WORLD
Kdham
KAIVALYADHAMA
Yoga for the World
Autumn/Winter 2010
Swami’s Triumph
New workout gym
Wellness Centres
The Newsletter of Kaivalyadhama Institute and SADT Gupta Yogic Hospital & Healthcare Centre
Volume 7, Issue 2 Autumn/Winter 2010
WORLD
Kdham
Editorial
The last few issues of KdhamWorld have been highlighting the teh scheme under the AYUSH department for the promotion of Yoga in school health, the promotion of Yoga among medical practitioners, and in this issue with the setting up of district wellness centres.
The aim of the first is to orient teachers in one month with a hope that they imbibe some yogic qualities and that they then transfer to their students on regular basis. The aim of the second is to orient medical practitioners in Yoga and its application as a therapy so that they accept Yoga as a science of health and healing and develop a deeper understanding of it. The aim of the third is to create greater awareness of Yoga in society at large at district level and in a systematic manner. My personal view is that all these schemes have a noble objective. Why shouldn’t it be as they have come into existence after prolonged deliberations among many experts?
However, just like laws enacted by parliament, these schemes also seem to have a speed-breaker, and that is the implementation part. Laws do not make sense if they are unable to be implemented, similarly schemes will be futile if they cannot be implemented. The schemes which I am talking are under AYUSH, and by all means the Department has good intentions. However, we as executioners of the schemes face many difficulties:
1 Deputation of the participants for the scheme is a very difficult task. This seems to depend on the level of personal influence which one can exercise rather than on the merit of the scheme.
2 The executioners of the scheme have not made it a point to gauge the benefit of these schemes, i.e. the scheme’s impact, in order that the authorities, who are responsible to depute the participants to the scheme, can see the results. 3 A network, which works between central and
state agencies is a must.
4 Standardisation of the content is a must. This
will ensure that the knowledge which is being transacted will be the same everywhere and the results judged accordingly.
These are just thought occurring while we work towards implementation of the various schemes. The other day I was sitting with one of my friends, Dr Ashok Patil, who has been working hard in rural areas toward the implementation of various health programmes and also the setting-up and running of educational institutes. In discussion, we came to agreement on some fundamental issues. 1 Although one might be a Non Governmental
Organization, nothing stops it from functioning in a very professional way. And therefore it is important that appropriate systems and processes be in place.
2 Hard working and devoted staff is a rare species nowadays, so plans should be made keeping this handicap in mind.
3 Everything seems to boil down to the generation and good management of funds and therefore that is the area that should be strongly dealt with.
4 Qualitatively an organization may be the best; however, in today’s world, unless one is able to let people know about the work and its existence, one might be the only one thinking that one is the best.
5 And as goes the old saying, aim at the stars and you will reach the moon at least!
I draw great inspiration from such individuals who have been able to make a difference to Society by their sheer hard work. I would be thankful to God if I am able to do even a miniscule.
- Subodh Tiwari Administrator
Dr M. L. Jadhav, Registrar of the University of Pune, inaugurated this year’s Diploma in Yoga Education 9-month residential course on 16 July 2010. In welcoming the students, Dr Jadhav emphasized the need for deep learning of the science of Yoga in its purest form. Swami Maheshananda, Chairman of the Samiti, gracefully presided over the function and emphasized to the students the need for great
Welcoming new students
concentration on the coming work and the ability to harmonize what is already known with what will be learnt during the Course.
Sri Subodh Tiwari also welcomed both the students and the Chief Guest; Sri R. S. Bhogal briefed the students about the Course and its staff members; and Dr B. R. Sharma offered the vote of thanks.
A meeting of Advisory Board was held on July 11 2010 and was chaired by Smt Kumud Bansal. Among those present were Sri Mahesh Pathak (IAS, Secretary Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra) Dr S. D. Phatak, Dr Samprasad Vinod and heads of Kaivalyadhama departments.
