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CHAPTER – I

Introduction

Yoga is an ancient scientific method which deals man how to lead one’s

own life in unity within him and with those surrounded him. It is believed as

one of the most vital and important cultures of India. More than 2000 years

ago our forerunners developed it to bind the body, mind and spirit as a

harmonious whole. Nowadays, the whole world is looking towards yoga for

answers to the various problems of the human beings. Yoga means the

experience of oneness or unity with inner being. It is not a religion but a good

method by which one obtain control of one’s latent power and to reach a

complete self- realization and a re-education of one’s mental processes, along

with the physical.

In the age of modern science and information technology, and changing

world scenario with Global warming, our lifestyle becomes fast, stiff and

complicate to live and lead with natural and normal life. The present condition

of the environment is unfit, noisome, dirty, and congestive. So, it creates

tension to the human beings and making them always strain. When we are

suffering from the above mentioned the environmental condition, we may

suffer from stress, anxiety, and indigestion besides serious ailments like

Asthma and Spondilytis etc. Yoga acts to save the human beings from the

serious and dangerous ailments.

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Yoga is a light, which is once lit, will never dim.The better your

practice, the brighter the flame. The younger, the old, the extremely aged, even

the sick can obtain perfection from yoga by constant practice. In short, yoga is

a way to achieve total health, peace, happiness and wisdom. Physical, mental

and spiritual aspects of yoga help to make one’s life purposeful, useful and

noble. Yoga is an art, science and philosophy, which influences the life of man

at every level. Therefore, the influence of yoga must be felt in every moment in

our day-to-day lives (Iyengar, 2008).

Yoga is a scientific method of life and also integrated educational

system of our body, mind and soul. This was practiced by Indian thousands

years of ago but it is one of the universal truths and rectified a lot of problems

today as there were in the ancient times. Yoga is a practical aid. It does not

belong to a particular religion but its methods could be practiced by all other

religions like the Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jewism, Buddhism, Jainism

and the Atheism so on. Therefore, Yoga is union with all (Dorling, 1996).

Yoga is a key which realizes the problem of the self- help. First of all,

everyday one should learn how to breath properly, how to reduce the weight if

need be, how to walk regularly as an exercise. We cannot live fully without ill

or sick. Something will happen sometimes to the human body, through yoga we

can recover from that quickly. Nowadays, we can procure the energy to

overcome the pressures and continue to exist in the stressful and painful

condition. Therefore, yoga teaches us how to be one with the world by being

one with ourselves. By practicing yoga, one can cure one’s chronic disorders
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and ailments. However it is not a definite remedy for any kind of disease. Yoga

is a very useful practice for carrying out complicate surgical operations and

also helpful for the post operational therapy with proper guidance (Bharati,

2005).

1.1 Yoga Evolution and History

Yoga is an ancient art based on a harmonizing system of development

for the body, mind and spirit. It is a practical aid, not a religion. The continued

practice of yoga will lead one to a sense of peace and well and also a feeling in

harmony with one’s environment. The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root

“Yuj” whichmeans “to join” or “to yoke”. Yoga is one of the six systems of

Indian philosophy. The classical form of yoga, based on the text described to

patanjali, became known in the middle ages as Raja Yoga or “Royal Yoga”.

Other forms of yoga also developed, which might be followed together with, or

independently of the classical yoga. Among those practices of Hatha Yoga

have become famous throughout the world, and the term yoga is often used to

denote them. Hatha Yoga seems to be a late development in Hinduism, and the

earliest texts on the subject date from a little before the Muslim invasion. It is

closely connected with Tantrism.

Hatha Yoga is based on a fantastic physiological theory, teaching the

existence of a dormant potential energy, called Kundalini, “the serpent power”.

