Yoga in the West

The first steps

With the grand persona of Swami Vivekananda coming to the scene of world religious forum and talking perhaps for the first time with the fire of conviction blazing, the perception towards the country of India changed forever.  Swamiji spoke of the Aryan or Vedic civilization, that promoted a cultless cult through an array of systems (philosophical schools, spiritual trends and many more) outwardly appearing diverse in nature yet co-existing quite harmoniously.  In this civilization a dualist many agree with a non-dualist, yet they would very passionately and respectfully listen to the opponents viewpoint and try to understand the same without much prejudice.

For the west, this was kind of a new opening:  a scope for broadening the horizons of mind and intellect.

On a more practical line, Swamiji emphatically spoke on the lessons of Advaita (monistic lessons) and Rajayoga.  Not just that he spoke big words.  He showed how to apply the lessons propagated by these systems into daily life of a person and also in the society.  Such a step would ensure harmonious living.  

Not just the common man of the US, but he could reach out to the high and mighty, the crème-de-la-crème of the then society and convince them on the line of Yoga-Vedanta. As a result of this initiative, the biggies of the society could modify the very mindset.  

Then came Paramahamsa Yogananda who spread the message of Kriya Yoga to a large number of people in the US.   Just like Swami Vivekananda, Yoganandaji too approached the common man as well as the elite class of the society and convinced them of the beauty of Yoga. 

It is worth noting that Yoganandaji spent all his life in the US and Europe just spreading the teachings of Yoga.  This made a lasting effect.  Roots of Yoga went deep into the soil of these countries which are alien to Indian spiritual values.  Over a period of time, Yoga flourished by leaps and bounds.  Today we see that Yoga is one of the systems easily accepted by societies across the globe.

Not that these two personalities had been the only duo who took the cudgel of oriental message of harmony, in the later times, a number of Yoga masters took pain to ensure that the light of Yoga remains enkindled all through. 

The last nail was hit by our present PM Narendra Modi who formally pushed it on the international map by passing a resolution in the UN to observe ‘International Day of Yoga’ on 21 of June.  Now Yoga got official recognition.

 

What is so special in Yoga that the west finds unique about ?

For an answer we may like to delve into the fact that Yoga is out-and-out a highly Integrated or Holistic system.  And moreover, what is reason that a holistic system should be explore?

Here are a few salient points:

The idea of holistic health is an ancient one.  Many of the cultures of the world explored the possibilities of taking into consideration the wider issues of life which directly or indirectly  influence the condition of a disease or disorder.  Holistic approach does not suggest a specific method of diagnosis.  It is an approach.  It suggests that rather than treating the symptoms of cold in an isolated manner, it would be better to take into consideration several other factors such as climatic, weather, working condition, sudden exposure, food, age etc.  and proceed with the treatment of cold accordingly.  

In the recent past many of the cultures have ignored this approach.  This is done due to advent of the reductionist theory.  It reduced a human being into cells and organs.  It has conveniently forgotten the simple fact that a human being is not merely cells and organs and limbs.  A human being has many other faculties such as mind, intelligence, emotion, sentiment, feeling, awareness, consciousness etc.  Moreover, one lives in the lap of the surrounding environment created by other human beings called as society and also the nature.  One is always exposed the changes brought about by the climatic conditions and seasons. Impact of these factors cannot be ignored.   

Yoga is holistic.  The two major traditions of Yoga namely, P§ta_jala and Ha+ha, are truly holistic in approach.

The eight segments of P§ta_jala Yoga are broad-based which take into account all possible aspects of life, be it physical ({sanas), moral or social (Yama), ethical (Niyama), emotional and mental (Praty§h§ra, Dhy§na) monetary (Satya, Aparigraha), environmental (Ahi/s§) or even spiritual (Dhy§na etc.) health is concerned.  Practice of these components of Yoga covers all the areas of human life.  This helps in keeping one healthy in every sense of it and living a harmonious and happy life.