Important decisions made
Important decisions were made during the meeting, such as the starting of degree courses in Yoga after following due process; affiliation with leading hospitals to start Yoga centres; giving encouragement to international collaborations; and sanctioning construction of more rooms for the Healthcare Centre.
Dr Rajan Welukar, a member of Kaivalyadhama’s Advisory Board, has gained the prestigious appointment as the new Vice- Chancellor of the University of Mumbai. Dr Welukar’s outstanding career to date includes being a lecturer, head of the NSS cell for Maharashtra, Deputy Secretary to the Governor, Vice-Chancellor of the YCMOU and most recently as the Director of the Sydenham Institute of Management. We congratulate him on assuming the office of the Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University and we are sure he will make a remarkable difference to its work.
Dr Rajan Welukar wins new post
The library in the Healthcare Centre has been renovated to increase its size and also to enhance the interiors. The renewed library now provides a better reading atmosphere to members attending the Centre while also serving as the lecture room for all discussion meetings. The inauguration was carried out by Smt Kumud Bansal and Sri Mahesh Pathak.
Just the ticket
New
fitness gym
In the past there has been consistent feedback from members of the Healthcare Centre for an option of gym facilities, such as the provision for cardio-vascular exercises, etc. Kaivalyadhama has listened to the requests and has now installed a bank of new machines such as treadmill, cross-trainer, vibrator and exercycle in a new gym. The new gym was inaugurated by Swami Maheshananada on 24 August 2010.
Dr Mintu Sinha, Principal of BTTC, Ms Manisha Tyagi, Yoga coordinator and other teachers were present during this Yoga session for D.Ed and B.Ed students. A total of sixty-five students and teachers were present in the Yoga programme.
Workshop on Stress Management
The lecture was given by Dr Gulshan Kapadia on stress management and the Yoga programme was organised by Ravi M. Dixit for BTTC on 4 September 2010.
Students celebrate teachers
Students of diploma courses celebrated the annual Teachers Day by organizing an impromptu programme containing some performances
Staff members of the Healthcare Centre get together to enjoy monthly luncheon meetings to review feedback from our visitors, guests and patients received during the previous period and
Healthy endeavour
to take action thereon. It is the endeavour of each staff member to ensure that people who attend the Centre leave with fond memories and with better health.
A Scheme under the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga will be implemented during the 11th Five Year Plan under PPP mode initially with a district as a unit for Yoga intervention. The Scheme is aimed at supporting non-government organizations (NGOs) partially to promote yogic activities for public and community healthcare and to encourage utilization of Yoga professionals in public healthcare delivery programmes.
It is felt necessary to have the PPP mode of implementation for the proposed Scheme of expansion of Yoga training activities at district level for the propagation and promotion of Yoga. The specific objectives of the scheme are fourfold. First to increase mass awareness about the health benefits of Yoga; second to impart a training facility on standard Yoga practices for physical, mental and spiritual well-being of the people; third to create a network of Yoga Training Institutes and Centres for the propagation and promotion of Yoga; and finally to co-ordinate Yoga in the School Health Programmes of
District Wellness Centres
MDNIY with the help of teachers trained in each district by leading Yoga Institutes.
The District Yoga Wellness Centre (DYWC) assisted under the scheme will be required to conduct the following programme :
i. A Foundation Course in Yoga for Wellness (FCYW) of one-month duration for at least ten programmes in each year.
ii. A Yoga Awareness Programme of 3-5 days duration (minimum 15 hrs.) and a minimum of four programmes in each year.
iii. Special Yoga Programmes for general well- being.
iv. A regular Yoga Training Programme for the prevention and promotion of health for the general public, each of a minimum of one hour’s duration (a minimum of two training programmes each of one hour’s duration daily, separately for male and female). Full details of the Scheme are available at www.yogamdniy.nic.in.