At the base of the spine, a vein, known as sushumma, runs through the

backbone, linking the Kundalini, by way of six psychic centers (“called chakras

or wheels”), with the supreme centre of psychic power, at the top of the skull,
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called sahasrara, and described as a lotus with a thousand petals. The aim of a

yogi, according to this system, should be to raise the kundalini through the vein

sushumma from one chakara to another until at last it unites with the sahasrara,

when full salvation is achieved. This requires an intense development of the

will, so that all the automatic process of the body are brought fully under the

control of the mind, and the yogi can control the rhythm of his heart beats at

will, live for many days without food and water, and survive for an appreciable

length of time even without breathing. Despite exaggerated claims, there is

sample evidence that some yogis have achieved an almost superhuman control

over their bodies. Yoga therapy and Acupunctures, in their less extreme forms

are believed to be conductive to health, clarity of intellect, and long life. Many

Indians and some Westerners perform yoga exercises without any special

religious purpose (Swami Sathyanantha Sarawasthy, 2000).

The history of yoga can be divided into four broad categories, like

Vedic, pre-classical, classic, and post-classical period. The ancient texts of

Vedas are the foremost scripture in the world. The Sanskrit word Veda means

‘knowledge’ and rig means ‘praise’. Thus the rig Vedas are the collection of

hymns that are in praise of a higher power. Other three Vedas are Yajur Veda

(knowledge of sacrifice), Sama Veda (knowledge of chants), and Atharvana

Veda (knowledge of Atharvana). Vedic yoga can also be called Archaric yoga,

as people believed in a ritualistic way of life. Rituals, sacrifices, and

ceremonies existed because they were considered a means of connection to the

spirit world. People turned to rishis or Vedic yogis for illumination. Vedic
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masters were blessed with a vision of the supreme reality and their hymns

speak of their marvelous intuitions.

The pre classical period covers an extensive period of approximately

2000 years until the second century. Gnostic texts, called the Upanishads, that

spoke in detail about the self and ultimate reality appeared. There are

approximately 200 Upanishads. One of the most remarkable yoga scripture is

the Bhagavad Gita, which was composed around 500 B. C. The central

teaching of the Gita is to do ones’ duty and not expect the fruit of the action. In

1200 B.C the great teacher Rishaba, who was the exponent of the tradition of

Jainism, also emphasized on efforts dedicated to the liberation of the spirit. It

was during this time, that Yoga found its way into Buddhism too; Lord Buddha

was the first Buddhist to study yoga. Buddhist scriptures lay stress on

meditation and physical postures, which are Yogic processes.

The eight limbed Yoga described in the Sutras by patanjali is usually

referred to as Classical Yoga. The yoga Sutras were most likely written around

year 100-200 A.C. and comprised of about 200 aphorisms (word of wisdom).

Here Yoga is presented in a systematic and approachable way, and many yogic

see it as an important source of yogic understanding.

A few hundred years after Patanjali, the evolution of yoga took an

interesting turn the potential of the human body now become an interesting

field of study. Yogis of the past had not paid very much attention to the

(physical) body, as they focused all their energy on contemplation and

meditation. Their goal was to leave their bodies and the world, in order to re-
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unites with the shapeless reality the soul. The new generation of yogis

however, developed a system where different exercises in conjunction with

deep breathing and meditation, would keep the body young and prolong life.

The human body was regarded as the temple of the immortal soul, and not just

as a meaningless vessel to be abandoned at the first opportunity. This paved the

way for the creation of Hatha Yoga, and other branches and schools of Tantra

Yoga.

Modern Yoga is said to have begun the parliament of religions in

Chicago, 1893. During this meeting the young Swami Vivekananda from India

made a deep impression on the American he introduced to Yoga. Swami

Vivekananda became one of the most popular members of the parliament, and

he subsequently toured the US whole and gave lectures on Yoga. Many Yoga

masters later crossed the ocean and followed his footsteps, spreading Yoga to

the all nooks and corners of the continents. Yoga schools were founded and

increasing numbers of people fell in love with the yogic forms of exercise.

