Some other articles from current issue

Yoga Mutations by Shri K. P. Mohandas Rao
We often deplore the fact that the commercialization of Yoga around the world, more so in advanced or developed world, has taken it away from its conceptual or original stage to a point that it has become a sport like gymnastics. The pure versions were wrapped in simplicity, graceful steps that focused on achieving a control on the mind, maintaining some flexibility of the body coupled with Yamas and Niyamas, practices that govern societal and personal behaviors. None of these involved use of any gadgets, sound effects, for that matter any significant expenses. All that mattered was being healthy and practice sobriety with diligence.

But, if we look at these mutations or different versions of the Yoga ‘techniques’, we can all see a parallel between these and our attitudes towards food, entertainments and the innovations that are aimed at ‘improving our lives’! Gone are the days when sattvic food meant ‘dal-chawal’ or ‘roti- subzi’or the simple sattvic food that the conventional Yoga advocates. Now those that have the means expect varieties and choices like Chinese, Italian, Continental and, besides variations even in the Indian cuisine. Not content with the purer varieties we come up with unique recipes that blend, merge, accentuate cross national cuisines that announce the fact that we have in fact globalised our ‘food. All that the west has done is globalised the Indian Yoga, tried to pander to changing demands of the people as they perceived.

Yes, those of us who have transgressed into the international cuisine can rationalize the transformations of the Yoga asanas into ‘highly demanding gymnastic exercises’ that are wholly focused on the development of ‘body’ unlike the holistic original version that combined body, mind and soul.

Perhaps this is a natural development or change that brings the world together though in a wholly different manner. Those of us who may have seen it all may eventually complete the cycle and revert to the original form. Until then it seems we are perhaps travelers who have a long way to go, but have options of how we will get there.

Answer to Mental Stress by Dr. Deepa Masand
Reena rushes to office, her son Rohan rushes to school. All are in hurry and short of time. They are thinking of one thing and doing other things. Reena has this burden of doing household chores and office work. Her husband has to attend to phone and bills, bank accounts etc. Son has to manage school, T. V., etc.

Mental stress is caused when one can’t differentiate between real and imaginary problems. One sees problem out of proportion; or one mixes up many problems at a time. Stress is accompanied by headache, depression, irritation, loss of appetite, fatigue and many other psychosomatic diseases or personality disorder. Mental stress creates imbalance. One can’t adjust well to one’s environment. The person is maladjusted at home, office or society. Person withdraws and feels the loss of control over situations.

Psychologically one should understand the problem first and adjust well to it. One should attack the root cause of problems. Don’t deviate from the social norms or our duties. If a problem is big, then divide the problem into parts, set problems in ascending order of difficulties, solve one problem or easier one first. Then the rest.

Yogic approach is to surrender oneself to God. It relieves the burden, helps in seeing the problem clearly. It motivates one to take action without too much worry about results. Expectations are not high. One is left in God’s hand in secure and assured environment. Asanas and mudras express best the surrender to God.

If one is sitting idle, it is better to keep mentally and physically occupied. Do physical exercise or asanas. Also develop some hobby. It rejuvenates oneself.

Meditation also helps to clear misunderstanding about problems. One sees the problem in the right perspective. Concentrate or attack problem and think creatively. Nispanda Bhava helps in effectively understanding the problem. Savasana helps in creating secure and assured environment.