GLIMPSE ON YOGA & YOGA EDUCATION: NEED FOR HEALTHY AND FIT INDIA

Awadhesh Kumar Shirotriya (AddY)

Lecturer, Physical Education Secretary, Play India Play (Trust) Phd*(Phy. Edu.), M.Phil. (Phy. Edu.), MPE, BPEd, BSc.- P.E., H.E. & Sports *Pursuing ABSTRACT In this present fast growing world of sciences and technology, the human element is treated as ever before. It goals are indistinct and unsatisfying. The mechanism of modern living, the force restriction of physical activity leading to a sedentary life, increase amounts of leisure time this entire factor has resulted in a tremendous increase of public and professional interest in physical activity and health. Man has made rapid and massive growth in almost every walk of the life. Modern scientists and researchers have absolutely changed the life-style. People seem to be turning on to the idea that one looks and feel better and stays healthier by being more physically active. Stress and strain are the cause of physical as well as mental distraction. Today yoga being a subject of varied interests, has gained worlds wide popularity. Yoga is presently being defined as a system of personality-development, transformation of consciousness and integration within the human system leading to the complete well being. Yoga education has been referred to as the training and teaching process of Yoga, though it should also be seen as the application of Yoga techniques to bestow better support to the education process. Yoga as an education career option has become popular in the recent past, though the practice of yoga has been prevailing from several centuries, because of its curative powers.

Key Words: Yoga; Education; Career; Stress; Strain; Employment; School

FULL PAPER In this present fast growing world of sciences and technology, the human element is treated as ever before. It goals are indistinct and unsatisfying. The mechanism of modern living, the force restriction of physical activity leading to a sedentary life, increase amounts of leisure time this entire factor has resulted in a tremendous increase of public and professional interest in physical activity and health. Man has made rapid and massive growth in almost every walk of the life. Modern scientists and researchers have absolutely changed the life-style. People seem to be turning on to the idea that one looks and feel better and stays healthier by being more physically active. Stress and strain are the cause of physical as well as mental distraction. Today yoga being a subject of varied interests, has gained worlds wide popularity. Yoga has the surest remedies for mans physical as well as psychological aliment. It makes the organs of the body active in their functioning of human body. Yoga is presently being defined as a system of personality-development, transformation of consciousness and integration within the human system leading to the complete well being. It is quite obvious by the definition of Yoga given by Swami Ranganathananda of the Ramakrishna Mission that The science of Yoga is thus the science of man in depth, the science of conscious evolution or the science of human possibilities. It is a unique science in that it encompasses, matter, life and consciousness in one sweep and bridges the gap between science (as it is understood today) and Spirituality. Yoga was seen as the science of possibilities, latent within oneself and helpful in dealing with crucial problems of human life. After the popularization of health promotion potentials of Yoga practices among masses, certain other applied aspects of the Yoga system, concerned with human resource development, have been remained to be substantiated scientifically. Thats why modern educationists are taking interest in improving the quality of education with the help of Yoga system. Education system, not only in India but the modern globalizing world also really is in great need of taking help of Yoga system.

Yoga Yoga is one of the most ancient cultural heritages of India. Yoga means to Yoke to bind, to link, to connect of to merge. As the yoke joins two bulls together. Yoga joins body and mind together. The merger of soul with God, and the experience of oneness with him/her- is Yoga. It is possible only through the control over sense organs and through continued practice and detachment. Most Indian yogis devotedly follow a spiritual path and discipline, while most people in the west practice yoga for benefits in health and psycho-physiological relaxation. According to the great stage Patanjali The withdrawal of sense organs from their worldly objects and their control is Yoga. According to Swami Kuvalananda, Yoga has a complete massage for humanity. It has a massage for the human body. It has a Massage for the human mind. And it has also a massage for the human soul. According to Kathopanishad When the senses are stilled, when the mind is at rest, when the intellect wavers not then , say the wise, is rejected the highest stage. This steady control of the senses and mind has been defined as yoga. He who attains it is free from dilusion.

According to Patanjalis yoga sutra Yoga is done to make the body and mind free form diseases and remain healthy. And only a healthy body and healthy mind can attain concentration and control ones sense organs and finally can enter the Stage of Samadhi for Liberation.