Many masters also went to Europe where the reception, for some reason,

wasn’t quite as warm. During the 1950s one of the foremost Yoga teachers,

Selvarajan Yesudian, he himself wrote the book “Sport and Yoga”, through this

book yoga entered the world of sports. This book has been translated into more

than fourteen languages and has been sold more than half a million copies.

Today we can observe many athletes and sports teams that have incorporated

with Yoga in their injury reducing, strengthening and focus oriented training.

One of the most well known examples is the NBA stars of the Chicago Bulls.
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1961 Hatha Yoga was presented in American television by Richard

Hittleman, and his book called “The Twenty Eight day Yoga Plan” sold in the

millions. In the middle of the 60s, Yoga got a real promotional boost when the

Yogi Maharishi Mahesh taught Yoga to the famous pop- stars in the Beatles.

Many other artists and musicians were influenced to take up Yoga as well.

During the 60s and 70s Yoga became a way of life for many people living on

the American west coast. On an interesting side note, Dalai lama is a great

Yogi from Tibet, representing Buddhism and Tibetan Yoga. He was awarded

the Noble price for peace and has inspired many westerners to learn more about

Buddhism and Yoga.

People’s attitude towards health, spirituality, way of life and our place

in society have changed dramatically, as people are looking for answers for

their everyday problems. In these chaotic times our environment is fighting for

survival and we humans suffer more and more from physical and psychological

stress, with new diseases developing while old ones, that we thought we could

handle with antibiotics, returns with an vengeance in the midst of our society.

We can’t always control these developments, but we can learn to face them.

And to this end, Yoga is as good intention as it has ever been. All the sacred

writings of India (the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas and the tantras) are

full of exploits by men and women of all caste, creeds and religious, people

from all walks of life that arrived at the highest degree of knowledge through

the discipline of yoga- while carrying on theirvarious occupations.

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1.1.1 Classical Literature

The Ramayana is an allegory for the principles of yogic living, with

many ‘yogic lessons’ presented throughout this epic masterpiece. In essence, it

is a practical yoga manual showing mankind how to lead a spiritual life, with

countless lessons illustrating the proper attitudes to take towards all the

challenges of worldly life.

1.1.2 The Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is comprised of eighteen chapters, each one title a

specific ‘yoga’, a collective discourse in which Lord Krishna instructs the

warrior prince Arjuna on the yogic attitude to take towards every human crisis.

Within these teaching are explanations on karma yoga (selfless action), bhakti

yoga (devotion), jnana yoga (knowledge/wisdom) and sanyasa yoga

(renunciation) along with the principles of Transcendental Mind (vijnana

yoga), devotional service to the Absolute (taraka-brahma yoga), the principles

of meditation (dhyana yoga), and the principles of the Divine Manifestation

and its extensions (vibhuti yoga). As the most read piece of literature ever, the

Bhagavad Gita takes its proper place, along with the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali,

as one of the most important writings related to the science of yoga

1.1.3 Thirumanthira Yoga

Thirumoolar teaches three formulas in his Thirumanthiram. The third

formula is the most important. When a person comes to know that God is in

him, also realizes the importance of the body and to preserve it in total fitness,
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he begins to follow the yoga as advocated by Thirumoolar. Thirumanthiram is

in nine parts. Under many subsections there are many poems. They all explain

‘Agama Rules’ in simpler forms. One who understands that God is within

himself, through mediation he could erase all their previous sins, and safeguard

himself from committing more sins. When all the five faculties interact with

the concrete objects in the world, the effect is unpardonable sins. When there is

one (your own self) to control and guide all the senses, benefits are plenty and

one can see God in him. In Thirumantram Number-725 he says: “Once I

understood that my body is the temple where God live I began to nurture my

body as carefully as I can”.

