YOGA :

Yoga is primarily a philosophical science, born out of man's need to fathom the meaning of existence. Patanjali, the father of yoga, states in the second sutra, (the yoga sutras): "Yogah cittavrtti nirodhah." (yogah = integration of all levels of our being; citta = consciousness; vrtti = fluctuation or state of mind; nirodhah = restraint) - meaning, "Yoga is the cessation of  consciousness." The ultimate aim of yoga is self-evolution. In ancient times, when people lived the yogic way, good health was the natural result of their lifestyle. But, as health deteriorated with man's changing values, yoga gained ground in its use as therapy.

Patanjali explained that uncertain action, giving rise to violence, whether done directly or indirectly, or condoned, is caused by greed, anger, or delusion in different degrees. This causes endless pain and ignorance. Through introspection comes an end to pain and ignorance. This sutra
explains the essence of the genesis of ill health in today's world and also the method of management. Diseases are due not just to physical reasons but to decay in moral standards also. So the curative methods should not be confined to the material plane alone.

Patanjali has explained about the 8 limbs of yoga leading to the ultimate goal of happiness i.e. Atma Gnana.

Atma Gnana Yoga - Thb Healer within (AGY)
Stress and side effects of modern drugs are probably the twin causes of a large percentage of ailments today. We seldom let bygones be bygones. By brooding over the past and being anxious about the uncertain future,, we keep accumulating a lot of tension, which manifests as psychosomatic diseases that are incurable by medication.Medicines at best only serve as palliative.

Atma Gnana Yoga (AGY) is an experiential programme. The purpose of the program is to realize the divinity within ourselves and make us see only godliness and goodness in others.

Being a simple, process-oriented program involving no stretching or contraction of limbs such as Yogasanas, even a ninety- year-old person can benefit by this program.

It has been designed in such a manner that practice of Pranayama and Meditation for 15 to 20 minutes every day cures and prevents several physical and mental ailments.

The program comprises:

1. Pranayama
2. Food Habits
3. The Art of Living
4. Meditation
5. Bhava Samadhi Training (BST)

Pranayama:

This is a compound word - Prana + Ayama - which means regulation or channelization of life energy or cosmic energy.

Our Rishis (sages) found that we hardly utilise 25 percent of our lung capacity due to improper breathing habit and as a result suffer from respiratory problems such as wheezing, asthma, sinusitis and dust allergy.

Pranayama is highly valuable for improving oxygen perfusion to the tissues. As it also removes stress on the system, progression of blockage is arrested. Oxygen delivery to the tissues is systematic and sure. Tissue hypoxia never occurs. Sympathetic and parasympathetic stabilisation prevents autonomic dysfunction. Even in an established situation of imbalance, depending on the individual merits of the case, relief can be provided. Prevention, relief or arrest of further progress of many forms of autonomic dysfunction can occur through pranayamic practice. It is very useful for all complications of the diabetic state, particularly cardiac autonomic dysfunction, retinopathy and peripheral arterial occlusive conditions.

Pranayama is a legacy left by our rishis and the following are the benefits:

• Helps in utilising the lung capacity fully thereby insulating us from all respiratory hazards such us wheezing, sinusitis, and asthma without a need for medication.
   
• Rejuvenates all the internal organs of the human body.
   
• Extends the life span by cutting down the breathing rate per minute.
   
• Brings better body and mind co-ordination.
   
• Helps in controlling the mind.
   
• Reduces the ego.
   
• Creates distaste for undesirable habits like smoking, alcoholism etc.