Latest news with #SagePatanjali
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Gurukulam revival: Recreating the foundations of Indian Education
Credit: Istock India's ancient system of education, the Gurukulam, was never simply about learning. It was about sharing wisdom, imparting discipline, and building human character in balance with nature and the self. In an age when education is all about markets and measures, the gentle resurgence of the Gurukulam model is a compelling counter-trend: not backward, but restorative. In recreating the Gurukulam, we are not doing so out of mere nostalgia. We are awakening a timeless principle that continues to be relevant to this very day. This system of education, conceived by our rishis and formalized in the yogic system by Sage Patanjali, is based on self-realization, humility, and the love of truth. Education as inner mastery Sage Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, established the premise for an integral life philosophy wherein the mind (citta) has to be purified and cleansed so that one may attain real knowledge. The second very sutra of his book describes yoga as "yogas citta-vrtti-nirodhah", the stopping of the fluctuations of the mind. Education in this vision does not mean accumulation of information but developing mental alertness, equanimity, and moral living. The Gurukulam aligns seamlessly with organisations like Patanjali's ideals. The emphasis on meditation, silence, discipline (niyama), and ethical values (yama) ensures that learning is not divorced from life. The student doesn't just 'study' under a guru; they live, serve, observe, and transform in the guru's presence. The Gurukulam becomes both a school and a sanctuary. This is not an escape from the modern world but a return to essence, cultivating young minds with quiet in a world filled with noise. A cultural imperative, not a business trend In contrast with institutionalized education that tends to compartmentalize learning and values, the Gurukulam upraises both together. Sanskrit chanting, yogic sadhana, seva (selfless service), and routine rituals are all used as means of character-building just as much as mind-building. It must be stressed that this revival is not being thrust through showy campaigns or corporate systems. It's happening quietly, in forests, ashrams, and spirituality retreats, driven by honesty and a desire to preserve what is sacred. Lives touched: Voices from within the revival This living tradition is already having a transformative impact, particularly on families and teachers who have fully engaged in the revitalised gurukulam experience. Prema Pathak; Homemaker " My children are not only growing in wisdom, but in grace and inner confidence. They've begun waking up early, practicing yoga with enthusiasm, and chanting with all heart. The rhythm of the gurukulam has changed our entire family's way of life." Saroj Pandey; A Teacher "Here, teaching is a form of worship. We're not just imparting information; we're living it. Every student is treated as an individual on a path. I have never felt more in tune with my calling." The revival of Gurukulam is no project, no product, no trend. It is a going back, to dharma, to simplicity, to the essence of education. This is not about rejecting science or progress. It is about remembering who we are as a civilisation, and teaching our children to live, learn, and grow from that space of inner wisdom.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Yoga and Yogini Ekadasi: A Cosmic Confluence
Photo: pexels On June 21, 2025, the universe gifts us a remarkable convergence: International Yoga Day aligns harmoniously with Yogini Ekadasi . This celestial meeting invites us to experience profound holistic purification, uniting physical wellness, mental clarity, and spiritual awakening . Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit "yuj," meaning union, transcends mere exercise. Rooted deeply in the ancient wisdom of the Vedas and elaborated through the profound insights of the Upanishads, yoga addresses the restless human mind, guiding it toward higher consciousness. Sage Patanjali encapsulated this timeless wisdom in his Yoga Sutras, presenting yoga as a structured journey toward liberation and self-realization . Central to yoga's spiritual philosophy is the Panchakosha model , describing five layers of human existence: the physical body, the energetic sheath, the mental sheath, the wisdom sheath, and the bliss sheath. Each yoga practice—asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and dhyana (meditation)—works synergistically to cleanse and harmonize these layers. Asanas purify and strengthen the physical body, pranayama calms and balances our vital energies, and meditation clears mental noise, facilitating a deeper connection with our true self. At yoga's core is the concept of Kundalini , a dormant divine energy resting at the spine's base. Through disciplined yogic practices, this energy gradually awakens and rises, bringing profound transformation and spiritual illumination. Yoga thus becomes a powerful path of holistic transformation, transcending physical health to achieve spiritual wholeness. Parallel to yoga's transformative path stands Ekadasi, an ancient fasting tradition observed on the eleventh lunar day, devoted to Lord Vishnu. Yogini Ekadasi, particularly revered among these observances, is known for its profound spiritual and physical detoxification effects. Traditionally, devotees fast, abstaining from grains and rich foods, allowing the body to reset and enhance its natural healing capabilities. This practice, deeply embedded in Vedic wisdom , aligns seamlessly with contemporary intermittent fasting , highlighting the visionary insight of our ancient sages. Observing Yogini Ekadasi aids practitioners in transcending physical cravings, sharpening mental resilience, and facilitating deeper spiritual insights. It is believed to cleanse negative karma, recalibrate bodily rhythms, and heighten meditation's effectiveness, creating an ideal environment for spiritual exploration. Interestingly, June 21 coincides with the summer solstice, symbolizing light's triumph over darkness. Practicing yoga under the sun's peak illumination invigorates the physical body while amplifying inner awareness. Similarly, Ekadasi fasting harmonizes our biological and spiritual rhythms with cosmic cycles, fostering profound meditation and spiritual realization. This cosmic alignment embodies the holistic essence of Vedic medicine, emphasizing complete well-being encompassing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. It encourages a sattvic diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy—foods filled with prana (life force)—promoting clarity, tranquility, and spiritual vitality. Yoga and Ekadasi fasting together provide comprehensive tools for self-purification and spiritual alignment. Yoga unites individual consciousness with universal consciousness, while Ekadasi fasting disciplines the senses, opening pathways for divine insight. Together, these practices enable deep holistic purification, merging physical wellness with spiritual depth. The conjunction of International Yoga Day and Yogini Ekadasi is more than a mere calendar coincidence—it is a profound cosmic invitation. Let's honor this rare alignment by embracing yoga's physical discipline, pranayama's calming breaths, meditation's inward journey, and fasting's transformative discipline. As we engage with these complementary practices, we step closer to the timeless truth of inner harmony, self-realization, enduring peace, and boundless joy. Authored by: Shambo Samrat Samajdar and Shashank R Joshi Shilpa Shetty Kundra says this asana can help in 'developing self confidence and fearlessness'