1.2 Yoga in Vedic Period

1.2.1 Veda

Rig Veda has stated yoga as pairing or to pair with. Atharvana Veda also

makes a mention about yoga with the same definition. But how to learn yoga

systematically has not been explained in any Vedas. Pranayama was mentioned

by those who worshiped Vayu (air).

1.2.2 Upanishad

Upanishads which were dated back to 800 BC to 500 BC described

Yoga is instrumental to redeem human form ones worldly miseries and to lift

one towards eternal ecstasy. Among the other yogas described in Upanishads,

karma yoga and Gnana yoga flourished in those days.

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1.2.3 Sangiya Doctrine

Between 400 BC and 200 BC a new philosophy viz., ‘Sangiya Doctrine’

was introduced by kapilar, a saint and poet. He felt that beyond the Universe

there was a space which had no beginning or end. He called it ‘Prushartham’.

All other particles in the Universe were Praghrithi. ‘Prushartham’ is all

powerful, and motionless. Praghrithi is divided into these characters: Sathwa

(peace) Rakshasa (worries) Thamo (laziness & unwillingness).

1.2.4 Ahamas

It was generally believed that Ahamas were the set of rules governing

the construction of temples and conduct of poojas. But more than this Ahamas

guide human actions through ‘Chariyai’, ‘Ghriai’, ‘Gnanam’, and ‘Ygoa’.

1.3 Yoga- A Presents Perspective

From time immemorial, yoga has been flourishing. In this modern Era

Yoga has become inevitable to every individual. In this modern world, which is

more than a jungle, it still becomes imperative for everyone how is mentally

and physically haunted, to practice yoga to lead a stress free life. The olden

concept restricted the reach of yoga only to a few men (definitely no woman

was allowed to practice yoga) but now its gender free and no restrictions. Yoga

has two divisions- one to cater to the needs of the body and the other to the

soul. But the reference of yoga is immediately understood as physical fitness

exercise. Pranayama and Asnas are at the top of every one’s brain. Swami
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Vivekananda, Swami Aravindar, Swami Yoganandar were a few who carried

the message of yoga to the western world.

1.3.1 Yoga Practices and Health

Health is the motto of yoga. Many people still think that yoga is

religion: others believe it to be a kind of magic. In reality yoga is a system of

physical, mental and spiritual development. Yoga does not mean just twisting

and bending of the body. It is a comprehensive mode of culturing the body. It

also secures a powerful tool in manifesting the hidden personality of man.

Yoga may be the cheapest and most scientific method of ensuring soundness of

the body and mind. Deviations in the spinal column are found commonly in

both young and old. Usually these defects originate as functional and later

become structural, because no early treatment was provided.

1.3.2 The aim of yoga

The main aim of the Yoga is control over the mind. A happy man is one

who knows how to differentiate the real from the unreal, the eternal from the

transient and the good from the bad by his discrimination and wisdom. Hence,

Patanjali explains that the mind must be controlled and then submitted to serve

the artistic nature of yoga to its highest potency. Yoga or any art requires acute

sharpness of intellect and alert organs of perception. In yoga there is no

competition but it requires thinking and reconstructing with a desire to perform

better. A man who cannot control his mind will find it difficult to attain this

divine communion, but the self- controlled man can attain it if he tries hard and
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directs his energy by the right means. A man who works selflessly for the

welfare of others with love in his heart, love and selfless service is holy. Those

who meet such people become calm and purified. One who has conquered his

mind has complete mastery of his self. Yoga can only explain the ways to

control the mind, brings calmness, tranquility, and prepares the mind for

perfect unqualified self surrender to God.

