07 June,2011 09:09 AM IST | | Aviva Dharmaraj
As Baba Ramdev finds himself in the midst of a mud-slinging fest that includes accusations by Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh for allegedly charging exorbitant rates for yoga, we thought it would be a good time to encourage the Baba and the rest of the political world to return to the basic teachings of yoga. Here are yoga experts on what they know for sure:
Lead by example
In Sivananda yoga, named after the guru, it is believed that an ounce of practice is worth tonnes of theory.u00a0 For me this means, you lead by example. The ultimate aim of yoga is purification of the mind. The reason I believe practice should be placed over theory is best explained by this quote by one of the greatest jnana yogis of India Ramana-maharshi, who says that if you wish to protect your feet wear slippers first, instead of trying to cover the whole world with leather.
- Shameem Akthar, Yogacharya, author and columnist
Happiness lies within
What are you seeking most? Happiness? But like the story of the musk deer, who goes in search of the fragrance of musk, but won't find it because the fragrance comes from within itself, humans too go in search of happiness outside themselves. Unlike the Western philosophy of 'No pain, no gain', pain is not a requirement of yoga, only a smile, a positive attitude and breath control are.
- Ramanjit Garewal, yoga teacher
Mind Discipline is key
The most basic form of meditation or dhyaan is to concentrate on one's breath. When we breath, we typically do so unknowingly and unconsciously. In the initial stage of meditation, one has to make a special effort to listen to the sound created while one inhales and exhales. This helps automatically rid the mind of disturbing thoughts, taking one a step towards thoughtlessness, which is an integral, but very difficult state to achieve. Meditation helps filter out thoughts, so that one can focus on what is most important and get things done quickly and without confusion. The practice of meditation also helps restore and rejuvenate the mind.
- Yogesh Chavan, yoga trainer and acupressure therapist
Call me Shivaji: Baba Ramdev, yoga guru
The Hindu yogi, who brought the teachings of yoga to tens of thousands around the world, now finds himself in the midst of controversy, including allegations that he charged as much as Rs 50,000 to share his yoga expertise. The allegations were made by Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh.