In addition to all the practices mentioned above, Ha+ha tradition suggests certain special methods for both physical as well as spiritual wellness.  Some of these methods may be mentioned as:  N§*$<uddhi, Bh%ta<uddhi, piercing of Cakras achieved through practice of Pr§;§y§ma, Pr§;a-dh§ra;§, three lak>yas, three or four Bandhas, Mudr§s and <uddhikriy§s, {h§ra<uddhi through mit§h§ra, the state Amanaska through lifting of Pr§;a to the Brahmarandhra.  For this Dhy§na, Dh§ra;§, N§d§nusandh§na and Sam§dhi are also employed.  There is an astoundingly comprehensive course of Holistic health available in Ha+ha texts which deal with the elemental or core layers of human life with major emphasis given on Pr§;§y§ma.      

In fact modern health problems need such an approach.  Take into account the common case of high blood pressure.  A student medicine will quickly recommend a pill to suppress the symptoms of high blood pressure.  The physician almost completely ignores various other factors which are responsible for such a disorder.  We agree that it saves precious life in a contingency condition.  But it would have been better if all responsible causes are also treated.

There has been a sudden spurt in the cases of cancer all across the globe in present times.  It is caused mainly due to our mindless overexposure to too many sources of radiation and most importantly considerable depletion in ozone layer due to excessive emission of CFC.  This needs collective effort for lasting solution.  Mere treatment of a patient will not be of much use.

While suggesting a course of upward evolvement in life and living a harmonious life, it recommends not just a few exercises for muscles, but it gives priority to social ethics and morals as well.  It is quite significant how a human being treats fellow human beings and other living creatures (Yama).  One must also treat one’s own self following the chartered path of Niyama and all other aspects of Yoga.

It is noteworthy that in recent times the world has been rediscovering the relevance of holistic approach. 

 

Salient features of this approach

Broader view: this approach does not like to ignore anything that may appear significant.  It is to broaden our view as regards health and wellness.

Long term perspective: it keeps a long term objective of health. 

Relating to potential cause: prime objective of this approach is to relate to the cause so that the same can be stemmed.  

Therefore it promotes a Preventive step.

Overhauling the lifestyle: it prompts one to re-orient one’s lifestyle, i.e., food regimen, rest, attitude, work pattern, imbibing daily health regimens etc.

Proactive and preventive:  it is wise to be proactive and preventive rather than being desperate when the problem strikes.

Approach is positive:  holistic approach is positive.  It promotes vitality and immunity.

All in all,  Holistic approach is Comprehensive.

Need of this discussion 

Reductionist theory, that is to treat a human being isolated from the environment one is exposed to, and also to treat a symptom without taking into cognigence of the overall attitude, mindset, emotional aspects etc. may have its own relevance in a particular context and time of distress.  But this modern approach has its serious drawback. 

A symptom is not a disease.  A symptom indicates that there is something to be taken care of.  Certain things in life must be altered or reviewed.  But today only correction of a symptom has become the practice. 

Effort to treat high blood pressure as an isolated symptom can invite many other health issues.  It is conveniently ignored that the condition of high blood pressure is trying to tell that probably mind is unsettled, emotions are raging, food habits are not proper, rest is missing, physical exercises are not done at all etc.

People are shunning this approach conspicuously.

The lopsided view:

Today gaining health is equated to killing germs,

People think that they can solve the problems caused by negative lifestyle choices just by taking medicines,

 In many disorders, modern drugs do not provide any relief and rather complicate the existing suffering,

In many chronic conditions, modern drugs do not respond,

Invasive treatments cripple the body and bring relentless frustration.

A medical survey says:

Medical intervention may take care of health maximum upto 10%.

Heredity issues may be responsible in 18% of cases,

Environmental issues are responsible in 19% of health cases.

Impact of lifestyle choices is 53%.

The decisions one make about one’s life and habits are by far the largest factor in determining state of wellness.

To highlight this we may consider the following:

Major health problems are connected to lifestyle choices.  High risks are involved in drug abuse, alcohol, nicotine and unprotected physical relationship with opposite gender.

Few people understand the importance of excesses done as regards to consumption of white sugar, caffeine and harmful attitude.

Lack of exercise is a big issue for most of the office goers.

All these points indicate that reductionist approach is to be taken with lot of care.  