1.3.3 The stages of yoga

Patanjali enumerated the eight limbs or stages of yoga for the query of

the soul. They are

1. Yama (Universal Moral Commandments)

2. Niyama (Self Purification by Discipline)

3. Asana (Posture)

4. Pranayama (Rhythmic Control of Breath)

5. Prathyahana (Withdrawal of the Mind form the Sense and Exterior

Objects)

6. Dharama (Concentration)

7. Dhyana (Meditation)

8. Samadhi (A State of Super- Consciousness) Iyengar B.K.S, (2008).

Ancient books of yoga, like Yoga Shastra, Hatha- Yoga Pradipika and

Yoga sutra by patanjali state that the ‘Yama’ (Mental discipline)and the

‘Niyama’( Mental purification) should be practiced first and only then followed

by the ‘Asanas and ‘Pranayama’. Ahimsa (Non- violence), Satya (truth),

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Asteya (Non-stealing), Brahmacharya (Chastity) and Aparigraha (Non-

covetousness) are yama, i.e., rules of good conduct for society and the

individual. Sauha (Purity of body and mind), Santosa (contentment), Tapas

(Self – Discipline and austerity), Svadhyaya (Study of scriptures) and Ishwara

Pranidhana (Contermplation) are the Niyama. i.e., rules of self purification

related to personal discipline (Ananda, 2006).

By regular practice of ‘Asanas’ give strength. ‘Mutras’ give rise to

steadiness. ‘Shatkriyas’ help in purification and ‘Pranayama’ develops

lightness. These practice ensure development to tissues through their beneficial

influence on various systems of the body and thus help in preserving and

promoting mental and physical health (Tiwari, 1984).Yogasanas are not only

to develop muscles and the body but mainly to regulate the proper activities of

all the internal organs and glands to affect the nervous system which in turn

controls the over well being of muscles to a greater degree than we actually

suppose (Indra Devi, 1969).

Yoga is a positive way of maintaining physical alertness and spiritual

attainment. It teaches us how to control one’s sense resulting in an integrated

personality, freedom, stress and conflict. It stabilizes one behavioral pattern,

develops will power and ultimately helps one to lead healthy, happy and

balanced life (Swami Githananda and Meenakshi Bhavan 1989). If these

eight stages are practiced and followed in life, virtues like morality, and good

character would develop in man. Besides, there would be an all round progress
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in human life like physical, intellectual and spiritual and man would attain

physical fitness and mental equanimity (Sharma, 1989).

1.4 Asanas

Asana is derived from the verb root “as” which means “to sit”, “to

remain”, etc. Therefore asanas means a state of being in which one can remain

physically and mentally steady, calm, quite and comfortable.A steady and

pleasant posture produces mental equilibrium and prevents fickleness of mind.

Asanas are not merely gymnastic exercise but postures. Asanas have been

evolved over the centuries so as to exercise every muscle, nerve and gland in

the body. They reduce fatigue and soothe the nerves. But their real importance

lies in the way they train and discipline the mind (Iyengar, 2008).

Yogasanas are not to design muscles, but to bring the whole body to the

peak of physical perfection and top efficiency. Yogasanas which have an effect

on the diaphragm, massage the heart, and also massage the abdominal organs.

They are not as exercise for reducing and increasing weight. The endocrine

system which regulates the entire system, it helps to keep the body in proper

shape and to increase the power of resistance. Technically it is useful for

removal of ‘tug of war’ type of conflict at the level of muscles. Asanas are

postures, which contribute stability and sense of well- being. The stability here

refers not merely of the posture but of the mind and the body as a whole. There

were originally 84, 00,000 asanas representing 84, 00,000 incaranations.

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1.4.1 Classification of Asanas’ poses

Asanas can be classified into three major groups.

1.4.1.1 Cultural pose

This group includes maximum of asanas, which are meant for

reconditioning of the body and mind so as to bring stability, peace and a sense

of well being. The cultural pose of the asanas help to re - condition of the

various joints and muscles in our body when we keep a stable and comfortable

posture for higher practices like pranayama, dhyana and also helps to maintain

an optimum muscle tone in the body. It helps to harmonious function of the

body. This cultural pose asanas are giving more strength to the abdominal

organs like lungs, stomach, colon, urinary bladder etc.