Kendriya Vidyalay Sangathan is an autonomous agency under the Ministry of HRD which runs more than 1,000 schools across India. These schools have laid importance on the inculcation of Yoga in the curriculum. Previously, it was only the teachers who were exposed to the orientation in Yoga, however this time, and rightly so, the headquarters thought of exposing administrative
Health and wellness workshop
staff to the effects of Yoga in health and well- being. To this end, a four-day workshop was held 20–24 September 2010 at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla. Participants were exposed to the practices of Yoga, theoretical aspects through lectures and discussions and also naturopathy and ayurvedic therapies.
Gita
talks
Discourses on the Astavakra Gita will be given by Swami Anubhavananda on 23–30 October at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla.
Research
talks
An orientation programme for Yoga teachers of Kaivalya- dhama Mumbai will take place 21–22 October. The teachers will be exposed to new Yoga research together with analysis of contemporary trends.
A one-month Yoga training programme for schools in Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Goa and Daman-Du started on 29 August 2010.
The aim of the scheme is threefold. First to impart Yoga education in schools for prevention of diseases and promotion of health; second to train schoolteachers in yogic principles and practices; and third to prepare and distribute
Yoga for schools
standardized Yoga teaching and training material with reference to school health.
Kaivalyadhama has now included a follow- up system in this programme to see just how many of these teachers are actually able to start teaching Yoga to students. This will enable us to obtain a clear view on the success of the scheme.
An Advanced Yoga Teachers Training Course was held at Kaivalyadhama Mumbai from 25 July to 24 September 2010; 25 students participated in this programme. In recent times, due to the emergence of contemporary trends in the field of Yoga, classical practices such as Shatkriyas, Bandh and Mudra are being left
Mumbai course
behind and the concentration is focused more on the physical part. This course focused its attention on such practices for the Yoga teachers. The course was inaugurated by Justice Dr S. Radhakrsihan, Chairman MAT, who spoke to the students emphasizing the need for the practice of Yoga in its truest sense.
New reference library
Scientific Research Department at Kaivalyadhama has started building up an in-house reference library which will become a large resource centre to assist our research workers.
The Institute’s Governing Body met on 21 September 2010 in its premises with Smt Sarita Mittal, Director at the Ministry of HRD, Sri S. R. Dogra, Deputy Secretary also at Ministry of HRD, Dr R. R. Deshpande, Joint Director at the Government of Maharashtra, plus others were present. Important decisions were taken in this meeting, such as revision of the budget for the
Funds and promotions
year 2010-11. Bhopal promotions were sanctioned. Sri Rakesh Dauneria, the present Administrative Officer, has been appointed to be the Officer In-Charge of Kaivalyadhama’s Bhopal Branch, Smt Pushpa Mandke, presently the Office Superintendent, has been appointed as the Branch Administrative Officer, and Sri Sharad Sinha will be the Office Superintendent. Dr Satya Pal Singh delivered a guest lecture for participants of the in- service Yoga training course from Madhya Pradesh on 11 September 2010. Dr Singh’s subject was Self-Integration and he spoke of the need to practice what has been elaborated in traditional texts of continually probing within our own selves.
Guest lecture for teachers
The Institute has started Yoga training for a further twenty Jawahar Navoday Vidyalay schools this year. An orientation programme for the Yoga teachers, as well as for the principals, was held in July 2010 where the principals were
Principal orientation
exposed to various aspects of Yoga and so were also shown the many activities of the Institute. A healthy interaction and understanding goes a long way in making the training programme more effective!
An increasing number of members are attending the Healthcare Centre and this has given rise to the need to enhance the quality as well as quantity of the accommodation in the Institute. To meet demand, the Vedanta Kuti has been renovated
More rooms come on stream
with better interiors and facilities so as to make every stay a pleasure. The Kuti was inaugurated by Sri Satya Pal Singh, Additional Director General of Police for Maharashtra, on 11 September 2010.
Swami’s Triumph
October 17 2010
is the 86th anniversary
of the founding of Kaivalyadhama
and we reprint here an essay written
by Swami Kuvalayanandaji outlining
his plans for the establishment of the Institute.
