Swami Vivekananda Research Articles

Efficacy of yoga as an add-on treatment for in-patients with functional psychotic disorder

Context:The efficacy of yoga as an intervention for in-patients with psychosis is as yet unknown; although, previous studies have shown efficacy in stabilized out-patients with schizophrenia.Aim:This study aimed to compare the effect of add-on yoga therapy or physical exercise along with standard pharmacotherapy in the treatment of in-patients with psychosis.Settings and Design:This study was performed in an in-patient setting using a randomized controlled single blind design.Materials and Methods:A total of 88 consenting in-patients with psychosis were randomized into yoga therapy group (n=44) and physical exercise group (n=44). Sixty patients completed the study period of 1½ months. Patients who completed in the yoga group (n=35) and in the exercise group (n=25) were similar on the demographic profile, illness parameters and psychopathology scores at baseline.Results:The two treatment groups were not different on the clinical syndrome scores at the end of 2 weeks. At the end of 6 weeks, patients in the yoga group however had lower mean scores on Clinical Global Impression Severity (CGIS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (total and general psychopathology subscale) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) (P<0.05). Repeated measure analysis of variance detected an advantage for yoga over exercise in reducing the clinical CGIS and HDRS scores.Conclusion:Adding yoga intervention to standard pharmacological treatment is feasible and may be beneficial even in the early and acute stage of psychosis.

From meditation to dhyana

International Journal of Yoga is peer-reviewed open access scholarly publication of the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (a Deemed University) recognized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development through UGC, Government of India, New Delhi, Indi

Effect of kapalabhati on performance of six-letter cancellation and digit letter substitution task in adults

Background:Attention and concentration are valuable skills for all fields of human activity. Training to improve these skills is described in ancient hatha yoga texts.Aims:To study the effect of 1-min Kapalabhati (KB1) and 5-min Kapalabhati (KB5) practice of the Yoga rapid breathing exercise, Kapalabhati (KB), on psychomotor performance, as measured by the six-letter cancellation task (SLCT) and digit-letter substitution task (DLST).Materials and Methods:Thirty-six subjects, 21 male (mean age 25.71 years, SD 2.10), 15 female (mean age 24.13 years, SD 2.23) participated in the study. All were participating in a 3-month pranayama training program, part of residential degree courses at Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Yoga University. The subjects were divided into two groups, and assessed on the SLCT and DLST, immediately before and after KB on two successive days. The first group did KB1 on day 1, and KB5 on day 2. For the second group, the order was reversed.Results:There were no significant differences on SLCT and DLST on Total and Net Scores between sessions for the same group, and between groups for the same session i.e. the effects of KB1 and KB5 were not distinguishable. However, both groups made more errors on DLST after the interventions, 525% after KB1 and 562.5% after KB5, P < 0.018 and P < 0.041, respectively (Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test). In contrast, scores on SLCT remained completely unchanged.Conclusions:Both KB1 and KB5 found no change on both SLCT and DLST. But, this kind of breathing practices leads to increases error score.

Colored cosmopolitanism: the shared struggle for freedom in the United States and India

A hidden history connects India and the United States, the world's two largest democracies. From the late nineteenth century through the 1960s, activists worked across borders of race and nation to push both countries toward achieving their democratic principles. At the heart of this shared struggle, African Americans and Indians forged bonds ranging from statements of sympathy to coordinated acts of solidarity. Within these two groups, certain activists developed a cosmopolitanism, a vision of the world that transcended traditional racial distinctions. These men and women agitated for the freedom of the colored world, even while challenging the meanings of both color and freedom. Colored Cosmopolitanism is the first detailed examination of both ends of this transnational encounter. Nico Slate tells the stories of neglected historical figures, like the Eurasian scholar Cedric Dover, and offers a stunning glimpse of people we thought we knew. Prominent figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Swami Vivekananda, Booker T. Washington, W. E. B. Du Bois, and Martin Luther King Jr. emerge as never before seen. Slate reveals the full gamut of this exchange--from selective appropriations, to blatant misunderstandings, to a profound empathy--as African Americans and South Asians sought a united front against racism, imperialism, and other forms of oppression.

From civilization to globalization: the ‘West’ as a shifting signifier in Indian modernity

This article tracks the shifting cultural meanings that the East/West distinction has produced in the history of nationalism in colonial and post-colonial India. It does so by focusing on the word “civilization” and the role it played in promoting a rich sense of inter-cultural dialogue in the writings of nationalist leaders such as Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Jawaharlal Nehru. The article documents how the word figures with much reduced significance in contemporary cultural debates about globalization in India and concludes by asking if the rise of China and India to global prominence holds the potential today to initiate a conversation across cultures similar to the one that accompanied the rise of the West in the age of modern imperial rule.