1.4.1.2 Relaxative pose

Shavasana and Makarasana are two important relaxative asanas, which

bring about relaxation of the body and mind. They eliminate the physical as

well as mental tensions.By practicing the relaxative pose asanas, the blood

circulation becomes regular in the entire body and one feels refreshing. It helps

to cure the diseases such as high or low blood pressure and indigestion. It

overcomes mental and physical fatigue, and also provides a sense of well

being. In gives relief to those who suffer from heart-trouble and mental stress

and strain.
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1.4.1.3 Meditative pose

These asanas provide a comfortable and stable sitting position of the

body to make the mind steadier for the process of meditation.The meditative

asanas provide steady, stable and comfortable sitting position and helps in

control and concentrate the mind for meditation.

1.5 Pranayama

In yoga we call this subtle life force “Prana”. Prana is pure life. Without

this subtle life force there would be no life. Pranayama is an important and

little known part of yoga. Its techniques have been practiced for centuries by

the people. Recently, this art and science of yoga breathing was almost

completely unknown to the common man like many other Ancient Indian Arts.

It has been beyond doubt that pranayama is a very important means of

preventing and curing many aliments. Its aim is to bring the traditional

knowledge of this great art of the common man, so that it can be used without

much external help for the maintenance as well as the restoration of wealth.

Pranayama is the fourth part of the eight fold yoga description in the yogasutra

of patanjali. Pranayama is a part of religious observances than as a discipline

for the body and mind. The yoga, Pranayama, Meditation and even Kundalini,

are being discussed all over the world, not only by yoga instructors but also by

the general public and by scientists.

Pranayama is generally defined as Breath Control. The word Pranayama

is comprised of two roots, Prana and Yama. Prana here means vital energy or
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life force. Yama means control. There are five types of Prana. They are Parna,

Aparns, Samana, Udana, and Vyana. Breath means life. Every breath, you take

energy into yourself, with each out-breath you let go of all tension, all

struggles, all worries and all sufferings. Deep breathing practices involve the

technique of filling the lungs with oxygen that help the child by promoting

calmness of the mind and enriching the blood supply. Very early in life, the

child realizes the manifold benefits of good breathing technique, something

that elude even the grown up (Malathi, 2012).

Pranayama insists of modification of the breathing process which we

bring about deliberately and consciously. It is practiced in a sitting posture.

They are called meditational posture because they are very suitable for

meditation. The most renowned among them is Siddhasana. The simplest and

comfortable and less strenuous is Swastikasana. Padmasana is the one which is

not recommended traditionally for Prayanama. Thus Pranayama is a complete

act in which after assuming a suitable posture one’s inhales and exhales slowly,

deeply and completely and also stops the breath. In the word, Pranayama,

Prana does not mean the Soul, but the breath. The association of these two

meanings of the word Prana is obviously quite close. Breath and life go

together.We can’t breathe in the past or in future. With the breath emerge

presence and the sense of inner space. The breath has direct access to world of

thoughts and feelings. The breath is always now. For thousands of years in

Eastern traditions breathing exercises (Pranayama) have been used to direct the

mind, our thoughts and feelings to constructively influence our moods.

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Patanjali, one of India’s greatest scholars, describes breathing techniques in his

texts. In his “yoga sutra” he outlines the eightfold path of yoga. By focusing

our attention on the breath, we learn something about each corresponding

frame of mind, about our thoughts and feelings and at the same time one gets

energy to flow towards us.

Our most vital energy is the breath. Only a few minutes without

breathing is enough to end our lives. The breath carries us through all the highs

and lows. The breath is closest to us. Each thoughts generates a certain feelings

and is reflected in our breathing pattern, with the help of the breath one can

influence thoughts and feelings anywhere and anytime. Pranayama lies in the

modification of our normal process of breathing. Breathing is an act in which

we take air from the atmosphere into lungs and absorb the oxygen from it into

our blood, and expel the air again into the atmosphere together with carbon-di-

oxide and water vapor. This act of inhalation and exhalation is repeated every

four to five seconds. Thus normally, we breathe about fifteen times every

minute. Each time about 500ml of air is taking into the lungs. So we inhale and

exhale approximately seven liters of air per minute.

