Classical Yoga Research Articles

Integrating Classical Yoga and Modern Psychology: Insights from Neuroimaging and AI on Mind Transformation

Yoga is traditionally understood as a holistic practice that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual development. This paper explores how classical yoga concepts align with modern psychological research, emphasizing insights gained through neuroimaging and artificial intelligence (AI). By analyzing the stages of the mind, its modifications, and psychological afflictions from both traditional and contemporary perspectives, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of yoga’s impact on mental and emotional transformation. The integration of neuroimaging techniques and AI tools offers new ways to examine and enhance the efficacy of yoga practices in promoting mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Development, Validation, and feasibility of Integrated Yoga module on Anidra (Insomnia)

Background: Insomnia is described as "a complaint of trouble beginning or maintaining sleep associated with daily effects that are not attributed to environmental factors or insufficient chances to sleep." According to the study, Yoga was shown to be safe and effective in improving sleep for individuals experiencing insomnia (Anidra). In this study, an Integrated Yoga Module (IYM) was specifically designed to manage Anidra (Insomnia). Method: The IYM was designed following a thorough review of classical yoga texts and prior research. Twenty-five yoga experts meeting the inclusion criteria were selected to validate the content of the IYM. The IYM comprised a total of 42 yoga practices, with each practice undergoing discussion and evaluation, categorized as (1) effective, (2) useful but less effective, or (3) not effective. The Content Validity Ratio (CVR) was calculated using Lawshe's formula. The feasibility of the IYM was assessed by experts using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). To evaluate the feasibility of the intervention, we applied the developed program to 40 participants (20 in each group) in control and experimental groups for 45 days, with sessions conducted five days a week. Result: Data analysis revealed that, among the 22 IYM practices, 17 demonstrated significant content validity with a CVR exceeding the 0.44 cut-off, as determined by Lawshe's formula. Conversely, five yoga practices fell below the 0.44 CVR and were therefore rejected. Moreover, a significant improvement in sleep quality was observed in the experimental group. Conclusion: The yoga module designed and validated for the management of insomnia or A nidra is acknowledged as well accepted with good content validity and an efficacious program for insomnia management.

Struktur Yoga Bali Kuno Pakem UHN I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar

Yoga and the spiritual activities of Balinese people are basically two things that cannot be separated. As Bali tourism develops, yoga, which was initially a religious activity in a physical (worldly) dimension, has metamorphosed into a tourism product. Ancient Balinese Yoga is a yoga activity that is explored and sourced from the local wisdom of the ancestors of the Balinese people which for UHN I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa has a responsibility to preserve and has great potential to be developed into tourist packages. This research is classified as research and development (R & D). Data is collected through technical observation, interviews and document study. The results of data analysis are presented in descriptive-narrative form. The research obtained results in the form of a philosophical explanation and benefits of the UHN I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar Pakem Ancient Balinese Yoga. The UHN I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa DenpasarPakem of Ancient Balinese Yoga is the result of a combination of yoga teachings based on classical yoga texts, and three yoga colleges with an Ancient Balinese character in Bali, they are Seruling Dewata in Tabanan, the Windu Sara Foundation in Gianyar and Pasraman Bahung Tringan in Karangasem. In the philosophy of the UHN I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar Pakem Ancient Balinese Yoga is a ritual process for self-purification to eliminate dirt or inner darkness that covers the existence of the Self (Soul). This process is carried out with self-discipline in the form of physical exercise (asana and pranayama), offerings (yajna), correct knowledge (jnana), tapa and samadhi. The yoga package products offered are a day yoga package (daily yoga), a 3 day yoga package (atelun yoga), a 1 week yoga package and a 2 week yoga package. The benefits of the UHN I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar Pakem Ancient Balinese Yoga structure are projected to increase tourist attraction, strengthen cultural identity, improve community welfare, create jobs and increase income.

