Yog is one of the greatest gifts of ancient India to all mankind. Unlike most Western
inventions and advancements, Yoga has been freely propagated without the mental frameworks
in Heideggerian sense of patents and copyrights on one hand and the "us and them" syndrome
that is the gift of Western Industrial Revolution to thought traditions.
Patanjali is a major figure among the great Hindu thinkers by any measure
and, though not the father of yoga per se, he is certainly the father of Raja
Yoga as its compiler. Patanjali is also believed to be an incarnation of the serpent
Ananta (Skt: endless), well known in Indian mythology as the thousand-headed naga who
serves as a couch for Lord Vishnu and is also the guardian of the world's treasures.
Desiring to teach yoga to the world, he is said to have fallen (pat) from heaven into
the open palms (anjali) of a woman, hence the name Patanjali.
The Yoga Sutras are built on a foundation of Samkhya philosophy and the Bhagavad Gita.
In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali prescribes adherence to eight "limbs" or steps (the sum of
which constitute "Ashtanga Yoga", the title of the second chapter) to quiet one's mind
and merge with the infinite. These eight limbs not only systematized conventional moral
principles espoused by the Bhagavad Gita, but elucidated the practice of Raja Yoga in a
more detailed manner.
The eight "limbs" or steps are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana,
Dhyana and Samadhi. A number of commentators break these eight steps into two categories.
Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, and Pratyahara comprise the first category. The second
category, called Samyama is comprised of Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. The division
between the two categories exists because in latter three mentioned steps there is no
cognizance whereas in the first five steps cognizance exists.
In 1995, Swamiji joined the order of ancient-monks. Swami Ramdev was initiated into the
ascetic order by Swami Shankerdevji Maharaj. - In the course of pursuing his ascetic
endeavors, Swamiji spent many years undertaking a thorough study of ancient Indian
scriptures. At the same time, he also practiced intense self-discipline and meditation.
He teaches that God resides in every human being and that the body is God's temple.
He is a firm believer in the concept of Vasudaiv Kutambakam (the whole World is one
family) and decries practices that discriminate on the basis of caste, creed or gender.
His fundamental belief is that expressions of love, affection and compassion towards all
living things are the true worship of the Creator.
- Swamiji has taught several aspects
of traditional Indian scriptures such as Ashtadhyayee, Mahabhashya and Upanishads along
with six systems of Indian Philosophy in various Gurukuls (traditional Indian systems of
education). He has helped establish Gurukuls in Kishangarh, Ghashera, and Mahendragarh
in India. Swamiji has also founded the Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust which has built several
institutions. In addition to helping people learn about Yoga and spirituality, these
institutions also provide a comprehensive facility that promotes the practice of
Ayurveda - the traditional system of holistic medicine developed in India. - Swamiji's
unique contribution has been in helping ordinary people lead a healthy life through the
practice of Pranayama.
In very simple terms, Pranayama can be thought of as a series of techniques for breath
control that were developed as a part of the ancient Indian system of Yoga. Heretofore,
these techniques were often thought of as being esoteric and complex and portrayed as
being unsuitable for lay people. Consequently, their use was often limited to advanced
practitioners of Yoga and undertaken only under the strict supervision of an experienced
teacher. Swamiji has worked diligently to break these barriers and help make the practice
of Pranayama achievable by the ordinary layperson. -
- He has devised a set of six simple
Pranayama breathing exercises as listed in the section below. These techniques have been
readily embraced by the general public as evidenced by the following facts: Swamiji's
educational show is broadcast on Indian national TV (AASTHA channel)from morning 6-8 am
and evening 8-9 pm (IST) several times a week and he also has dedicated shows such as
Total Tandurusti airing on Zee network, a show on Sahara One at 9:00 am, Yoga Science on
IndiaTV at 7:30 am , 1:30 pm. Total viewership is in millions.
According to the synopsis
that is available to Sky Digital viewers, Swami Ramdev "claims that he was a paralytic"
prior to taking up yoga, but this claim has yet to be completely verified. Swamiji has
been invited to hold monthly training camps in cities all over India. Total attendance
in these camps exceeds tens of thousands.- Viewers of the TV show and attendees at the
camp have reported significant improvements in their health - citing relief from many
illnesses such as Diabetes, Heart Disease, Arthritis, Thyroid Problems, Hypertension,
Blood pressure, Stomach ailments and different types of cancer without the use of any
medicines.
The Pranayam program as taught by Swami Ramdev[2] consists of the following six key
breathing exercises (in sequence):
Bhastrika Pranayam
Kapal Bhati Pranayam
Baahya Pranayam
Anulom Vilom Pranayam
Bhramri Pranayam
Udgeeth Pranayam