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Influence of Geographical Phenomenon on Yoga: A Study on Yoga-Geography

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Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences ISSN 2347-5374(Online)
Abbreviated Key Title: Sch. J. Arts Humanit. Soc. Sci. ISSN 2347-9493(Print)
©Scholars Academic and Scientific Publishers (SAS Publishers)
A Unit of Scholars Academic and Scientific Society, India

Influence of Geographical Phenomenon on Yoga: A Study on Yoga-Geography

Dr. Haraprasad Bairagya1*, Dr. Ujjwal Kumar Haldar2
1
Research Scholar, Dept. of Education, University of Gour Banga, Mokdumpur, Malda, West Bengal, And Ex-
Researcher, Dept. of Geography, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal, India
2
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Education, University of Gour Banga, Mokdumpur, Malda, West Bengal, India

Abstract: The word ‗Yoga‘ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‗Yuj‘, means ‗to join‘
*Corresponding author or ‗to yoke‘ or ‗to unite‘. Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an
Dr. Haraprasad Bairagya extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and
body. It is a science and art of healthy living. Geography is a science of time and
Article History space, which is highly related to mind and body. That is why the geographical
Received: 22.03.2018 knowledge can be accurately enhanced through joining of body and mind. Without
Accepted: 06.04.2018 yoga anybody is unable to visit an area and without meditation he is unable to explain
Published: 30.04.2018 what he is seeing them accurately. Thus geographical knowledge cannot be
inculcated. The relationship between yoga and geographical epistemology can be
DOI: explained through geography of prana (life). The practice of Yoga is believed to
10.21276/sjahss.2018.6.4.10 have started with the very dawn of civilization. The science of yoga has its origin
thousands of years ago, long before the first religions or belief systems were born. In
the yogic lore, Shiva is seen as the first yogi or Adiyogi, and the first Guru or Adi
Guru. The period between 500 BC - 800 A.D. is considered as the Classical period
which is also considered as the most fertile and prominent period in the history and
development of Yoga. The period between 800 A.D. - 1700 A.D. has been
recognized as the Post Classical period and the period between 1700 - 1900 A.D. is
considered as Modern period in which the great Yogacharyas- Ramana Maharshi,
Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Paramhansa Yogananda, Vivekananda etc. were there.
Yoga- geography influences on the body and mind of the students in every sphere of
their development. Yoga-Geography balances both hemisphere of the brain,
develops whole mind, increases concentration in their classes, improves self-
regulation, cultivates physical fitness, creates positive classroom climate etc. The
term Yoga-Geography‘ which is going to be introduced through present study can be
the future solution to the students for perfect self-realization by using modern tools
and techniques.
Keywords: Sole, Moksa, Geography, Time, Space, Classrooms.

INTRODUCTION ‗Nainang chindanti sastrani, Nainang dahati pabakah

The word ‗Yoga‘ is derived from the Sanskrit Na chainang cledayang tyapoh, Na sosayati marutah’ –
root ‗Yuj‘, means ‗to join‘ or ‗to yoke‘ or ‗to unite‘ [1]. Bhattacharya, 2013 [24]
Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an
extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing The sole can neither be cut by any sword nor
harmony between mind and body. It is an art and scince be burnt through fire. It cannot be melted by water and
of healthy living. As per Yogic scriptures the practice of cannot be dried by wind too. It can only be changed
Yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness like a shirt from one body to another. Thus the aim of
with that of the Universal Consciousness, indicating a Yoga is Self-realization, i.e. the realization of sole, to
perfect harmony between the mind and body, Man & overcome all kinds of sufferings leading to 'the state of
Nature. According to modern scientists, everything in liberation' (Moksha) or ‗freedom‘ (Kaivalya). Living
the universe is just a manifestation of the same quantum with freedom in all walks of life, health and harmony
firmament. One who experiences this oneness of shall be the main objectives of Yoga practice. ―Yoga‖
existence is said to be in yoga, and is termed as a yogi, also refers to an inner science comprising of a variety of
having attained to a state of freedom referred to as methods through which human beings can realize this
mukti, nirvana or moksha. In the Srimodbhagawadgita union and achieve mastery over their destiny [1].
of Hindu Religion (Sloka-23, Ch-II, Sankhyayoga) the
sole is described as- Geography is a science of time and space [3],
which is highly related to mind and body. The term
epistemology refers to the knowledge acquisition that

