THE PERSPECTIVES OF NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY -2020 IN THE LIGHT OF YOGA EDUCATION

 

THE PERSPECTIVES OF NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY -2020 IN THE LIGHT OF YOGA EDUCATION

DR. DOUTAM PATRA

PRINCIPAL (WBSES)

GOVERNMENT TRAINING COLLEGE HOOGHLY

gtmpatra21@gmail,com

 

Abstract:

The National Education Policy 2020, the abbreviation of which is commonly known as NEP 2020, substituted the preceding National Policy on Education 1986. It has been welcomed by the academicians, Educationists and researchers with great enthusiasm and   is being successfully implemented in many states of our country. However, many academicians, politicians and policy experts have also criticized the National Education Policy 2020 as they are doubtful of the future perspectives of this policy when it will be implemented across India. Many academicians, students and even policy experts were undecided and even doubtful of the capacity and outcome of this policy to bridge the ever-increasing gap between the existing education policy and the new education policy to come. The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively examine and analyse the anticipated perspectives and challenges of the National Education Policy of 2020 for the fulfilment of its objectives in the light of Yoga Education. It will be highlighted in this research paper as to how the National Education Policy 2020 will resolve the crises and challenges of education in contributing attributes towards the personality development of students implementing Yoga education in every sphere of education at all stages and all levels. This research paper will also present some important details about the development of various Yogic traditions in ancient India, and contemplates on the modern-day utility of Yoga for the Holistic development of personality giving emphasis on the development of inclusiveness, integrity and self-sufficiency in a human being’s personality including innovative suggestions regarding this notion.

Key words: kathopanishad, yajurveda, atharvaveda, rigveda dharana, dhyana, samadhi, khipta, Chittya , Vritti

 

Introduction: The National Education Policy 2020, intended to develop an equitable and all-inclusive educational framework in India and to address all aspects of elementary, secondary, senior secondary and higher education in both rural and urban India. The policy has been formulated, outlined and is being implemented keeping in view of the global education development agenda as proposed in the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) of the 2030. The Agenda for Sustainable Development which has been officially approved and adopted by the Indian government in the year of 2015. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes greatly on the development of creativity in students. The National Education Policy- 2020 unlike the preceding Educational Policies stresses not only on the development of cognitive capacities but also on the development of foundational competences in each individual. It is intended to  develop every individual’s personality along with his/her physical, mental, spiritual social , economic moral and constitutional values, intellectual inquisitiveness, scientific temper and life skills for all round development of an individual so that every respective individual becomes capable of fulfilling the demands, needs and challenges of modern-day life in the post pandemic world. These sets of skills , attitudes and aptitudes are extremely crucial for achieving success and victory in every personal and professional fields of human endeavour. The goal of the policy could be fulfilled with the implementation of ancient Yoga culture in every sphere of life in this age of science  and knowledge explosion. The process of yoga is essential to all human beings whose inherent nature is to seek happiness and become free from miseries and suffering. It makes a balance (equanimity) between body, mind and soul. The secret of all round development-physical, mental, social, moral, economic, aesthetic etc. which is the main objective of education lies in the root of Yoga. The important tools of a human being namely mind, breath, speech, and body are used in the process of yoga to achieve the highest goal of human life namely Self- Realization, the ultimate aim of education in ancient times resulting in Pure Bliss. Thus it is evident that yoga is not merely restricted to poses and acrobatic postures with impressive demonstrations, the sole purpose of yoga is the realization of self and making welfare of all.

 

The  Salient Features : Pross and cons of NEP-2020:

The National Education Policy 2020 has been approved by the Union Cabinet and is often perceived by academicians, professors, students, teachers and associated stakeholders as a transformational blend of features of advantages and disadvantages. The proposed advantages and anticipated disadvantages of the policy are many, some of which have been highlighted here

A)      The successful implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, aims at achieving equitable, accessible and quality education for all students both in rural and urban India.      

B)     It is  perceived by many academicians, students, teachers, professors and other stakeholders that almost 2 crore students will be able to get re-admitted to their educational institutions from where they discontinued their studies because of unavoidable circumstances such as economic backwardness, family conditions, ill-health, lack of security, etc.