A real service to swami vivekananda: Adopting the master’s teachings for effective E-governance

Swami Vivekananda was one of the most intense patriots who relentlessly worked with passion for human development and nation-building. The visionary master aspired for transforming India into a developed nation built on the strong foundation of holistic growth, and based on the principle of social justice. Despite several measures taken by successive governments in India to mainstream downtrodden millions, societal gaps in the Indian society are dangerously on rise. The National E-governance Plan is an important innovative intervention by the government in the direction of curbing this disturbing trend. However, there are several challenges involved in its effective implementation. The article attempts to highlight the inherent gaps in the conventional planning and implementation framework which need be actively addressed by sensitizing government officials and other involved stakeholders about the significance of human values and Indian ethos through patriotic spiritual teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Transformed work culture alongwith service orientation shall bring cohesiveness and human touch in officials operating at various levels for bridging the societal gaps through effective implementation of the National E-Governance Plan.

Science of the MindFNx01

The popular concept and practice of science as an exclusively objective exercise ignores the study of rich and unavoidable subjective phenomena relating to mind. This article proposes that as a process of generating knowledge from perceptual experiences, science-skill is innate to man, which demands precision and effective management of bias, and relies on faith for communication. It manifests in man along two dimensions, one of precision and the other of need and interest. Two more dimensions influence its practice and communicability. This dimensionality accommodates scientific study of diverse human experiences, including religion and spirituality. Evolution of scientific study of mind requires complementing the existing objective techniques with development of techniques for investigating subjective and intuitive experiences. It would also benefit by borrowing concepts and methodologies from ancient Indian philosophies and spiritual practices. Swami Vivekananda's observations are presented in this connection.

Yoga is not an intervention but may be yogopathy is

International Journal of Yoga is peer-reviewed open access scholarly publication of the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (a Deemed University) recognized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development through UGC, Government of India, New Delhi, Indi

Models and mechanisms in yoga research

International Journal of Yoga is peer-reviewed open access scholarly publication of the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (a Deemed University) recognized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development through UGC, Government of India, New Delhi, Indi

Yoga, mental health and salivary amylase

International Journal of Yoga is peer-reviewed open access scholarly publication of the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (a Deemed University) recognized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development through UGC, Government of India, New Delhi, Indi

Yoga beyond union

International Journal of Yoga is peer-reviewed open access scholarly publication of the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (a Deemed University) recognized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development through UGC, Government of India, New Delhi, Indi

Response to "Yoga is not an intervention but may be yogopathy is"

International Journal of Yoga is peer-reviewed open access scholarly publication of the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (a Deemed University) recognized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development through UGC, Government of India, New Delhi, Indi

Is yoga an intervention?

International Journal of Yoga is peer-reviewed open access scholarly publication of the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (a Deemed University) recognized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development through UGC, Government of India, New Delhi, Indi

Proof-of-concept studies in Yoga and mental health

International Journal of Yoga is peer-reviewed open access scholarly publication of the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (a Deemed University) recognized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development through UGC, Government of India, New Delhi, Indi

VGKK and Karuna Trust: Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development

800 million of the 1200 million people in India have been classified as being poor. About 500 million are “below the poverty line” – a euphemism for per capita income of less than US$ 2 per day. Over 80% of these are the rural poor – living in conditions that cannot be described. These are the people “at the bottom of the pyramid” in the words of C K Prahalad. The country’s impressive economic growth in the last two decades is shadowed by the failure to lift this large mass of people out of poverty and degradation.Traditional models – whether one wants to look at the Nehruvian model of socialism in which the public sector had a pre-eminent role to play or the half-hearted market economy model of the present Government – have failed to deliver. The Westminster model inherited from the British has created a new class – the politician bureaucrat nexus – that has systematically deprived the ever growing population of the fruits of development (L C Jain et al; Grass without Roots; Sage Publications; 1986). No less than three successive Prime Ministers have admitted that of every Indian Rupee spent on development; only 10% reaches the target group. In contrast, of every Indian Rupee spent through not-for-profit entities, 90% reaches the target group.The case is about one of the most inspiring examples of Social Entrepreneurship in the last three decades. Dr Sudarshan graduated in medicine in 1973. He served as a doctor with the Ramakrishna Mission and in that capacity travelled to different places – the Himalayas in the north to a very backward village in the Southern Indian State of Karnataka. Appalled by the living conditions of the Soliga Tribe of B R Hills in Karnataka, and inspired by the lives of Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda and Albert Schweitzer, he decided to devote his life to improving the conditions of the tribe. Thus was born the Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to transforming the Soliga Tribe in 1980 and Karuna Trust, a not-for-profit organization for the eradication of leprosy, tuberculosis and other diseases in 1986.This case outlines the unconventional approach taken by Dr Sudarshan in delivering health care, providing education and vocational training, and most importantly, facilitating the transformation of the tribes into micro-producers without ever having to give up their culture and traditions. Extracts from the medicinal plants grown by the tribe are being exported to the developed countries. Handicrafts and artefacts made by the tribe are being marketed through cooperatives. In other words, the Soliga Tribe are now an integral part of the growth story of India. Recognizing the pioneering work of Dr Sudarshan, the Government of Karnataka invited him to be a part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to manage the Primary Health Centres in Karnataka. As a result, the Karuna Trust today manages a PHC in every district of Karnataka. Other states have followed suit and the Trust manages PHCs in Arunachal Pradesh (North India) and Orissa (Eastern India). Requests are pouring in to manage PHCs in other states as well. Dr Sudarshan has demonstrated that selfless social entrepreneurship can do wonders to the process of development. He has provided an alternate model for inclusive growth and economic development of local communities while retaining the rich culture and traditions that have stood the test of time.The uniqueness of the model is its simplicity, scalability and repeatability. India is a diverse country with very different cultures. If the model could be implemented with equal felicity in Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh and Orissa, there is no reason why it cannot be implemented anywhere in the world. In that sense, Dr Sudarshan has given humanity hope for a better tomorrow.