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Haraprasad Bairagya & Ujjwal Kumar Haldar., Sch. J. Arts. Humanit. Soc. Sci., Apr 2018; 6(4): 850-858
helped the discipline to take its place alongside other  To find out the role of Geography for the students
social, environmental, and natural sciences at that time, studying Yoga.
was triggered by adoption of what has been termed a  To influence the curriculum construction of
"positivist" epistemology [4]. Extensive use is still Geography including yoga in school level.
made of this approach, especially in studying  To prepare the curriculum of studying yoga
environmental dynamics and also in spatial analysis and amongst the students from primary to master‘s
representation. Realist approaches, which recognize the degree level.
importance of higher-level conceptual structures, insist
that theories be able to account for the very different METHODOLOGY
observed outcomes that a process may engender in The study is mainly based on secondary data,
different places [5]. Geography, the only among the practical knowledge and awareness of the yoga related
sciences, believes in seeing [6]. That is why the persons. The photos are prepared and edited through
geographical knowledge can be accurately enhanced Adobe Photoshop. Web information had taken a vital
through joining of body and mind. Bodily anybody has role to enrich the quality of the study. Different
to visit the area to gather knowledge through mind Geography books are studied to get the geography
properly. Without yoga anybody is unable to visit an based knowledge.
area and without meditation he is unable to explain
what he is seeing their accurately. Ultimately, yoga Brief History of Yoga Based of Geographical
deserves to become an integrated and universal mind- Phenomenon
body-environment practice in our modern culture [7]. The practice of Yoga is believed to have
started with the very dawn of civilization. The science
Aims and Objectives of the Study of yoga has its origin thousands of years ago, long
 The aim of this study is to impart knowledge of before the first religions or belief systems were born.
classical Indian traditional yoga and its relation
with Geographical phenomenon. Pre-vedic period
 To inspire the yoga professionals to find out the Suryanamaskara Historical evidences of the
suitable yoga procedures according to changing existence of Yoga were seen in the pre-Vedic period
environment. (2700 B.C.), and thereafter till Patanjali‘s period. The
 Application of yoga for the prevention, care and main sources, from which we get the information about
rehabilitation of different diseases which are Yoga practices and the related literature during this
increasing in rapid rate with environmental period, are available in Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis,
pollution. teachings of Buddhism, Jainism, Panini, Epics, Puranas
 To inspire the students to make themselves fit for etc. A number of seals and fossil remains of Indus
study through practicing yoga. Saraswati valley civilization with Yotic motives and
 To find out the role of yoga for the students figures performing yoga indicate the presence of Yoga
studying Geography. in India (Plate-1).

Plate-1: (Basavareddi, 2015) [1]

Classical Period considered as early nature of Yoga sadhana. We find its

Tentatively, the period between 500 BC - 800 more explicit explanation in Bhagawadgita which has
A.D. is considered as the Classical period which is also elaborately presented the concept of Gnan yoga, Bhakti
considered as the most fertile and prominent period in yoga and Karma Yoga.
the history and development of Yoga. During this
period, commentaries of Vyasa on Yoga Sutras and Post Classical Period
Bhagawadgita etc. came into existence. This period can The period between 800 A.D. - 1700 A.D. has
be mainly dedicated to two great religious teachers of been recognized as the Post Classical period wherein
India –Mahavir and Buddha. The concept of five great the teachings of great Acharyatrayas-Adi
vows – Pancha mahavrata- by Mahavir and Ashta Shankracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhavacharya-were
Marga or eightfold path by Buddha - can be well prominent during this period. The teachings of