1.5.1 Type of Pranayama

1. Nadi suddhi

2. Nadi shodhana

3. Bhastrika

4. Ujjaji
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5. Kapalabhati

6. Bhramari

7. Sitali

8. Sitakari

9. Surya Bhedana

10. Moorcha

The inspiration, retention and expiration are to be gone through in

pranayama in a controlled manner, each phase lasting for several seconds. This

length factor of prolongation in a particular phase for a considerable length of

time is of primary importance not only in pranayama but also in other yogic

practices. Pranayama soothe the nerves and tones the entire system. It increases

digestive power, invigorates the nerves and cleans the sinuses. It supplies the

large amount of oxygen to the blood makes the calmed and purified nerves. It

activates and invigorates the liver, spleen, pancreas, and abdominal muscles. It

benefits persons suffering from low blood pressure and high blood pressure. It

keeps the body fit and healthy. It improves the power of memory and

eliminates mental disorder.

It purifies tabular channels and removes sluggishness from the body. It

strengthens nervous system. It gives up spiritual joy, spiritual light, and mental

peace. It clears the skull, the respiratory system and nasal cavities. It eliminates
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the cough. It cures the asthma. It tones up the heart and activates the respiratory

system, and the circulatory system. It purifies the blood.

1.6 Meditation

Meditation is the act of focusing one’s thoughts or engaging in self -

reflection or contemplation. Some people believe that, through deep meditation

one can influence or control physical and psychological functioning and the

course of illness (Kozier, 2008). Meditation is a state of consciousness that can

be understood only on a direct, intuitive level. While you meditate, past and

future cease to exist. There is only the consciousness of I AM in infinite eternal

now. Meditation is the royal road to the attainment of freedom a mysterious

ladder that reached from earth to heaven, darkness to light, and mortality to

immorality (Dorling Kindersley, 1996).

Meditation is a process that anyone can use to clam oneself, cope with

stress, spiritual intuitions and feel as one with God or the universe. Meditation

can be practiced individually or in groups and also easy to learn. It requires no

change in belief system and is compatible with most religious practices. Mind

is a kin to monkey them say and true for children as well. What might vary is

the nature of thoughts that emanate. Children have boundless energies and

always want to indulge in activities, sometimes aimlessly flitting from one

activity to another. Though this conveys the innate curiosity in children that

promotes learning, yet it also signifies the agitated nature of the mind.

Meditation comes in handy, stilling the jumping monkey within and recharging

batteries. Meditation will improve concentration in studies, reduce over

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disappointment, promote healthy competitive spirit, and infusepositive

evaluation of self, creating a confident and winning personality (Malathi,

2012).

Practice of meditation is especially useful in management of stress.

Relaxed and Concentration state of mind is the aim of any form of meditation

which creates calming effect on nerve system, bring balance Sympathetic and

parasympathetic nervous system. Initially meditation may be difficult, and one

can practice Omkar chanting, concentration on breathing, especially for

diabetes, concentration on pancreas during the meditation practice has shown

positive effects on sugar levels. One can even visualize the proper functioning

of pancreas, proper insulin administration in the body can help in treatment of

diabetes (Vanitha, 2012).

Concentration is nothing but total attention to a subject. Our traditional

philosophy towards learning is through Meditation. So if one can learn

Meditation one should be able to acquire the require power of concentration,

which will make learning a very easy process. The main purpose in to keep

distractions at bay.

Keeping in view of the all those significance and relevance of yoga in one’s

life, the researcher has made an attempt to experiment it in practical life so as

to study, and analyze its influence firmly.