Yoga Education Yoga education has been referred to as the training and teaching process of Yoga, though it should also be seen as the application of Yoga techniques to bestow better support to the education process. The Yoga Education is based on four aspects - Bhavas or attitudes: Dharma (Duty and Discipline), Jnana (Knowledge), Vairagya (Detachment) and Aishvarya (Self-realization). These

four aspects are related and covered by Astanga Yoga, The Classical Yoga - as Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayam, Pratyahar, Dharna, Dhyan and Samadhi. The objectives of Yoga, besides causing physical, mental and spiritual enfoldment in an individual, are also the inculcation of social and ecological awareness within oneself. Education in the modern age emphasizes on power and manner of attention. Attention is used to be selective and it may be influenced by the internal affective states. In attention one may overlook many other relevant aspects of reality. Many a times the attention is directed by biases. Yoga system emphasizes on awareness of very subtle aspects, hardly attainable subject of single pointed focus. It leads to the awareness of the external environment in its full extent and awareness of internal environment in its full depth as well as awareness of those aspects, which are beyond internal and external attainability. Modern educationists are taking interest in improving the quality of education with the help of the Yoga system. Therefore it is a high time to think seriously on inclusion of Yoga and Yogic values in education system. Relevance of Yoga in Current Scenario Yoga is a way of life, an integrated system of education for the body, mind and inner sprit. This art of right living was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago but, since yoga deals with universal truths, its teachings are as valid today as they were in ancient times. Yoga is a practical aid not a religion and its technique may be practiced by Buddhists, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and atheists alive may practice its techniques. Yoga is union with all. Yoga provides one of the best means of self-improvement and attained ones full potential .In the advances stages of yoga super conscious states are attained which result in a feeling of bliss, deep peace and the emergence of psychic powers. Some important benefits of yoga are as follows: 1. Yoga includes stretching body to the extent that body will become more flexible than before and have less chances of joint pain in later stages of life. 2. Meditation is a great aspect of yoga, it helps to relieve from mental stress, increases concentration and helps to achieve peace of mind and calmness.

3. Yoga provides many breathing exercises such as pranayam, anuloma, viloma which helps to improve overall functioning of body organs and blood circulation is also improved. 4. Doing yoga regularly helps in making your body to resist many ailments as it keeps the blood pressure in control and healing rate of an injury or a wound is also improved. 5. It helps to make immune system strong helping body to fight against many ailments such as headache, fatigue etc. 6. Yoga also enhances the body postures and improves muscle tone providing relief from back pains and other joint problems increasing your strength. 7. It also provides a natural glow on skin making it look healthier. 8. Yoga is the best practice which will help to increase coordination, concentration and memory power if performed on regular basis. 9. One of the most important benefits of yoga is that it helps in preventing obesity. 10. Yoga is the best way to improve body Posture, Eye-Hand/Neuro- muscular Coordination, Balance, Steadiness, Immunity. 11. Yoga can reduce drug use. Along with this fast pace life came lots of prescription and nonprescription drugs. More and more people want to avoid taking drugs as a cure. Employment Avenues in Yoga Careers play a very important role in individuals life and the choice of a carrier is one of the most critical decisions of every individual .It shapes our future and determines our lifestyles due to multidisciplinary of choices selecting a career is not an easy decision today. Yoga is a comprehensive concept and its scope is very wide. The popularity of Yoga has increased enormously in recent years Yoga and associated disciplines such as sports sciences, physical education, health education, fitness management and sports psychology have seen massive growth over the past decade. Yoga as an education career option has become popular in the recent past, though the practice of yoga has been prevailing from several centuries, because of its curative powers. There are a number of education courses on yoga which are provided as diplomas/degrees/certificates and Yoga education has become a widely chosen as career options for the young generation of the India. Yoga as career has become fashionable very recently. The scope of yoga training is wide. One can choose

a career in the field of research and training or can work as a yoga therapist to treat minor ailments and disorders by imparting coaching in yoga. The popularity of yoga provides us with an opportunity to shape the patterns of social behavior and demonstrate real authority and moral values.