Introduction
The first leaflet entitled ‘The Kaivalyadhama’, states in general terms the ideals of the proposed Asrama – Institute – of that name, along with a rough estimate of the cost of founding and maintaining it. This paper describes tersely what has been carried out up to now towards the foundation of this Asrama, and also makes a brief statement of the work the organizer henceforth proposes to do before and after its foundation.
How the idea of the Institute originated As the organizer was being trained in advanced Yogic practices, he began to have experiences that were quite abnormal. Phenomena, physical and mental, that an average man is not able to induce, came slowly under his control. Naturally they excited curiosity in him as to whether these phenomena were purely psychological or purely physiological or whether they were psycho-physiological having their counterparts both in physiology and psychology. He saw yogins and consulted yogic literature, He talked to eminent medical
TOWARDS FOUNDATION AND AFTER
By Swami Kuvalayananda
men and read books on psychology and physiology. But he could not obtain any scientific explanation of his experiences.
He found that with all the surprising progress that had been made by modern science in general, and physiology in particular, they had not anything to say on these phenomena. The yogins knew nothing of modern sciences. The organizer could, indeed, find some literature on these phenomena, published both in the East and the West, but as the writers had never tried any experiments and had freely indulged in speculation, their explanations were anything but scientific.
Although this search after ready-made scientific interpretation of Yogic facts brought disappointment to the organizer, it filled him with new hopes. He could realize by his studies of Yoga and modern sciences two things. First, that the latter had come to a stage sufficiently advanced to tackle problems relating to the former. Second that if laboratory methods were used in investigating the Yogic phenomena, the results would not only enrich such sciences
as physics, biology, physiology, anatomy, therapeutics, etc. It would also make it possible, at least after centuries of labour, to reconstruct philosophy in many of its aspects. The truths discovered in this research would scientifically explain the methods applied to spiritual and physical culture in Yoga. It would render it possible to determine the relative worth of these methods and the methods obtaining in other cultures of a similar nature. The yogic culture has also a therapeutic side which constitutes a system of naturopathy. The scientific study of Yoga would not only give a scientific basis to this system but also would show how it compares with other systems working in the same field. All this seemed so full of possibilities and so inviting that the organizer began to be restless over the matter! The idea of scientific research in the field of Yoga kept haunting him night and day. But his full consciousness of the vastness of the work compared with the smallness of his individuality and the slenderness of his means simply staggered him; and had he not felt that he had a call from above to undertake the work, he would never have ventured upon this ambitious path! He had to obey the call and at last, to make up his mind to undertake the task, proposed to found an Asrama devoted to this work!
The first steps
The organizer was fully aware that the Research Institute he was going to organize was altogether a new idea in the world and would not meet with the sympathy of the general public if its research were to confine itself to psycho-physiology alone. Even the man of science would be reluctant to lend
his support because of his ignorance of Yoga and consequent discounting of the success of the attempt. But it was thought possible to enlist the sympathy of the scientific as well as the popular world, if the research would attempt to solve certain practical problems bearing on the every day life of the ordinary people.
This could be done tackling first the physical culture and therapeutic sides of Yoga, the psycho-physiological research being taken up after. Accordingly, it was planned that some work be done in this direction even before the regular Asrama was founded. The results would be placed before the medical men and the public with a view to secure their sympathy. If this could be successfully done, then the Asrama would follow later when arrangements would be ready for making at least a humble beginning in psycho-physiological research.
The organizer found himself not altogether unequipped with the means required to execute this plan. His friends and sympathizers readily subscribed a small sum of a few thousand Rupees, Shreemant Pratapsheth afterwards contributing Rs. 5,000. The organizer was, at that time, closely connected with the K.E. Society’s educational institutions. He was in sole charge of the physical culture department of the Society and consequently could get a number of students under his training both in physical and yogic cultures. These were at his disposal as subjects for experimentation. Prof. Gokhale of the Society, who bears brotherly affection to the organizer, was available as a consulting scientist. Drs Nulkar and Mhaskar, then honorary workers on the Society’s staff,
readily rendered all the necessary help in directing the research. Dr Bhatta of Baroda, the X-Ray expert of the State, gladly cooperated in conducting the X-Ray experiments.