C)    Equitable access to regional language is the other important advantage of the National Education Policy 2020. Through the successful implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, a variety of courses will be introduced to students which will be taught in their respective regional languages in addition to the English language. This step taken by the Government of India will prove to be highly effective in bridging and diminishing the ever increasing gap of social, cultural communication among students and their peer groups speaking the respective regional language.

D)     The National Education Policy 2020 aims to sow the seeds of rational thought, inventiveness, empathy, courage and resilience in the personality of every student. It is expected that the rational outlook will produce logical human beings who will further contribute their best towards building an equitable, just, objective, unbiased, free, pluralistic and abundant society as it is envisioned in the constitutional goal of our country.

E)       The National Education Policy 2020 also aims to substitute the existing 10+2 structure with the 5+3+3+4 structure. The 5+3+3+4 structure is intended to be applied in educational practice for the education of students corresponding to the ages of three to eight, eight to eleven, eleven to fourteen and fourteen to eighteen. Moreover, according to the National Education Policy 2020, there should be three years of Anganwadi and pre-schooling in addition to twelve years of schooling for every individual student.

F)      In accordance with the National Education Policy 2020, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) proposes to design and develop the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage. It is envisioned to be the pedagogical and educational framework for early childhood care and education (ECCE) for children between three to eight years of age. Thus, the National Education Policy 2020 will prove to be highly beneficial for children belonging to the above-mentioned age group. This is so because through the successful implementation of this transformative policy the targeted aim of qualitative and quantitative aim of education could be achieved.

Disadvantages of the National Education Policy 2020:

A)     As it is highly difficult to employ qualified teachers and skilled instructors in educational institutions, the problem will be aggravated when it comes to the introduction and accessibility of courses in regional languages in both rural and urban educational institutions. The lack of availability of courses in regional languages can also be perceived as a major drawback of the National Education Policy 2020.

B)      Students may also be motivated to discontinue or being drop out from their respective courses in higher education as these courses might prove to be extremely time-consuming. Every student willing to pursue higher studies has to pursue his/her respective undergraduate degree for four years instead of three years. This might compel him/her to discontinue and leave his/her educational career after completion of Higher Secondary course and they usually look for some other career options.

C)    Through the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, students of government aided schools will pursue the courses taught in English at a much later age as compared to students of private schools. This might prove to be a major drawback and could also result in the deepening of the gap in socialization among students.  Students uncomfortable in speaking in English might find it difficult to meet the international standards of education as majority of international courses are taught in English.

D)     If the policy is implemented without taking into account the global and local needs of India, then it might fail to accomplish the fundamental goals of education. The policy should focus on nurturing the unique talents of each and every student in both rural and urban India. The failure to meet the above-mentioned criteria might unfortunately result in the fragmentation and weakening of the learning environment of India.

 

Role of the National Education Policy 2020 in Solving the Current Education Crisis: The National Education Policy 2020 is aiming at establishing a robust, strenghtening and equitable public education system in the country. The effectiveness of the policy depends on the successful implementation of its provisions and features in all schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions across India. The success of this policy relies much on the collective capacity of the fundamental features of this policy which should be profoundly rooted in the ancient educational, cultural and philosophical ethos of the Indian society.

For the successful implementation of this policy, every student must feel physically, economically, emotionally and mentally safe. So it should be greatly emphasized on ensuring that every student in India is physically, mentally and emotionally healthy and fit. Another pragmatic goal of this policy should be to nurture the unique talents of each and every individual student in both rural and urban India. For the productive accomplishment of this realistic goal, it is very necessary for the education system in India to be talent-centric and studentcentric at the same time. The above-mentioned steps can also be taken by the chief implementers of this policy to solve the current education crisis. The current crisis in education revolves around many different problems such as the lack of development of fundamental life skills and the lack of creativity and inventiveness among students. The National Education Policy 2020 should therefore focus on the development of fundamental life skills such as resilience, liveliness, empathy, communication skills, research skills, cooperative skills, leadership skills and team-building skills among students. To combat the current education crisis, it is highly important to focus on the development of equitable, transformative, inclusive and resilient educational institutions across the country. The policy should also offer ample opportunities to each and every individual student so that he/she can efficiently accelerate his/her educational retrieval processes. This innovation would prove to be highly effective and particularly beneficial for students who discontinue their education and drop out from their academic and vocational training courses in the midway. Moreover, in order to effectively combat the current educational crisis, the chief stakeholders and implementers of the National Education Policy 2020 should occasionally organize and conduct teacher training programs and other types of orientation programs for both students and teachers.