Conversely, lifestyle and environmental factors are to be taken quite seriously.

In present times

Why to go holistic?

Holistic approach finds more relevance in modern times than perhaps ever before.  We present just one example to drive home the point.  It is evident from the fact that we see a large spurt in cancer cases in recent years.  There is agonizing suffering and hefty cost involved.

It is not wise to treat the patient and its symptoms alone.  The potential causes in release of CFC, steady and serious depletion of ozone layer, too much exposure to radiation in the form of mobile etc., indiscriminate and excessive use of plastic bags etc. must be taken into consideration.

The root cause must be addressed successfully and collectively. 

In the oriental cultures, holistic approaches have remained almost intact throughout the passage of time. In the west in recent times, wind is blowing in its favour after many centuries of lapse.

A human being is not a lifeless machine. 

A human being should be treated differently.

 

1)    Yoga, a holistic science

Yoga is a holistic system.  How?  The following may be noted:

For holistic living Yoga gives guidelines having a wider range of factors so that all aspects of life are covered.  

Environmental health:  Harmony with nature and all living beings around through Ahi/s§.  It also means that one does not cause harm to the Mother Nature. 

Political and social health:   through Satya, Ahi/s§ etc.  A state and a society should be congenial to live and grow in.

Financial health:   by following Aparigraha, Satya and Tapas (hard work),

Emotional balance and mental stability:   by way of Pr§;§y§ma, Praty§h§ra, Dh§ra;§ etc.  Niyamas teach us how should we treat ourselves.

Moral and ethical health:  this is fulfilled by practice of Yama.

Physical wellness:  by practising §sana, Pr§;§y§ma, <uddhikriy§ (detoxification),

Spiritual evolvement:  by undertaking various techniques of meditation.  It means overcoming the dualities, conflicts and sufferings of life. 

In other words:  A human being maintains relationship on three levels:

i)  Self to self, intra-relation,

ii)  Inter-relation, relation with another human beings and creatures, and,

iii)  Relation with nature made of five elements.

 

For a harmonious living, relationship at all these levels ideally should be streamlined.

a.       Practice of Yoga  ‘re-establishes’  and maintains a cordial relationship with the self and Self through various Holistic methods. 

A few of prime ones are:  attitudinal transformation (through Niyama), attenuation of Rajas and Tamas (conversely incrementing Satva guna), then striking a state of balance among three gunas and then again by transcending Gunas (gun§t$ta) so that Sv§sthya (Self) is recaptured.  Bh%ta<uddhi, N§*$<uddhi, moving Pr§;a through Cakras (Cakra-bhedana) thus conquering over the personal bh%tas, moving Pr§;a into Su>umn§ and then taking it to Brahmarandhra to enjoy the state of Amanaska (non-mind), state of Sahita Kumbhaka leading to Kevala Kumbhaka set the norms of purely Yogic understanding of integrated health.  

 

b.      It sets the norms for dealing with fellow beings and all other living creatures through Holistic methods. 

How should one get ‘engaged’ with the world? Methods employed are: Yama—Ahi/s§, Satya etc. These are some of the norms to deal with the world for healthy co-existence.

One should also not get engaged with the world by practicing Praty§h§ra etc. so that one remains centered in Self (sva-stha).

With the advent of Yoga as a Holistic method, west, through last 100 years of time, could reinvent the value of living a holistic life.  The results are perceptible.

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a)      It is a view point that tries to explain how a human being responds to the surroundings and changing events. It will be wise to consider ones surroundings while treating a symptom. This is best summed up in Yoga Sutra—pari;§ma-t§pa-sa/sk§ra-du#khair-gu;av&tti-virodh§c-ca du#kha/-eva sarvam vivekina#.  The changing climate or weather  are bound to act upon human body and mind.  This is one point. 

b)      The other is, that a human being should be considered as one single living being comprising mind-body-consciousness complex.  Emotions play a significant role in one’s health.  A prolonged exposure to an irritating and un-favourable condition can have bad effects on one’s general health.

This is supported by Ayurveda— SarIroind`yasa%vaa%masaMyaaogaao Qaair jaIivatma\

--Life involves association of physical body, senses, satva (mental faculty) and {tm§.