Courses in Yoga A large number of courses on yoga are offered by many yogic institutions/colleges/universities across the country. The major courses are:

1. Certificate in Yoga Education/Yogic Science/Yoga Therapy/Yoga Studies etc. 2. Diploma Course in Yoga Education/Yogic Science/Yoga Therapy/Yoga Studies etc. 3. B.A/B.S.C in Yoga Education /Yogic Science/Yoga Therapy/Yoga Studies etc. 4. Teacher Training course (BEd. /B.Y.Ed.) 5. M.A/M.S.C in Yoga Education /Yogic Science/Yoga Therapy/Yoga Studies etc. 6. M. Phil & Ph.D in Yoga Education /Yogic Science/Yoga Therapy/Yoga Studies etc. Yoga degree/diploma/certificate holders may start professional career as: Yoga Teacher/Instructor in Schools. Lecturer (Assistant Professor), Reader (Associate Professor) & Professor in Higher Education. Yoga Instructor in Gym, Multinational Companies & Also in Call Centers. Yoga Expert/Instructor in different Sports Teams, Clubs & Associations. Yoga Therapist in various Hospitals. Enthusiastic or energetic person may conduct workshops and start their own yoga center also. Recommendations: As it is being noticed by author that some school or colleges does not bother to provide platform of yoga in their curriculum/activity.

1. The human resource dimension is critical for yoga. It is mandatory for all educational institutions to appoint trained and qualified yoga teachers. 2. The quality of Yoga depends mainly on the level of qualifications and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of yoga teachers/instructors. Special attention should be paid to the preparation of teachers charged with carrying out yoga classes in kindergarten and primary, middle-level schools. 3. Enhancing teacher training institutions and increasing the capacity for training yoga teachers 4. Teacher preparation at different levels is mandatory and refresher courses must be made available for in service teachers at least once in five years for their professional growth with appropriate incentives. 5. Governments and local authorities should support policies and programs which provide opportunities for yoga participation for persons of all ages. These opportunities should include regular yoga classes for children, as well as increased programs and facilities for middle-aged and older adults. 6. There is a need to motivate the principals and staff in schools regarding the importance of yoga education. Schools, Colleges and Universities should place greater emphasis on educating students about the importance of yoga for persons of all ages and abilities. References: 1. Arpita (1990). Physiological and psychological effects of hatha yoga: A review of literature. The Journal of the International Association of Yoga Therapist, 1, 1-28. 2. Goel, Ankita. Yoga and the teaching profession. Article available online:

http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/news/yoga_teaching.html 3. Gore M.M. (2005) Anatomy and Physiology of Yogic Practices (Kanchan Prakashan Forth revised edition Lonavala: pp.171-173. 4. Joshi K.S. (1967) Yoga and Personality, Udayana Publications Allahabad 5. K. Chandra Shekar (2003), Yoga for Health Khel Sahitya Kendra, Delhi.

6. Nagendra, H. R. et al. (1988). Yoga in Education. Bangalore, India: Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Anusandhana Samsthan. 7. Niranjanananda, Swami (2001). The role of yoga in education. Yoga (Sivananda Math) 12(3):20-26. 8. Ramachandran, G. N. (1981,) Yoga and education. Yoga Review, 2:27-50 9. Sadashiv P. Nimbalkar (2003) An effective means for mental peace pranayama, Yoga Vidya Niketan book publishing committee, 2nd edition, Mumbai. 10. Shirotriya A.K. (2011) Yoga Education. IPSD publication, New Delhi. 11. Shirotriya, A.K. & Chaudhary Rajkumar (April, 2011). Glimpse on the Yoga Education and Its career Avenues. Thematic paper presentation at the International Symposium on Global Trends of Physical Education & Sports in 21st Century, Noida College of Physical Education, Noida (UP). 12. Singh Ajmer et al. (2003) Essentials of Physical Education .Kalyani Publication, New Delhi, pp. 515-543. 13. Sinha A. K., (1976) Perspectives in Yoga. Bharata Manisha Varanasi, India. 14. Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati (2002), Prana Pranayama Prana Vidya Bihar: Yoga Publication Trust, munger, 2nd edition. 15. Tripathi, K.M. Scope of Yoga for Refinement of Educational Process in Modern Globalizing World Certain Reflections Available at :
sitemaker.umich.edu/varanasidecember2005/files/k._tripathi.doc

16. Yadav Yogacharya Hansraj (1973). Yoga for student, Vora and Company Publishers, Bombay.

Web Addresses

1. The Yoga Site- Online Yoga Resource Center. 2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga

3. www.mantra.org.in/Yoga/myweb/education__yoga.htm 4. www.indiaedu.com/articles/yoga-education.html 5. www.oppapers.com/.../importance-of-yoga-in-education-page2.html 6. bodyfitnesshealth.com/importance-and-benefits-of-yoga/ 7. www.scribd.com/.../Yoga-Education-Its-Benefits-and-Challenges 8. http://www.indiaedu.com/articles/yoga-education.html 9. www.medindia.net Yoga-Life Style 10. www.healthandyoga.com