Annals of SBV 2014; 3 (1): 47-52.
27. Bhavanani AB. The yoga of interpersonal relationships. Annals of SBV 2014; 3 (1): 53-60.
28. Bhavanani AB, Ramanathan M, Balaji R, Pushpa D. Comparative immediate effect of different
yoga asanas on heart rate and blood pressure in healthy young volunteers. International Journal
Feb 2014. Pg 6.
8. Yoga improves psychophysical health of nursing students. Bhavanani AB, Madanmohan, Meena
Ramanathan, Srinivasan AR. Abstracts of the National Yoga Week 2014. MDNIY, New Delhi,
Feb 2014. Pg 21.
9. Introducing integral yoga education for the youth. Bhavanani AB. Abstracts of the National Yoga
Week 2014. MDNIY, New Delhi, Feb 2014. Pg 22.
10. Neurophysiological basis of conscious behaviour. Madanmohan. Souvenir of the CME on Sleep,
consciousness and meditation: neurological correlates. Department of Physiology and CYTER,
Puducherry. 27.11.2014. pg 21
11. Therapeutic potential of meditation. Bhavanani AB. Souvenir of the CME on Sleep, consciousness
and meditation: neurological correlates. Department of Physiology and CYTER, MGMCRI,
Puducherry. 27.11.2014. pg 25
12. Role of yoga in non-communicable diseases: A brief review. Bhavanani AB. Abstracts of the
National Yoga Week 2015. MDNIY, New Delhi, Feb 2015. Pg 6-7.
D. COMPLETED RESEARCH PROJECTS (4):
1. Differential effects of uninostril and alternate nostril pranayamas on cardiovascular parameters
and reaction time. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. CYTER
2. Comparative immediate effect of different yoga asanas on heart rate and blood pressure in healthy
young volunteers. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. CYTER
3. Immediate effect of suryanamaskar on reaction time and heart rate in female volunteers. Meena
Ramanathan. CYTER
4. Effect of 12-weeks of yoga training on cardiorespiratory, neurological and psychological
parameters in a geriatric population. Meena Ramanathan. CYTER
E. ONGOING RESEARCH PROJECTS (6):
1. Intra ocular pressure variations in forward bending yoga postures. Collaborative project with
Department of Ophthalmology, MGMCRI. Proposal approved by IHEC in April 2014 and
subjects are being recruited.
2. Effects of tratak and bhramari pranayama (yogic eye care module) on ocular muscle balance
and accommodation in computer vision syndrome. Collaborative project with Department of
Ophthalmology, MGMCRI. Proposal approved by IHEC in April 2014 and subjects are being
recruited.
3. A study to assess the effectiveness of pranayama on level of depression among the transgender.
Collaborative project with KGMC.
4. Effect of yoga training on cardiorespiratory health in obese subjects. Proposal submitted to
CCRYN, AYUSH, Ministry of Health & FW, Govt of India after clearance from IHEC.
5. Effect of 4 weeks yoga training on cardiorespiratory, neurological, haematological and
psychological parameters in nursing students. Proposal approved by IHEC and subjects are
being trained.
6. Effect of a comprehensive yoga therapy module on the pulmonary function and quality of life
in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Collaborative project with