Principles of Patanjali’s Classical Yoga as а Universal Ontological Fundament

Principles of Patanjali’s Classical Yoga as а Universal Ontological Fundament

Surya Namaskar, Benefits in the Context of Physiological Perspective

Introduction: With the recent rise in awareness in increased understanding of the importance of physical activity in promoting overall health, greater emphasis has been placed on improving physical fitness to enhance quality of life. Asian Indians have been practicing Surya Namaskar, a part of Hatha Yoga, for hundreds of years. It is frequently employed in place of a typical workout regimen. It entails a series of asanas that are performed 12 times per cycle. Although Surya Namaskar was neither considered an asana nor a part of classical Yoga, it is now regarded as a component of current yogic practices. Before starting daily tasks, performing Surya Namaskar energizes the practitioner and gives them a fully charged day. The knowledge of energy cost and physiological responses of practicing Surya Namaskar is important and forms the basis for the recommendation of regular practice as part of any training. Based on available research, we emphasize the significance of Surya Namaskar in this review by stressing its impacts on the physiological components of the body. Methods: Different Ayurveda classics, modern classics, research papers, and journals were referred to fulfill this part. Results: With the help of research references, the evaluation outlines the practice’s physical advantages in terms of improving joint mobility, extending muscle power, and promoting vitality.

Rethinking ‘Classical Yoga’ and Buddhism: Meditation, Metaphors and Materiality. By Karen O’Brien-Kop.

<i>Rethinking ‘Classical Yoga’ and Buddhism: Meditation, Metaphors and Materiality</i>. By Karen O’Brien-Kop.

Impact of Classical Yoga Therapy and Naturopathy Neutraceutical Supplementary Food Among Adults with Insomnia

Impact of Classical Yoga Therapy and Naturopathy Neutraceutical Supplementary Food Among Adults with Insomnia

Nitric Oxide, Humming and Bhramari Pranayama

Background: Nitric Oxide has been recently recognized as an extremely important molecule in biophysics that has a profound role in the regulation of various functions in the body. It is abundant and continuously replenished in the paranasal sinuses of the respiratory system in healthy adults. Studies have demonstrated that nasal Nitric Oxide levels in the airways increase multifold during humming compared to quiet nasal exhalation. Humming during exhalation is an integral part of Bhramari Pranayama. Objectives: This review is to understand how humming is associated with Nitric Oxide production, and evaluate the suitability of Bhramari Pranayama, and the classical version of Bhramari Pranayama, which has humming as its integral part, for the application of maintenance of the airway integrity. Method: We have searched relevant current scientific literature pertaining to Nitric Oxide, voice production especially humming. We also reviewed the classical yoga texts where Bhramari Pranayama is elaborated. We tried to correlate how Bhramari Pranayama may help to endogenously produce Nitric Oxide and thereby regulate various respiratory functions. We made special efforts to distinguish between general and classical versions of the practice of Bhramari Pranayama. Findings: Experimental evidence suggests that humming significantly influences Nitric Oxide production. Bhramari Pranayama which has humming as its integral part may therefore facilitate Nitric Oxide production endogenously, both during inhalation and exhalation, and thereby help in the regulation of respiratory processes. Novelty: Research to date, has been done on increased expression of Nitric Oxide during humming (during exhalation). The classical version of Bhramari Pranayama which also includes humming during inhalation also known as inhalation phonation, alternating with humming during exhalation seems to offer a wholesome solution for increased stimulation of Nitric Oxide as well as the optimal end use of the much sought-after molecule. Keywords: Nitric Oxide; Humming; Bhramari Pranayama; Para Nasal Sinuses; Inhalation Phonation