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Haraprasad Bairagya & Ujjwal Kumar Haldar., Sch. J. Arts. Humanit. Soc. Sci., Apr 2018; 6(4): 850-858
Suradasa, Tulasidasa, Purandardasa, Mirabai were the So, Yoga-Geography literally means the
great contributors during this period. The Natha Yogis practice of yoga in a suitable geographical environment.
of Hathayoga Tradition like Matsyendaranatha, Yoga-Geography may be defined as the Geography of
Gorkshanatha, Cauranginatha, Swatmaram Suri, space and time where human body considers to be
Gheranda, Shrinivasa Bhatt are some of the great space, changes with time to join with the sole in a
personalities who popularized the Hatha Yoga practices suitable environment, at a suitable time to achieve ‗the
during this period. stage of liberation‘ i.e. moksa.

Modern period Relation between Yoga and Geography

The period between 1700 - 1900 A.D. is Role of Yoga when outer environment is considered
considered as Modern period in which the great as Space
Yogacharyas- Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna Yoga is also commonly understood as a
Paramhansa, Paramhansa Yogananda, and Vivekananda therapy or exercise system for health and fitness. While
etc. have contributed for the development of Raja Yoga. physical and mental health is natural consequences of
This was the period when Vedanta, Bhakti yoga, yoga, the goal of yoga is more far-reaching. "Yoga is
Nathayoga or Hatha-yoga flourished. The Shadanga- about harmonizing oneself with the universe. It is the
yoga of Gorakshashatakam, Chaturanga-yoga of technology of aligning individual geometry with the
Hathayogapradipika, Saptanga-yoga of Gheranda cosmic, to achieve the highest level of perception and
Samhita, were the main tenents of Hatha-yoga. harmony‖. So, the surrounding environment on which
the yoga will be practiced is very important for man.
YOGA- GEOGRAPHY From the ancient period the environment or the space
A new term may be introduced to establish the on which the people practiced yoga was going to be
relationship between yoga and Geography i.e. Yoga- changed with time. In the Vedic period the Asramas
Geography. Geography is a subject of time and space. were situated in the forest or in the river side where
The yoga is practiced in a particular time and particular there was minimum pollution and disturbances. Now
space also. It can be explained in two ways- people are facing a lot of pollution and the concept of
 Yoga is practiced in a particular space or Asramas are being eliminated by the industrially
environment and in a particular time where developed Civilization. So, with changing space with
concentration can be easily established. time, the mode and types of Yoga is going to be
 If the body is considered as a space or area then it changed day by day on the basis of requirement of
also changes its environment with increasing age people.
from birth to death and the mode of yoga varies
with age too. So the yoga practice changes with To establish the relationship between body and
time and space. mind properly, the time and space is very crucial as
follows-

Plate-2: Time of Practicing Yoga

The very best time to practice yoga is first except within 2-3 hours of having eaten. People can do
thing in the morning before breakfast. Upon waking, postures when the body feels stiff, tense, tired or hyped-
empty the bowels, shower if anybody wishs, then up. Be aware not to do too many over-stimulating
commence the day with his regime of yoga practices postures just before bedtime. Asanas are best practiced
(Plate-2). The second most conductive time is early first in yoga routine of the people, followed by
evening, in and around sunset. breathing (Pranayama) and then meditation.

Time of practicing Yoga depends on Yoga Pranayama may be practiced at any time of
Positions (Asanas) may be practiced at any time of day day except within 2-3 hours after meals. It may be done

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Haraprasad Bairagya & Ujjwal Kumar Haldar., Sch. J. Arts. Humanit. Soc. Sci., Apr 2018; 6(4): 850-858
when tense or tired or when space does not allow room results don‘t do meditation within 2-3 hours of eating,
for postures. Pranayama is best practiced straight after when sleepy, nor when mentally ―hyped-up‖.
asanas without breaking the flow of awareness.
Pranayama is a necessary pre-requisite for successful Yoga Nidra can be done at any time of day,
meditation. even directly after meals so long as people do not fall
asleep in the practice. Yoga Nidra should not be
Meditation may be done at any time of day practiced when anybody feel tired or sleepy. More will
when anybody feels both awake and relaxed. For best be gained when people are both awake and relaxed [1].

