International Conference on
YOGA IN EDUCATION
27 November 2012
Respected His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Shivakumara Maha Swamiji, Prof. HR Nagendra, Dr. P Sadananda Maiya, Prof. SC Sharma, and the most distinguished personalities on the dais, Invitees, Guests, and Participants.
I am indeed honoured to participate in the inaugural function of the International Conference on Yoga in Education organised by Tumkur University, S-VYASA University and Sera Jey Monastic University.
In the present day the world is not peaceful. We hear about the disturbances in the society, the reasons could be many. Disturbed minds of the individuals lead to the disturbances in the society. Undoubtedly, Yoga is an answer for maintaining the peace in those disturbed minds. If Yoga is taught in the schools, the early stage education prevails on those minds, reducing the influence of the disturbed minds. Yoga education creates synergy between the mind and body, which enables the understanding of problems faced by the Humanity.
The great Sage Maharishi Patanjali (800 BC) classified Yoga into four main branches, according to the range of qualities existing in humans. These are Bhakti Yoga - the path of devotion; Karma Yoga - the path of action; Jnana Yoga - the path of philosophy and intellect; and Raja Yoga - the path of self-discipline.
Defence Scientists at DRDO in collaboration with the Global Hospital and Research Centre, Mount Abu - an institution of the Brahma Kumaris had tried out a unique way of introducing Yoga in curing people who have got Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD). 120 patients having blockage in the arteries were studied. 60 patients were given normal treatment and rest was asked to practice the Raja Yoga. After 6 months time, the patients were angiographed. The patients practiced Raja Yoga were found with no blockages in the arteries. Such is the power of Yoga.
Maharishi Patanchali in Yoga Sutra says:
“ When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary work, all your thoughts break their bounds, your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction and you will find yourself in a new great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamt yourself to be .”
Thus, Yoga not only keeps one’s body and mind united giving peace, but also energises oneself to take up big challenges. It creates the required positive energy with determination.
The benefit of Yoga must reach to everyone if the world has to be peaceful. Along with Yoga, if we all practice to eliminate the desire and greed then we will attain the societal peace and harmony.
If the society is peaceful, understanding each other that blossoms to the world. One should have the Righteousness to help this process of World Peace. It reminds me of the Divine Hyme from Sathya Sai Baba of Puttabarti which says:
Where there is righteousness in the heart,
There is beauty in the character.
When there is beauty in the character,
there is harmony in the home.
When there is harmony in the home.
There is an order in the nation.
When there is order in the nation,
There is peace in the world.
Power of understanding and practicing Yoga will bring Peace in the Society and also following righteousness will ensure peace in the world.
