Yoga: Embracing Our Ancient Roots

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Today, we have reached the pinnacle of human civilization. The whole world has turned out to be a global village through the Internet, computers, mobile phones, and other means of communication. We are able to move from one end of the globe to the other within a span of a few hours. At a time when America landed a man on the moon by means of a rocket long ago, countries like India and China are carrying out further research in the field. Science has made a lot of progress, thereby making the life of man much more developed than before. There can be no second opinion on this. But whatever man has conceived or achieved in ancient and medieval times can hardly be ignored.

There is mention of the technique of preparing aircraft in our Shastras and Puranas. Maybe the same might not have materialized, but such a concept and thinking have very much been there in the mind of man. The ‘Pushpak Viman’ of Ravan, as mentioned in the epic Ramayan, can be taken as an example. It was not only an aircraft but flew as directed by the mind. From social media and other sources, it is known that in Sri Lanka, the airstrips of Ravan still exist where the ‘Pushpak Viman’ landed. Our Shastras and Puranas also mention the ‘Dhinki Yana’ on which Narad Muni made rounds of the universe. Further, it is also known that the gods, demons, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and even men could fly on their own. Our Shastras and Puranas mention that animals, birds, and even chariots could reach out to space as required. There may be the imagination of the poet and exaggeration in it, but it can hardly be denied that the concept of flying along with the technique of building aircraft has been on our soil since time immemorial. The concept of flying and aircraft can also be seen from the remnants of the ancient Maya civilization of South America. So, it would not be right to say that modern science has not inherited anything from ancient civilizations around the globe.

From a study of history, it becomes clear that in the past, our country had acquired enough pride and glory. Many plunderers have attacked this country for its riches. The role of astronomers in studying the movement of stars and planets and thereby contributing to the development of astrology, astronomy, and astrophysics is really commendable. It is a matter of great pride that an Odia like Pathani Samanta could study the movement of stars and planets with the help of simple bamboo sticks and come out with astronomical calculations. The contribution of our country to mathematics is also no less. Physician Charaka and surgeon Sushruta have also contributed immensely to the development of medical science. In a similar way, our country was highly efficient in physical exercises and arts.

Today, we are going to modern gymnasiums for physical fitness. We are taking recourse to weightlifting and carrying weights. We are also going in for morning walks. These modern exercises may not be bad if done through proper procedures. But it is not good to ignore the ancient techniques of physical arts and exercises available in our country. Yoga has developed in our country since time immemorial. It is believed that Lord Siva is Adiguru, the first Yogi and Yoga teacher. On the occasion of Guru Purnima, he taught Yoga to the whole world. Compared to other physical exercises and arts, the speciality of Yoga is that it is not confined to a mere physical level. It affects man at the mental and spiritual levels too. It not only keeps man free from diseases but also confers peace and long life on him. Realising its importance, the government of India has taken steps to popularise such an ancient Indian art. After moving a proposal in the United Nations Organisation, the 21st of June every year has been approved as the International Day of Yoga. In 2014, the United Nations Organisation decided to promote Yoga, the ancient Indian wellness practice, globally, realising its physical benefits.

The earliest mention of Yoga as a physical, mental, and spiritual practice can be seen in the Rigveda and a number of Upanishads, including Katha Upanishad. Occupying a significant place in Hindu philosophy, it has also been subject to different schools of thought. In 2015, the 21st of June was observed as the International Day of Yoga for the first time, and since then, it has been observed as such. It is the duty of the people of India to follow and preserve the arts, culture, traditions, and heritage of this great country. It is good that since the observance of the International Day of Yoga, people around the globe have developed a fascination for this ancient Indian art. Adopting Yoga as a physical, mental, and spiritual exercise in our day-to-day lives will be a befitting act on our part at a time when we are observing the International Day of Yoga on the 21st day of June every year.

(The views expressed are the writer’s own)

Mr. Prafulla Kumar Majhi,

Retired Asst. Director, A. I. R, is an eminent Scholar and freelance writer in English & Odia. His areas of interests are sociocultural, economic, literary, historical and analytical studies and writings.

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