Plate-3: Place of Practicing Yoga [8]

 It is best is to have fresh air in a quiet and clean  The Earth contains 71% of water and the
place that suits the concentration and awareness human body is also an example of space
yoga will create(Plate-3). contains 65-75% of water [9]. Thus Earth is
 Do not practice yoga in direct sunlight or after sun- the only planet where human being are found.
bathing. Outdoors is good for Yoga but avoid cold  According to ‗Yoga-Sastra‘ after death the
wind and insects. body is converted into five bhoots i.e. Khiti
(Earth), App (water), Teazas (Fire) and Byom
Role of Yoga When Body is considered as a Space (Sky). All these are the primary and significant
There is a lot of similarity between the Earth elements of Geography. Through ‗kundalini‘
and Human body when both are considered as space. (a type of yoga) the change of power is done
from one space to another at a very short span
of time.

Fig-1: Kundalini Yoga

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Haraprasad Bairagya & Ujjwal Kumar Haldar., Sch. J. Arts. Humanit. Soc. Sci., Apr 2018; 6(4): 850-858
Fundamentally, hatha yoga or kundalini environments around them to either stimulate or drain
yoga (Fig-1) is a preparatory process so that the body their bodily energies. All people do things, consciously
can sustain higher levels of energy. The process begins and not, in their daily lives to feel more awake (or, in
with the body, then the breath, the mind, and the inner yogic terms, to increase our prana). We sing, or eat
self. Energy also transfers through different tropic well, or work out, or play drums in an 80s band, or hang
levels in the ecosystem. out with babies, or garden, or bake. And that's a good
 It is presumed that a good, balanced, integrated, start, because ultimately, we all want to feel more alive
truthful, clean, transparent person will be more [10]. Thus, yoga determines the ideal geographical
useful to oneself, family, society, nation, nature and environment for students.
humanity at large. All these are the part of
Geographical habitat. IMPACT OF YOGA-GEOGRAPHY TO THE
 Yoga education is 'Being oriented‘ and highly STUDENTS
related to Geographical elements. Details of In this study it is very important to look at
working with 'being oriented' aspect have been what science says about the growth of a child, what
outlined in various living traditions and texts and the psychoanalysis says about child psychology and how
method contributing to this important field is known the hormones and glands alter and influence the
as 'Yoga'. Requirement of Yoga practice is going to rationality, emotional structure and creative output of
be change regularly with changing space. Owing to the child (Fig-2).
come over the sound pollution, meditation and
pranayam is given more importance. To get more Balancing both hemispheres of the brain
resistance power of lung breathing exercises like Science tells us that there are two hemispheres
‗Kapal Bhati‘, ‗Anulom-Bilom‘ etc. are usually in our brain, the right and the left. These two
done. hemispheres perform different functions. The functions
of the left hemisphere are linear, logical and intellectual
YOGA-GEOGRAPHY: THE GEOGRAPHY OF [11]. Those of the right hemisphere are artistic, creative
‗PRANA’ (life) and intuitive. The subjects which are taught follow a
The relationship between yoga and linear, logical system, whether it is maths, history,
geographical epistemology can be explained through geography, physics, chemistry or medicine, whether it
geography of prana (life). Yoga Buddhists or yogis is advanced education or secondary education. In this
might say this is all a reflection of the geography of process only one side of the brain is stimulated - the
prana (life), an intuitive marriage of the notion of spirit linear, logical side [12]. In order to balance the other
(or chi or psyche or soul) and the kind of environmental aspects, we teach children the arts. We encourage them
awareness that inspires much of the work being done to practise music, to paint, to perform plays. We
right now in progressive eco-theologies. The geography encourage them to use their creativity. But if you
of prana (life) blooms out of the idea that divinity is compare the influence of the different lobes of the
infused in nature, that the world is the manifest body of brain, you will find that the linear and logical are more
God; that the human bodies, made as they are from dust pronounced than the artistic and creative. This is one
and ash and oxygen and all kinds of messy and point.
mysterious elements, interact organically with the