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1.7 Statement of the Problem

The purpose of the study was to find out the influence of different

combinations of yogic techniques on selected physiological psychological and

hematological variables among residential school boys.

1.8 Significance of the Study

1. This study will help to assess the physiological, psychological and

hematological variables among residential school boys.

2. The results of the study will help to introduce the training packages for

school boys.

3. The results of the study will motivate the students to practice different

combinations of yoga.

1.9 Hypotheses

On the basis of available literature and scholar own understanding of the

problem, the following hypotheses were formulated:

1. It was hypothesised that there would be a significant improvement in

selected physiological, psychological and hematological variables, from

the base line to post training due to the influence of asana with

meditation practices among the residential school boys.

2. It was hypothesised that there would be a significant improvement in

selected physiological, psychological and hematological variables, from

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the base line to post training due to the influence of pranayama with

meditation practices among the residential school boys.

3. It was hypothesised that there would be a significant improvement in

selected physiological, psychological and hematological variables, from

the base line to post training due to the influence of combination of

asana & pranayama with meditation practices among the residential

school boys.

4. It was hypothesised that the combination of asana & pranayama with

meditation group would show significant improvement on selected

physiological, psychological and hematological variables than the asana

with meditation and pranayama with meditation group among the

residential school boys.

1.10 Delimitations

This study was delimited to the following aspects.

1. The study was delimited to eighty boys from Velammal Matriculation

Higher Secondary School, Viraganoor, Madurai, Tamilnadu, India.

2. The study was confined to eighty boys between the age group from 15

to 17 years.

3. This study was delimited to different yogic techniques.

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1.11 Limitations
This study was delimited to the following aspects.

The impact of training schedules, previous experiences, motivational

factors and various physical activities on the subject’s playing ability were

not taken into account.

1. Hereditary and environmental factor, which contribute to both physical

and mental efficiency will not be controlled.

2. No attempt was made to determine whether the subjects having the

some degree of motivation during the various stages of training and

testing periods.

3. Variations in performance due to diet, climatic conditions, ground

conditions and other environmental factors that might affect the study

were not taken into consideration.

4. Since the human elements are involved in the test administration even

slight error in measurement and timings which might affect the results

were also considered as limitations of the study.

1.12 Definition of Terms

Resting Heart Rate

Measurement of heart rate when an organism is under physical and

mental rest can be resting heart rate (Clarke, 1986).

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Vital Capacity

The vital capacity is the amount of air expelled from the lungs after a

deep inspiration (Fox, 1993).

Systolic Blood Pressure

Systolic pressure is the highest blood pressure of the cardiac cycle

occurring immediately after systolic of the ventricles of the heart (Fox, 1993).

Diastolic Blood Pressure

Diastolic pressure is the lowest arterial blood pressure of the cardiac

cycle occurring during diastolic of the heart (Fox, 1993).

Mental Health

Mental health is the measure of a person’s ability to shape his

environment to adjust to life as he has to face it and to do so with a reasonable

amount of satisfaction, success, efficiency, and happiness (Kilander, 1982).

Self Concept

Self concept can be conceived as set beliefs about self, which are

presumed to be dominant feature in social perception and resulting in

attribution and selfconception process. Self concept is the experience of one’s

own being (Silva & Weinberg, 1984).

Stress

Stress may be defined as the non specific response of the body to any

demand made upon it (Silva & Weinberg, 1984).

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High Density Lipoprotein

High density lipoprotein cholesterol known as "good cholesterol”

because elevated levels decrease coronary heart disease risk factor that arises

due to diabetes, should account for at least 25 percent of one’s total cholesterol.

HDL transports cholesterol from the cells back to the liver which can be

excreted (Fox, 1993).

Low Density Lipoprotein

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol can deposit cholesterol on artery

walls, lowering blood flow, and is considered "bad cholesterol”. It causes

coronary heart disease risk factor that arises due to diabetes (Fox, 1993).