The organizer himself had peculiar advantages in the directing of yogic physical culture and therapeutics. He had the privilege of being a humble disciple of Prof. Manikrao, the far-famed physical culturist of India. The fatherly love with which the organizer was trained in physical culture by the saintly professor had created in him an undying interest in this field of human activity. Virtues necessary for ably conducting an institute, such as the organizer proposed to found, were all preeminently present in Prof. Manikrao and had left a deep impression on his humble disciple. The very inspiration for research came through his example. As the Director of Physical Culture in the K.E. Society’s institutions, the organizer had ample opportunity to study the problems not only of physical culture but also of therapeutics, especially of chronic diseases.
With this equipment, the first experiments were tried on the digestive tube. The yogic exercises were studied under X-Ray, which threw light on a number of physiological facts hitherto unknown. The barometer was taken advantage of in explaining particular yogic phenomena. The results were very gratifying and encouraging. This research was shown to Dr Tagore, Dr Bose and Dr Nadgiri (Bom.). They were all pleased with it and urged the organizer to carry on his work. Dr Tagore informed, in writing, through Mr C. F. Andrews, that the work was ‘interesting and worth further investigation’. In a letter addressed to the organizer, Dr Nadgir
declared that ‘the methods were scientifically sound’ and ‘the object was laudable’. Dr Bose did not say anything in writing but orally expressed his satisfaction at the work done and repeatedly warned the organizer not to give up his research. Others, less known to the world, also were much pleased with the work and showed their sympathy.
Further
Emboldened by this success, the organizer carried on his research vigorously. It was soon discovered that no substantial progress would be possible, unless an independent institution solely devoted to this cause was started. Luckily, an opportunity offered itself for the organizer to be free from the K. E. Society’s tie. He immediately shifted to Lonavla and there began his work of organizing the proposed Institute.
The research work as far as it has reached to date leads to the following conclusion. The yogic system of physical culture compares very favourably with others obtaining in the field as it has none of the disadvantages which the others have. Its aim is to secure greatest longevity with highest physical efficiency and maximum brainpower. It is peculiarly fitted for females. Yoga as a system of prevention is simply marvellous as it keeps the whole nervous and glandular mechanism in the healthiest condition. Even as a system of therapeutics, Yoga stands above all the other types of Naturopathy. It is peculiarly capable of curing chronic disease. Against constipation, dyspepsia, headache, piles, heart disease, neuralgia, obesity, diabetes, hysteria, consumption, and a number of other dangerous diseases, its work is simply surprising. Impotence can be invariably cured
and certain types of sterility, especially in women, can be easily removed. No system of treatment can boast of being even equal to the yogic in making up for the ravages of masturbation. Metal disorders can best be set right by yogic therapeutics.
The organizer feels confident that the result in the field of psycho-physiology and spiritual culture will be equally encouraging. He has come to the conclusion that the time is ripe when the results, already arrived at, should be placed before the public both in scientific and popular firms. This he means to do by writing in papers and periodicals and also by delivering magic lantern lectures at different centres in India. Arrangements for these things have already been completed.
The start
These writings and speeches will, it is hoped, enable the organizer to get the necessary sympathy of the public; and with this he feels assured he can start the Institute on 7 October 1924. Arrangements have already been made to temporarily house the Institute in a nice bungalow, acquisition of permanent premises being only a question of time. Chronic patients have already begun to pour in and a number of university men have begun to receive instruction in physical and spiritual culture. Educated youths are offering their services to the cause of the Asrama. This work that has so long been silently carried on is sure, when placed before the public, to attract their attention; and the organizer feels confident of getting the necessary help at their hands. If his expectations are fulfilled, the Institute will immediately enter upon its full activity on a large scale. But even if he gets only a slow
response, he is sure to work the whole programme only it will be done on a smaller scale.