Fig-2

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Haraprasad Bairagya & Ujjwal Kumar Haldar., Sch. J. Arts. Humanit. Soc. Sci., Apr 2018; 6(4): 850-858
Developing the whole mind also know that the teacher is not concerned with them.
The second point is that the brain is only the There should be a gap in the relationship between
medium through which people educate their mind. The student and teacher. That gap is a very crucial
mind is a composition of four different faculties, which component which can build up the personality of the
in yogic terminology are defined as manas, buddhi, student, which is non-existent. However, if some
chitta and ahamkara. The word manas means to methods of concentration is incorporated to the
rationalize, to think about something. Buddhi means students, then rapport develops as well as awareness.
intellect. Chitta is an area of consciousness where
impressions are stored. Ahamkara is the concept of ego. Yoga in the classroom is not confined to the
physical practices and breathing techniques that are
In the modern education system people are taught. Rather, the teacher has to be aware when to
feeding only one aspect of the mind - buddhi. They are speak and when to be silent. Speech is the medium of
not dealing with the manas aspect, which deals with the instruction, but at the same time silence is also the
faculty to know what is right and what is wrong. They medium of instruction because silence allows a person
are not dealing with chitta, where impressions of to assimilate what he has just heard. So, only speaking
knowledge are stored in the form of memory and is not a perfect method of teaching. After ten minutes a
experience. Nor they are dealing with ahamkara, the break should be given to the children to think over the
ego. Rather they are cramming buddhi with information tropic he had studied then. The teacher will remain
without boosting up the other aspects of their mind. silent and will instruct the student to enjoy the natural
Therefore, despite all our education, they are not able to beauties for a moment to refresh their mind too.
apply it constructively and creatively in their lives.
Improves Self-Regulation
Yoga in the classroom At a very broad level, self-regulation refers to
The system of educating children has to be our ability to manage our stress, emotions, and
different. It has to be combined with certain practices behaviors. Psychological and neuroscientific research
which can remove their psychological blocks, which [14] is starting to show that yoga and meditation may
can make them aware of the psychological changes that help youth manage their stress and mood and behave
happen in their body and brain, which can make them more positively [15]. The basic idea is that yoga helps
aware of their own distractions and which can give calm the fight or flight response, and induces the
them the ability to focus on the theme of the subject relaxation response, thus helping children calm
they are studying [13]. themselves down and be less reactive in difficult
situations. So instead of lashing out in anger on the
In Europe, the schools have a psychologist playground, a student might take a deep breath and
who monitors the performance, behaviour and aptitude walk away.
of the child and who tries to create a support group for
the child in the home environment. When the children Cultivates Physical Fitness
who were practicing yoga in the classroom were An important difference between yoga and
monitored, a marked improvement in their responses, mindfulness meditation is that yoga includes physical
creativity, receptivity, memory, willpower and postures. In essence, yoga is a practice of ―mindfulness
behaviour was found. The children were more relaxed, in motion‖ that uses the body to promote awareness of
focused, one-pointed and tranquil than their the present moment. Given that more than one-third of
counterparts in other classes who were not practicing American children and adolescents are considered
yoga and who were more destructive, restless, violent overweight or obese [16], school-based interventions
and distracted. that encourage the development of physical fitness are
sorely needed. Research suggests that yoga may
In America, RYE (Research of Yoga in improve physical fitness in adolescents [17] as well as
Education) supports to provide soft background music benefit several aspects of physical health, such as
in the classroom so that children are not under constant improved respiratory function, increased exercise
psychological pressure to study. Having music around adherence, and reduced obesity risk factors [18].
is a subconscious distraction and subconscious
relaxation [13]. Supports Teacher Resilience and a Positive Classroom
Climate
Developing awareness and rapport Importantly, the benefits of school-based yoga
Yoga also helps to bring in the concept of also extends to classroom teachers. Recent research
awareness. It is often finding teachers teaching the suggests that providing educators with training in yoga-
subject to the students without awareness. While the and mindfulness-based skills may have several
training is going on in the class, there is an absence of beneficial effects for educators, including increases in
awareness. Students are taking down notes calmness, mindfulness, well-being, and positive mood,
mechanically, whether they understand the subject or improvements in classroom management, emotional
not. That is not the worry of the teachers. The students reactivity, physical symptoms, blood pressure, and