A Framework of Measurable Features of Bhramari Pranayama Leading to Meditation

Background: Bhramari pranayama, a yogic technique comprises a selfvocalized humming sound emulating a female bumblebee. Attention to this sound leads to a meditative state. The component of its stimuli, the sustained self-evoked humming sound with breath control, is overt unlike the stimuli of most of the meditations. These observable and measurable components of Bhramari pranayama offer a rare opportunity to study the causal component of meditation in research. Objectives: Considering the growing interest in this area, Bhramari’s potential as a unique research tool, and a framework of the mechanism of it leading to meditation is attempted. Methods: We review relevant current scientific literature and classical yoga texts to understand the framework of how the overt features of Bhramari pranayama cause the meditative state. We present our argument in three sections, where we present the Bhramari pranayama practice into its sub-components, namely i) pranayama, ii) Bhramari sound-producing phase, and iii) Shanmukhi practice. Findings: This has facilitated the identification of the measurable attributes of Bhramari like fundamental frequency, resonant vibrations, articulation, etc. Concepts related to its processing like efference copy, corollary discharge, and sense of agency, are also observable in electrophysiological investigations. This information would be useful to harness the therapeutic benefits of Bhramari pranayama due to its ability to produce self-evoked resonant vibrations, sensory entrainment, and gamma waves, that have specific clinical significance. Novelty: This framework elucidates the mechanism of how the overt, observable, and measurable features of Bhramari Pranayama cause meditation. It presents the relation between breath and self-vocalized acoustics, that produce synchrony among multisensory systems to facilitate meditation. Keywords: Bhramari Pranayama; Meditation; Self-evoked sound; Resonance; Sensory entrainment

The Convergence of Seeing and Action in Classical Yoga

The Convergence of Seeing and Action in Classical Yoga

Effect of Classical Yoga Therapy on Systolic Blood Pressure and Anxiety Among Adults with Insomnia

Effect of Classical Yoga Therapy on Systolic Blood Pressure and Anxiety Among Adults with Insomnia

Development and Validation of Yoga Protocol for Patients with Depression.

Scientific evidence suggests that yoga is beneficial for treating mental health disorders. To the best of our knowledge, minimal studies have been done on the development of a yoga module for the specific clinical aspects of depression and there is no particular study on yoga protocol development for mild depression and moderate depression. The primary aim of this study is to develop specific yoga protocol modules for treating patients affected with mild and moderate depression. Yoga protocols for treating mild and moderate depression were developed using classical yoga texts, previous literature, and with the help of yoga experts. 26 practices for mild depression and 35 practices for moderate depression were identified, each of which was scored as (a) not essential, (b) useful but not essential, and (c) essential, and content validity ratio (CVR) determined using Lawshe's formula for the validation. Expert's opinion revealed that 13 out of 28 practices and 12 out of 35 practices showed significant CVR (>0.60) for mild and moderate depression. The yoga practices developed based on experts' opinion is the first step toward the development of a validated protocol for mild and moderate depression. This will be assessed for its effectiveness through a randomized controlled study to confirm the module's efficiency.

Effect of classical yoga on forced vital capacity among middle-aged women pneumoconiosis sufferers

In this study, 120 middle-aged lung-affected patients were selected at random, observing random sampling method, screened, and further reduced to 40 with their Chest X-ray, from a fireworks factory at Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, between 35 to 50 years of age. Women were grouped into an experimental and control group of 20 each. The hypothesis was fixed that there would be a positive impact on Forced Vital Capacity among middle-aged women suffering from pneumoconiosis due to yogic practices. The Experimental Group underwent therapy for 12 weeks one hour each day. The control group was allowed to lead a normal life. The data collected from the groups were statistically analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The result of the study showed that Forced Vital Capacity was improved significantly due to regular Yogic practices. The hypothesis was accepted at a 0.05 level of confidence.

Spiritual Materialism/ Material Spiritualism: Shakta Tantric Approaches to Matter

