Yoga Education: Philosophy and Practice

by Aruna Goel

Yoga is becoming of great interest among people in the world. There is no doubt that Yoga is a holistic approach but many of us do not understand the true meaning of Yoga. In the book, we have tried to cover all aspects of yoga in a scientific and logical manner to get the best advantage of it. Yoga is not merely an exercise or meditation. It is a total philosophy of life to promote ultimate aim of life.

Yoga is an exact science. It aims at the harmonious development of the body, the mind and the soul. Realising the potentialities of Yoga, there is phenomenal growth in India and abroad of Yoga universities, Institutes, Colleges, school engaged in teaching, research and practice or Yoga. University Grants Commissions is also encouraging the Education of Yoga. Yoga aims at controlling the mind and its modifications. The path of yoga is an inner path whose gateway is your soul.

Yoga is harmony between the individual and the cosmos, between thought and action, between soul and God, between organism and respiration. As science probes greater depths of the secrets of nature, the relevance of Yoga too is bound to grow, and a day is bound to come when human society will find no other way except yoga to come out of the present dead end of a tunnel-out into the broad sunshine of tranquility, peace and happiness.

The book "Yoga education Philosophy and Practice" in 10 Chapters, supplemented with Charts, case Studies and Learner views from Bhagvad Geeta, Vedas, Swami Vivekananda, and other eminent and Sacred persons. It is hoped that the book would be of great use to everyone as all need to understand Yoga to make life beautiful and peaceful especially in 21st century propelled by unlimited desires, material progress. Yoga is the only answer to bring-about peace in these turbulent times.

Contents:

• Preface
1. Yoga Education
2. Yama
3. Niyama
4. Commentary on Yama/ Niyama: Yoga and Significance of Values Education
5. Commentary on Yama/ Niyama: Ethical and Moral Values for Yoga
6. Asanas
7. Pranayama and Yoga
8. Pratyaahara (Mind Control and Purification)
9. Dharna and Dhyana: Potentialities and Perspectives of Concentration and Meditation
10. Samadhi and Excellence of Life: Perfection of Yoga Education
• Bibliography
• Index

About the Author:

Prof. Aruna Goel, currently Member, University Grants Commission, member, Society of Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shima, member Sahitya Academy, GOI (Sanskrit Board) is an eminent scholar of Sanskrit and Indian Philosophy, with thirty years experience in teaching and research at Punjab University, Chandigarh. She has been devoted to the cause of promoting awareness and application of ancient wisdom in dealing with current issues like Good Governance, Environment, HRD, Women Empowerment, Social Development etc. She has published a number of books and articles in national and international journals and her writings are a result of painstaking research over a number of years.

Especially her books “Indian Philosophy and Modern Science” and “Education Policy and Administration” have been highly appreciated by Indian and foreign scholars. A perfectionist to the core, she balances her time between intellectual pursuits, social and family commitments and professional engagements. Her motto is quest for excellence in all walks of life and to be a good person above all. She is widely traveled in India and abroad and has delivered innumerable lectures on Indian philosophy and Sanskrit literature.

Since Dr. Aruna Goel’s active participation in the celebrations of International Women Year 1996 at International, National and State levels, she worked hard for the upliftment of the status of women and through them promoted development of India. Her dream got fulfilled when UGC nominated her as Convenor of Women Studies to promote the cause of women through 40 women study centers set up by UGC in Universities. Based upon her interest and hard work, she penned down these three books on different aspects of “Women Development and Empowerment”. She aims to struggle till the women are given equal status with men in theory and practice.

Dr. Aruna Goel is now passionately involved in conceptualizing ‘Sanskrit’, a forum under the ages of University Grants Commission to bring the complete spectrum of ancient wisdom and heritage within the comprehension of each of the fellow Indians, by networking the efforts of university departments, research institutes, trusts and religious organizations as well as scholars and mahatmas, and bringing out publications which are easy to understand and rooted in our legacy and culture.