Such orientation programs should include courses on ancient Indian scriptures such as the Bhagavad Geeta and the Upanishads. Scriptures such as the Bhagavad Geeta should be essentially taught to students of all groups and age because it is the ultimate destroyer of misery, depression and pain. It also vividly elucidates about the various characterizations of Yoga. For solving the current education crisis, it is very essential for students to learn Yoga and contemplate on the various ancient Yogic traditions of India. Students should learn the art of self composure and inner-engineering which can be effectively developed with the help of Yoga. Yoga, in simple terms, is nothing but the equability of the cognitive mind both in success and in failure. Yoga is choosing the work of the highest order as the only work that deserves to be done. Thus, in the current education system, the importance of Yoga should never be overlooked as it is the most effective tool for realizing the fullest potential of each and every individual student. In other words, it can also be added that it is nothing other than Yoga which can productively suffice and strengthen a student’s holistic personality.

 

Yoga Education and Development of Self -a crying need at the Present Century:

Yoga is the union of Individual self (through mind restraining process) with the Supreme Self. It is the restraint of mental operation (process) and the disconnection of connection with sufferings such as mental agony, stress, anxiety and frustration. The process of yoga is essential to all human beings whose inherent nature is to seek happiness and become free from miseries and suffering. It makes a balance (equanimity) between body, mind and soul. The secret of all round development-physical, mental, social, moral,economic, aesthetic etc. which is the main objective of education lies in the root of Yoga. The important tools of a human being namely mind, breath, speech, and body are used in the process of yoga to achieve the highest goal of human life namely Self- Realization, the ultimate aim of education in ancient times resulting in Pure Bliss. Thus it is evident that yoga is not merely restricted to poses and acrobatic postures with impressive demonstrations, the sole purpose of yoga is the realization of self and making welfare of all. The ideal Human civilization is in search of true knowledge-the knowledge of Truth which could be achieved through the adoption of yoga philosophy in education.

So the ancient sages and gurus implies the basic fundamentals of Yoga Philosophy in education for all round development. The goal of developmental perspectives of the learners is the sole factor in education which could be fulfilled by the implications of Yoga Education. The project  proposal has been formulated keeping in view of the aim and objectives of real education .Yoga  transforms one’s life to a transcendent bliss. So total development of personality, the only aim of education, could be fulfilled through the practice of Yoga and receiving yoga education properly. Therefore, the ancient practice is reflected in our National education policy-2020 though there are tremendous development occurred in the field of science and Technology in this age of Knowledge explosion in 21^st century.

The Ancient Heritage and Glorious Yoga Education in the New Education Policy:

This age is an age of knowledge explosion and e-learning. Tremendous development in the field of education has been occurred due to the increasing use of Information and communication Technology in the field of education.  New Curriculum according to the needs of the learners has been introduced in all stages of education. Innovative teaching methods, strategies, tools and techniques have been introduced. Continuous comprehensive evaluation system has been implemented. But man making and character building education is yet to be achieved due to gradual erosion of different values in life. The objectives of all round development of the students have not been completely achieved due to  the negligence of  teachings in ancient  yogic scriptures. The NPE-2020 emphasised on both modern science and Technology and our glorious heritage of Yoga Philosophy. Recently the NCTE has recommended Yoga Education in B.Ed syllabus. The five thousand years Indian age old body of knowledge ‘Yoga’ is now considered as one of the effective ways to achieve the goal and objectives of education. It is the true union of our will to the will of the almighty. Mahadev Desai in his article Gita According to Gandhi’ mentioned that ‘the yoking of all the powers of body, mind and soul to God; it means the disciplining of the intellect, the mind, the emotions, the will, which that Yoga presupposes, a poise of soul which enables one to look at life in all its aspects evenly’. Mahatma Gandhi followed the principles of Yoga and wanted to bring true development of the learners. Mahatma Gandhi categorically emphasized on the development of body, mind and spirit which is possible if development of 3 H’s (Head, Hand and Heart) instead of 3 R’s (Reading, Writing, Arethmatic) is given more importance. Development of body, mind and spirit is possible through the practice of yoga and through the implementation of Yoga Education in the curriculum of all stages of education. Mahatma Gandhi propagated and followed the principles of Astanga Yoga for the attainment of Sustainable development and the sustainability of the human race on this planet.