In opposition to ontological discourses that denigrate matter and uphold the superiority of the spirit, one can foreground the Shakta Tantric conceptualization of matter and spirit as interchangeable forces that inform the dynamics of the universe. Rather than seeing matter and spirit as incommensurable poles of a binary, Shakta Tantric yoga integrates them. This approach informs the Shakta Tantric universe of the renowned twentieth-century Bengali yogi, Vishuddhananda Paramahamsa whose Akhanda Mahayoga (Integral Great Yoga) integrates certain aspects of classical Yoga with Shakta Tantric discourses of dynamic matter, thereby enthusing the Shakta Tantric yogi to radically re-epistemologize “matter”. This paper explores how Vishuddhananda’s mode of yoga, through theory and praxis, gives rise to a unique philosophy of spiritual materialism or material spiritualism, foregrounding the ways the Divine Feminine – by revealing the fluid interplay of matter and spirit – forces us to jettison the binarization of these two aspects of existence. In the course of this exploration, the paper investigates whether and how the spiritual materialism/material spiritualism of Shakta Tantra may be seen as prefiguring the western discourses of New Materialism and Posthumanism. As Vishuddhananda hailed from Bengal, a tropical region of India celebrated for its association with Shaktism, the paper explores how his view of spiritual materialism may contribute to an emergent episteme of Tropical Materialisms by proposing a possible connection between such spiritual materialism and certain specific aspects of tropical nature that might have led to the Shakta “spiritualization” of its material dimensions.

Role of yoga philosophy in human excellence

The art and science of yoga is dedicated to creating union between body, mind and soul. Its objective is to assist the practitioner in using the breath and body to foster an awareness of ourselves as individualized beings intimately connected to the unified whole of creation. In short it is about creating balance and equanimity so as to live in peace, good health and harmony with the greater whole. This art of right living was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago and the foundations of yoga philosophy were written down in the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, approximately 200 AD. This sacred text describes the inner workings of the mind and provides a blueprint for controlling its restlessness so as to enjoy lasting peace. Yoga is now practiced by millions across the globe. This is great for humanity, however a lot of yoga that is being practiced today is merely just asana &amp; some amounts of pranayama. Even asana has been diluted to a mere form of exercise and often teamed with other things (like heat, chocolate, music, weights etc...) that are completely external to classical yoga. Very few practitioners go beyond asana.

Платоновская «сотериология» в контексте классической йоги

Introduction. In the article, the connection between the «soteriological» aspects of philosophy of Plato and the principles of classical yoga presented in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is considered in the framework of the comparative methodology. The aim of the study is to establish conceptual parallels in the approaches of Plato and classical yoga to solving the issue of the form of the highest spiritual realization of a person. Theoretical analysis. The most common points of the contact of Plato with classical yoga in the form of a system of eight practical principles of working with the human body and psyche are presented by analogy with the eight-step yoga of Patanjali. The practice of maintaining the physical and mental health of a person, continuous nature of this practice, internal and external purity, self-control, subordination of the senses, maintaining mental peace and balance, eliminating ignorance and the practice of meditation constitute the semantic core of Plato’s «yoga system». The main position of this system is the meditative practice of achieving a higher state of consciousness. Conclusions. The practice of meditation in Plato is realized gradually and ends with the same soteriological result as the mastery of the «internal» means of yoga in the Patanjali system. The deep and complex connection between psychotechnics, philosophy and religious wisdom in the studied systems is emphasized. The study of this relationship is an important direction in modern philosophical and religious comparative studies.

Impact of Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification on HRV in Outpatients With Mild to Moderate Depression: An Exploratory Study.

BackgroundThe scientific evaluation of mind-body-interventions (MBI), including yoga and meditation, has increased significantly in recent decades. However, evidence of MBI's efficacy on biological parameters is still insufficient.ObjectivesIn this study, we used HRV analysis to evaluate a novel MBI as a treatment of outpatients with mild to moderate depressive disorder. The Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification (MBLM) program incorporates all major elements of classical yoga, including ethical principles of yoga philosophy, breathing exercises, postural yoga, and meditation.MethodsIn this exploratory randomized controlled trial, we compared the changes in HRV indices of a MBLM group (N = 22) and a minimal treatment group (MINIMAL, drugs only, N = 17) with those of a multimodal treatment-as-usual group (TAU, according to best clinical practice, N = 22). Electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were derived from a Holter monitoring device, and HRV indices have been extracted from nearly stationary 20-min periods.ResultsShort-term HRV analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the pre-to-post changes between MBLM and TAU. In particular, the vagal tone mediating RMSSD and the Rényi entropy of symbolic dynamics indicated HRV gains in MBLM participants compared with TAU. Almost no alterations were observed in the MINIMAL group.ConclusionsOur results suggest a benefit in selected HRV parameters for outpatients with mild to moderate depression participating in the MBLM program. For further investigations, we propose analysis of complete 24-h HRV recordings and additional continuous pulse wave or blood pressure analysis to assess long-term modulations and cardiovascular effects.