 

c.       Another view is kind of an extremist in nature spouted by the Advaita Vedantins. In a sense, this class of monism does not recognize existence of an individual.  Rather it sees a living human being as an inseparable existence in Pure Consciousness or Wholeness.

 

As+§nga yoga  is holistic:  this scheme of Yoga has a broader plan to treat a human being at all its dimensions, from gross to the moral, ethical, emotional, financial, environmental and spiritual.  This is to ensure that one lives in perfect harmony with nature and people around by practicing Yamas.  One is also expected to be most comfortable with one’s own self.  For this Niyamas are recommended.

Not just physical health and mental health, one needs financial health, political health (peace), environmental health,

Yoga does support the idea of complete health.  For financial health in the society, aparigraha is suggested.  For good livelihood, tapas (hard work) is to be done.  Ahims§ for environmental health.

Holistic approach  

 

            The term ‘holistic’ comes from Greek ‘holos’ (Whole) which refers to accepting the eality in terms of integrated wholes whose properties can not be reduced to smaller units. 

 

Through an individual is a one single unit of being which cannot be divided in an absolute sense, but there appears to be parts, which for convenience is sake can be understood to be working individually. Even then one single unit of an organ or so causes an effect on the totality of the self. 

Thus an individual is indivisible unit of being. It is made of many seemingly part which are inseparable linked. 

When thoughts in mind are unduly out of rhythm ∕ gear, they disturb organize function, secretion of body fluids, caused tremors of limbs and sense. Of emotions are charged up, they disturb normal flow of bodily fluids. Sense perception is impaired. Locomotors activities are jeopardized. When body if sick, thoughts are not always normal and positive. Emotional place is shaken. Which further results into disturbance in flow of biochemical, thus effecting organic faculties, it trickles down to gross place too.

 More than any other group of savants, ancient Yogic source have observed and realized this interrelation of the called parts of the self. And they establish this relation internal with due deliberation.

There is one more aspect to this totalitarian view. That is environment of the surroundings in which an individual is supposed to exist.

It not only includes human inter relation, but also the normal behaviour of mother nature. If mother nature is disturbed by human folly, it revenge could bring irreversible chain of unfavourable consequences on humans. Realizing this quite well, ancient sages sang – “ Om dyo# <§nti# ”-------

Alas ! Even in the event of astounding progress made in the event of sciences in contemporary times, environmental degradation remains the most dreadful threat to the very existence of humanity. Not to speak of various environments related disease like skin cancer due to ozone depletion cropping up in multitude.       

Thus for any five problems, per say, a physical disorders an exclusive approach to treat it only on physical plane would not hold good. Similarly, for any mental or emotional problem, an one-sided approached to tackle it at that level world only mere ignoring its consequences on physical ∕ organic plane. It would be just prudent to develop a system to approach it in its entirely. Therefore the holistic ∕  or holistic approach is in place. And it is rightly only the Yogic approach.

The issue of therapy principle of integrity would just be appropriate in this context.

Theory of integrated approach accepts that a body like a machine is ^(a) ‘a whole’. ^(b) This ‘whole’ has many parts. ^(c) All parts together make one ‘whole’. ^(d) Each part is closely interrelated to each other parts as well.

Therefore it is easy to derive that one effect the other. One influences the other. A part effect another part in the system. The whole can also affect each part.

 Aupani<adika understanding says that a human being comprises of at least five layers or sheaths namely annamaya etc.

The holistic or integrated approach tells that if annamaya level is out of gear (say stomach upset) all other layers will also inevitably bear the burnt. Breathing will be un-rhythmic, mind will become fidgety, vi_j§na will be lagging and bliss to will miss out.

A keen and sharp eye on the end-game would only inspire one to halt and stammer, this cascading effect. It is well-proved hat Yoga not only believes in this theory, but also suggests effective measures to revert and intervene this chain of consequences.  

 

Thus a human being has three relations:

Self to self,  intra-relation,

Inter-relation, relation with another human being, and,

Relation with nature made of five elements,

 

Holistic health wants us to maintain good relation on all the three planes.