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Haraprasad Bairagya & Ujjwal Kumar Haldar., Sch. J. Arts. Humanit. Soc. Sci., Apr 2018; 6(4): 850-858
cortisol awakening response, and decreases in mind and Curriculum of Yoga- Geography
body stress [19]. Indeed, providing teachers with skills Suitable curriculum can encourage the students
and practices to enhance their own self-care is a crucial to go for studying the subject. Curriculum of yoga-
step toward improving classroom climate, teacher geography can be include form primary to post-
effectiveness and student outcomes. graduation level as follows-
 Primary level: Here the students are immature thus
Based on the increasing evidence supporting prayer, nature study, free hand exercises and simple
the efficacy of yoga for children, school-based yoga asanas, will be given more emphasis.
programs are being increasingly implemented across the  Secondary level: In this level the students are little
United States. These programs are designed to address bit matured thus importance of yoga in life, need of
stress and anxiety, and promote social and emotional fresh environment for yoga, need of proper time for
learning, physical and emotional health and well-being, yoga, yoga and epistemology..
all basic requirements for readiness to learn and a  Graduation level: Origins of yoga, how yoga
positive, healthy school climate [20]. works, how Environmental Geography, Bio-
geography, Climatology, Indian Philosophy,
Ultimately, anecdotal evidence about the Western Philosophy, Idealism, Naturalism,
benefits of school-based yoga is not enough. Rigorous Pragmatism, types of yoga and over all its utilities,
scientific research is what‘s needed to change influence of geographical phenomenon on yoga,
educational policy and make yoga a universal parts of human body and its relation to yoga, risks
component of the public school system. Yoga 4 of doing yoga wrongly, dealing with problem cases
Classrooms is excited to be part of the growing with injuries by using geographical ideas, should
evidence-base for school-based yoga (you can read be studied in the curriculum.
about our research study here) [21].  Post –graduation level: Geography of Prana (life),
How to prolong vitality with yoga, Epistemology
Utilization of Modern Tools and Techniques of Yoga, Salvation through yoga, concept of
According to the change of geographical realism (Geography), behaviourilism (Geography),
environment in different periods i.e. from pre-vedic to human body as a space and its relation to nature,
modern a lot of teaching tools and techniques had been development of personality through yoga,
changed to motivate the students. In the pre-vedic and awakening and listening to the body‘s intelligence
Vedic period students took their lession under the in a perfect geographical environment, hatha yoga
canopy of tree. There were no sound pollution and air and its relation to geography.
pollution too in the surrounding environment. The
charming mystic sounds of the birds helped a lot to Prospects
make the mental relaxations of the students. To Now in the contemporary times, everybody
concentrate over a particular aim was much easier. In has conviction about yoga practices towards the
the Mahabharata, Arjuna‘s concentration (to the fish‘s preservation, maintenance and promotion of health.
eye with arrow during his marriage) was the example of Yoga has spread all over the world by the teachings of
such yoga [22]. The ‗Sabda-vedi’ (sound detecting) great personalities like Swami Shivananda, Shri T.
arrow of King Dasarath, in the Ramayana, was possible Krishnamacharya, Swami Kuvalayananda, Shri
only in the noise free environment [23]. Those Yogendara, Swami Rama, Sri Aurobindo, Maharshi
particular yogas were practiced and taught by their Mahesh Yogi, Acharya Rajanish, Pattabhijois, BKS.
Acharyas (Teachers). The students used natural pen and Iyengar, Swami Satyananda Sarasvati and the like.
ink during writing. They used different leaves as
notebook. In the classical period, with the discovery of B.K.S. Iyengar was the founder of the style of
paper during industrial revolution, the use book, note yoga known as "Iyengar Yoga" and was considered one
book and the metallic pen in a arranged classrooms of the foremost yoga teachers in the world [1]. Present
were increased inspite of using direct natural days, Yoga Education is being imparted by many
phenomenon. The teachers used chalk, duster and eminent Yoga Institutions, Yoga Colleges, Yoga
blackboard to motivate the students in a huge school Universites, Yoga Departments in the Universities,
building. Later on the teacher used 3d models and Naturopathy colleges and Private trusts & societies.
charts to motivate the students. With changing Many Yoga Clinics, Yoga Therapy and Training
environment when the air pollution is increasing, the Centers, Preventive Health Care Units of Yoga, Yoga
students are suffering from lung diseases. To avoid all Research Centers etc. have been established in
these circumstances teachers are using white board and Hospitals, Dispensories, Medical Institiutions and
marker pen replacing chalk and dusters. They are using Therapetical setups.
audio-visual techniques through power point
presentation with LCD projector in an air conditioned Different social customs and rituals in India,
room to motivate the students. the land of Yoga, reflect a love for ecological balance,
tolerance towards other systems of thought and a