On the Notion of Linguistic Convention (samaya, saṃketa) in Indian Thought

Linguistic convention (samaya/saṃketa) is one of the central notions of Indian philosophy of language. The well-known view of samaya/saṃketa is its conception as the agreement initiating the relationship between words and their previously unrelated meanings. However, in Indian philosophy of language, we also encounter two other important but little-researched interpretations of samaya/saṃketa, which consider it as the established usage of words. I present a new classification of traditions of Indian thought based on their view of linguistic convention. This classification is to be verified and expanded in further studies. As far as I know, such a classification has never been undertaken before. 1) Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Buddhism, and later classical Yoga of the Tattvavaiśāradī accept samaya/saṃketa as an agreement initiating the relationship between words and their previously unrelated meanings. 2) Bhartṛhari the Grammarian and the continuators of his thought acknowledge samaya/saṃketa as the established usage of words that is rooted in the natural relationship between words and their meanings; the convention manifests (makes known) the relationship. This view was probably also shared by Mīmāṃsakas and Advaitins. 3) Classical Yoga of the Yogasūtrabhāṣya and probably also earlier Grammar thought of the Mahābhāṣya accept linguistic convention as the established usage of words, but this usage, though having neither a beginning nor an end, is not based on any natural and necessary word–meaning relationship. In this view, linguistic convention not only manifests the word–meaning relationship but also keeps it in existence. Another new contribution of this research is my explanation for why the same Sanskrit term samaya/saṃketa was applied to the different ways of understanding linguistic convention. I explain this through the common aspects of all three kinds of samaya/saṃketa. The first aspect is the content of all these kinds of samaya/saṃketa. Irrespective of how linguistic convention is understood, its content is the same: “such and such a word has such and such a meaning”. The second aspect is the crucial role of linguistic convention in language acquisition, communication, and transmission.

Differential effects of classical yoga intervention on resilience of male and female migrant college students

Background: Yoga is effective for managing stress and increasing resilience of college students. However, there is a scarcity of research on differences between males and females in the effects of Yoga. Aim: The present study aims to investigate the effect Classical Yoga Intervention (CYI) on resilience of rural-to-urban migrant college students as migration is a challenging situation demanding resilient adaptation. It also explores sex differences in the effects of CYI. Methods: The study included 125 migrant college students (age 16–18 years). Sixty-two students (30 males, 32 females) from the CYI group underwent 40 sessions of CYI and 63 (33 males, 30 females) in the control group did not receive intervention at that time. Resilience was measured using Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale. Mixed Analysis of Variance was conducted to understand the independent and interactive effects of test time (pretest, posttest), sex (male, female), and group (CYI, control). Results: CYI group improved significantly on resilience as compared to control group from pretest to posttest indicating positive effects of Yoga. CYI group females were significantly higher than control group females on posttest scores of resilience, whereas no difference was found between CYI and control group males. Within the CYI group, no significant difference was found between males and females on posttest scores of resilience. Conclusion: The study indicates a positive effect of CYI on resilience. Although females of the CYI group showed higher improvements as compared to control group females, it can be said that Yoga is effective for both males and females.

Evolution of yoga: From spiritual uplift to business outburst

Yoga has become a multi-billion dollar business in the globalized society. From celebrities to commoners, the art of bending bodies and boggling minds through various procedures of Yoga practice has become an essential activity to enhance health. This article analyzes how the intuitive virtuosity of yoga intended for spiritual advancement has evolved to become an exploding business enterprise in contemporary society. People worldwide adore the practice of yoga since it promotes both physical and mental fitness while making people cheerful. This article outlines the often ignored aspect of ethics mandated in classical yoga scriptures to pursue the spiritual journey to attain the ultimate freedom through enlightenment.