The origin and concept of Yoga:  The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means union  of the ‘self’ to the ‘supreme self’ The word “Yoga” means “yoke” or “unity” translated from Sanskrit, the classical language of India. It also means “discipline” or “effort.”

Yoga requires to make an effort to unify our body and mind.  We do this by concentrating our awareness on our physical body through breathing and postures. It is the aim of yoga to achieve purity and clarity of manas (mind), buddhi (intellect) and chitta (consciousness). ‘Yogaschittyavritti Nirodha’ Yoga is restraining the mid-stuff from taking various forms (vrittis) This removal of impurities allows the individual to realize and remain in original and normal state of uncontaminated joy and bliss.

History of Yoga:  Development of yoga can be traced back to over 5000 years ago, but some researchers think that yoga may be up to 10000 years old. Yoga’s long rich history can be divided into five main periods innovation, practice and development. They are Vedic period, Pre-classical period, Classical period, Yoga in Mediaval times and Modern times. Yoga may have pre-Vedic elements even during Indus valley civilization. In Indus seal a picture of ‘Proto Shiva (Yogi Murti) surrounded by animals proved that people in that age used to practise yoga. In Upanishads such as Shvetashvataropanishad and Kathopanishad, yoga is referred as an essential means to achieve happiness. In Kathopanishat, for example, it is advised: “Treat the self as the person seated in the body as the chariot. Then, treat the intellect as the driver (charioteer), the mind as the reins and the senses as the horses. The one who has control of mind directed by intellect thereby controlling the senses leads the person to the spiritual goal. Otherwise a person’s life will be as of a chariot driven by uncontrolled horses.”

 

Place of Yoga Education  as Treasures in Ancient Scriptures and Literature:

One of the important steps of any type of research is a careful study and review of the related books, research journals, dissertations and other sources of information. Review of the related literature allows the researcher to be acquainted with current development in the field and to define limits or scope on the problem to be investigated. It helps the researchers to know about the tools and techniques proved to be useful in previous studies and provide insight into statistical method proved to be valid. It helps researcher to avoid untruthful and useless problem areas and unintentional duplication of well-established findings. Identification of source is the first step of the review of literature. Primary sources in the form of research articles, books, dissertations or thesis give the researcher a basis on which judgment of the research is made. To solve the present Research problem and to complete the proposed project, books related to Yoga Philosophy and Education will be reviewed.

Altekar, A. S. in his book Education in Ancient India (II ed.), (1982) stated that the Ariyan period could be regarded as the peaceful, mature and practical age of education. To him, “From the Vedic age downwards the central concept of education of the Indians has been that it is a source of illumination, giving us a correct lead in the various spheres of life”

The Vedas were ancient hymns, sung in the forests, by Rishis. They were not put in written form. According to Hindu tradition the Vedas were composed as far back as 10,000 years. In this Vedic Period, the word “Yoga” was used occasionally, often in reference to Homas, fire ceremonies. The “practical aspects” of Yoga were not formalized, but were part and parcel of the Vedic seer’s life. To perform Homa, the sages had to sit immobile for days, weeks, even months in “Asanas”, straight, still, sitting positions of the body. The Mantras chanted required tremendous breath control  that is called Pranayama in Yoga Philosophy. The ritualistic accuracy and purity required intense concentration or Dharana . The senses had to be controlled, as fasting and other physical disciplines through strong practice of Yoga Sadhana. So, the word “Yoga” does appear in the Vedas. According to Dr.K.H. Kumar Kaul, author of YOGA IN THE HINDU SCRIPTURES, in the prayers of the RIG VEDA to Indra, the Rishis advise the aspirant to follow the path of Yoga for obtaining energy from the “Divine Person”. In the RIGVEDA, (V, 81.1) the Mantra repeats the word “Yoga” and implies different types of Yoga related to all kinds of human existence.