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Haraprasad Bairagya & Ujjwal Kumar Haldar., Sch. J. Arts. Humanit. Soc. Sci., Apr 2018; 6(4): 850-858
compassionate outlook towards all creations. Yoga CONCLUSION
Sadhana of all hues and colours is considered panacea Research on yoga in schools has grown
for a meaningful life and living. Its orientation to a exponentially over the past 5 - 10 years, and while the
comprehensive health, both individual and social, results are still preliminary, scientists are beginning to
makes it a worthy practice for the people of all understand why yoga serves as such a valuable
religions, races and nationalities [1]. The central component of school curricula nationwide. Research
university like Visva-Bharati is encouraging the suggests that school-based yoga cultivates
students to go for yoga with their diploma courses. competencies in mind-body awareness, self-regulation,
Apart from Visva Bharati University, following five and physical fitness, and classroom teaching benefit as
Universities are thinking about including yoga in their well. Taken together, these competencies may lead to
curriculum: improvements in students‘ behavior, mental state,
 Central University of Kerala health, and performance, as well as teacher resilience,
 Indira Gandhi National Tribal University in effectiveness and overall classroom climate. The world
Amarkantak is not exactly as it appears to our eyes. We cannot
 Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in discover this mystery of the structure of the universe
Uttarakhand because we, ourselves, are involved in this structure
 The Central University of Rajasthan in Ajmer [24].Yoga-Geography can enhance the knowledge of
 Manipur University in Imphal the universe , can suggest the particular space and time
for practicing yoga and tends to make easier to reach
From the academic year 2016, 6 central the goal through self realisation. How suitable
Universities will have a completely funded and Geographical environment can motivate one‘s mind to
functioning department of yoga. This announcement achieve the goal towards liberation of states can be
was recently made by the HRD Ministry otherwise evaluated by the feeling and contribution of Maharsi
known as Ministry of Human Resource. To increase the Devendranath Tagore who felt moksa related ideas at
awareness of yoga, 21st June, 2016 was celebrated the open and peaceful nature of Bhubandanga (Later on
as International Yoga Day and assumed that it will Santiniketan), Birbhum, in which the seed of Visva-
create a deep impact to the people of the world for Bharati University was planted. He concluded his
progress of yoga. realization beneath the ‗Chatim Tree‘/ Alstonia tree
(Plate-4) as-

―Tini-i amar praner aram, Moner ananda, Atmar santi‖

- Maharsi Debendranath Tagore.

Plate-4: Chatim Tala, Santiniketan; Example of Yoga-Geographical ideas

That means the Lord is the rest of his heart, pleasure of his mind and peace of his sole.

REFERENCES 4. Harvey D. Explanation in Geography. London:

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