Don't Put Yoga In a Small Box: The Challenges of Scientifically Studying Yoga

It has been more than a hundred years since Swami Vivekananda gave a dynamic call to rid yoga and spirituality of the cobwebs of hidden mysteries. A lot has been done in the field of yoga research in the decades since, and still more is yet to be done. Yoga research is now a global phenomenon, with a growing number of randomized and controlled trials. More research studies are being published in indexed journals with peer review. and greater funding for research is available.

FP03-1 Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in the Management of Patients with Highly Refractory Depression

Beginning from an analysis of human rights activity in terms of a relationship between a judgement on human nature and consequent action, the article explores the claim that the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda provide an authentically Hindu basis for a commitment to human rights activity. Reference is made to the contemporary work of the Ramakrishna Movement and to the justifications it gives for its activities. The sources of this commitment are examined with particular reference to Vivekananda's teaching. Finally, the influence of Vivekananda's thought and the work of the Ramakrishna Movement are evaluated within the context of post-independence India.

Effect of yoga therapy on facial emotion recognition deficits, symptoms and functioning in patients with schizophrenia: author comments

Acta Psychiatrica ScandinavicaVolume 124, Issue 3 p. 235-236 Letters to the editor Effect of yoga therapy on facial emotion recognition deficits, symptoms and functioning in patients with schizophrenia: author comments R. V. Behere, R. V. Behere Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this authorR. Arasappa, R. Arasappa Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this authorA. Jagannathan, A. Jagannathan Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this authorS. Varambally, S. Varambally Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this authorG. Venkatasubramanian, G. Venkatasubramanian Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this authorJ. Thirthalli, J. Thirthalli Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this authorD. K. Subbakrishna, D. K. Subbakrishna Department of Biostatistics, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this authorH. R. Nagendra, H. R. Nagendra Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA) University, Bangalore, IndiaE-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorB. N. Gangadhar, B. N. Gangadhar Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this author R. V. Behere, R. V. Behere Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this authorR. Arasappa, R. Arasappa Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this authorA. Jagannathan, A. Jagannathan Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this authorS. Varambally, S. Varambally Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this authorG. Venkatasubramanian, G. Venkatasubramanian Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this authorJ. Thirthalli, J. Thirthalli Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this authorD. K. Subbakrishna, D. K. Subbakrishna Department of Biostatistics, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this authorH. R. Nagendra, H. R. Nagendra Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA) University, Bangalore, IndiaE-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorB. N. Gangadhar, B. N. Gangadhar Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, BangaloreSearch for more papers by this author First published: 11 June 2011 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.2011.01729.xCitations: 1Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume124, Issue3September 2011Pages 235-236 RelatedInformation

Freedom: East and West

This paper explains some of the uses of the word ‘freedom’ in Western as well as in Indian philosophy. Regarding the psychological concept of freedom or free will, this paper focuses on the distinction between fatalism, determinism, types of compatibilism, and libertarianism. Indian philosophers, by and large, are compatibilists, although some minor systems, such as Śākta Āgama, favor a type of libertarianism. From the Indian perspective the form of life of human beings has also been mentioned in the discussion of free will. Regarding metaphysical freedom, I discuss the views of the Bhagavad Gītā and Swami Vivekananda in Sect. III. K.C. Bhattacharyya, a neo-Advaita Vedāntin, has discussed degrees of freedom of the subject at several levels. According to him, spiritual progress lies in the progressive realization of the freedom of the subject. I compare his view with the classical Advaita concept of freedom. I have also addressed the question of whether freedom from suffering can be realized at social and global levels. In this context I have mentioned some of the interpretations of the great saying ‘I am Brahman,’ and how freedom can be realized at the global level by using the Advaita concept of ‘oneness.’

Views of Swami Vivekananda on Human Values in Modern Education

The article deals about the needed soft skill for the learning community. As the erosion of family values very much seen in the urban families due to nuclear family, the role of parents to ingrain such value in the offspring is very often wanted. In this background it is a great challenge for the institutions and teachers to build the culture and value for the future educations. In this light, the teachings of swami Vivekananda holds good.