The School of Spiritual Culture
One of the activities that the Asrama will begin is to start a School of Spiritual Culture. It will be called Yoga-Vidyalaya. Only those students that shall have passed the entrance examination of a university will be admitted to this School. They will be maintained at the expenses of the Asrama under certain conditions. Paying students will also be allowed to join this Yoga-Vidyalaya, provided they undertake to obey the discipline of the Asrama. The complete course will extend over four years during which, along with spiritual training, they will receive instruction in such other subjects as would make them competent to render social service, in their after life, under the direction of the Institute.
The research
As the student of the Yoga-Vidyalaya will be systematically and carefully trained in yogic culture, psycho-physiological research will start as soon as they will have made a little progress. Research in yogic therapeutics and physical culture will continue, but will be more actively conducted. In addition to the laboratory experts that the Institute may command, facilities for research work available in Bombay and Calcutta will also be taken advantage of.
Yogic training for outsiders
One of the most sacred duties that the Asrama has to perform is giving free instruction in yogic culture to outsiders.
There are a number of people anxious to develop along yogic lines if they could do so without being required to give up their vocation. Such people, whenever they find spare time, may make arrangements for their boarding and lodging in the neighbourhood of the Asrama and receive the necessary training.
The therapeutic side
The Institute will not only continue to treat chronic patients in Lonavla, but will make arrangements for this work also in Bombay. A small hospital will be opened under its management at Lonavla where patients requiring indoor treatment will be admitted. People suffering from diseases referred to above will get a speedy cure, not only on account of the excellence of yogic treatment but also on account of the healthy climatic conditions of the place.
The Quarterly
Although the organizer will, from time to time, be writing articles bearing on the research work of the Asrama in Indian and foreign papers and periodicals, it is necessary that the Asrama should have its own organ publishing systematically its own researches. It is, therefore, decided to start a Quarterly journal called Yoga Mimamsa from October 1924 under the auspices of the Institute. Each number will cover 80 pages of the demy 8vo size including 16 full-page illustrations.
Matter will appear under three sections. The Scientific section will give researches in their naked form. The Semi-Scientific section will show the application of these researches to spiritual and physical culture,
therapeutics, etc., along with copious anatomical and physiological notes. The treatment of this section will no doubt be scientific, but the exposition will be so easy as will be readily intelligible to any well- informed reader. The Popular section will attempt a scientific explanation of the yogic culture, but the basis will not necessarily be the research of this Asrama. Thus the matter appearing in the pages of the Yoga Mimamsa will be very valuable to the scientific as well as the popular world. Nothing but original thought will be recorded in this literature in order to command the attention and esteem of every intelligent man.
An Appeal
Yogic culture is one of the richest legacies the ancient Indian savants have left to the world. The noble spiritual elevation that is seen in India even in her present deplorable condition is mainly due to the influence of Yoga in one form or another. A revival of this culture is sure to raise her to her former position of glorious dignity. The Asrama is trying to bring Yoga in co-relation with present day culture by attempting a scientific interpretation of its truths. It undertakes to train youth who will stand for whatever is best in the different cultures of the Earth, ancient or modern. Under these circumstances, the organizer humbly begs to suggest that it is the duty of every individual who cares for the progress and well-being of humanity, to show his active sympathy to the Asrama and enable its workers to realize its noble ideals.
Kuvalayananda (J. G. Gune) Organizer. Kun’javana,
LONAVLA, June 10, 1924,
Mailing Address: Editor : Sri Subodh Tiwari
Assisted by : Dr Stuart Rose Kaivalyadhama,
S.A.D.T. Gupta Yogic Hospital & Health Care Centre, Swami Kuvalyananda Marg, Lonavla - 410403, India
• PHONE : 02114-273039 / 273001 • FAX : 02114-277402 / 271983
• EMAIL : [email protected] • www.kdham.com