In YAJURVEDA, according to Dr. Kaul, some references directly or indirectly related to Yogic systems are found in the reference “Yujate man…” for the sake of putting emphasis on mental Yoga. Dr. Kaul says the ATHARVAVEDA is the most important for the study of Yoga practices. In the ATHARVAVEDA references are found to Prana, the vital energy of the Universe, and also to Chakras (eight Chakras in the Pranic body and nine aperatures (gates) in the body”. “Astachara navdvara devanam pruayodhya tasyam hiranyayah kosh o kosha svargo jyotisavrth” (ATHARVAVEDA 10.2.31). Pranavidya or the Science of Prana is referred to in the ATHARVAVEDA in which the meaning is that Prana is the essence of the Universe. According to the ATHARVAVEDA, all senses and motor organs can stop their functioning when they are tired, but only Prana is always working and active as long as the body lives. ATHARVAVEDA gives importance to the practice of Yoga. Dr. Kumar Kaul observes: “All the four Vedic Samhitas refer directly or indirectly to the Yoga system and the Yoga traditions. In the first three Samhitas there are direct as well as indirect references to Yoga and the ATHARAVAVEDA gives the clear conception of Yoga describing the eight mystical circles (Chakras) and the nine gates of the human body-the golden sheath and the mystical wheel containing the thousand spokes. Therefore, it may be considered that the Vedic sages were aware of the nature, importance and implication of the practical aspects of Yoga. Their supernatural knowledge discovered the secret of yoga as they were the practical Yogis. The path of Yoga, helped them become successful in revealing divine knowledge within their minds. The Vedas came to be written down, and systematized by Ved Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharatha.

The Upanishads, or the Vedanta may be as old as 3,000 to 5,000 years were the explanations of the mystic concepts of the Vedas in more concrete, less abstract form. Next to the VEDAS, the UPANISHADS are the most important repositories of ancient Hindu mystic Yogic thought. They represent a body of spiritual realizations based upon individual experience which was transmitted from the Guru to the student who literally “Sat at the Guru’s feet”. Several Upanishads contain nuggets of golden Yogic truth. THE KATHOPANISHAD teaches, “The Creator of the Universe opened the gate of the senses outside. In this Upanishad Lord Yama also teaches Nacheketas that there are one hundred and one nerves in the heart, and among them, one goes upward through the head and if the Yogi raises himself to the head through this particular nerve, he attains immortality, (KATHOPANISHAD II, 3.16). In PRASNA UPANISHAD, the Guru Pippalada in answering questions from six disciples, propounds the concept of Prana as the “mother-father of all created things”, and the concept of polarity, or movement between Creator and Created, as a sustenance of the manifested world. He also elucidates in detail the idea of Prana, as the Supreme Moving Force of Creation, in the famous verse, “And when the queen bee rises, all the bees with her arise, and when she comes to rest, again, then all come to rest. Even so it happened to the senses. They realized that Prana was supreme and made obescience to it”. (PRASNA UPANISHAD). The Guru sketches the intimate relationship of mind and Prana, and teaches the importance of meditation on the sacred PRANAVA AUM. The MUNDAKA UPANISHAD begins with the importance of meditation on AUM and also following the Yama and Niyamas, or morality and ethics in life. Both the MUNDAKA and the PRASNA UPANISHADS belong to the Atharvaveda. THE CHANDOGYA UPANISHAD also stresses the importance of chanting and meditating upon the Sanskrit syllable AUM, which it describes as UDGITA, the “sacred word which is sung”. This Upanishad also describes the greatness of Prana. It also beautifully describes the concept of Dhyana, or meditation, and says that “whatever great thing is known to men is known through meditation… the whole earth, middle space, the heaven, waters and even mountains are engaged in Dhyana”. In the BRIHADARANYAKA UPANISHAD sage Yajnavalkya, teaches there are three means of liberation, i.e. Sravana, or study; Manana, rational thinking and Nididhyasan Meditation. THE SHVETASVTARA UPANISHAD is the last among the main Upanishads. The second chapter is devoted to an explanation of Yoga philosophy. The sage says persons practicing Yoga and Dhyana must unite their mind with God. God, then with His Grace, unites their intellect with Him, and they then perceive His Light. Moksha is possible only with purity of heart (SHVETASVTARA UPANISHAD (2.1). This Upanishad explains Yoga with the help of the Vedic Samhita Mantras. The concept of Yoga in the UPANISHADS is that the spiritual life starts with mental purity, control and devotion to the Divine Spirit. The Upanishads wonderfully advocate consummate virtues like devotion, dedication, service, austerity, truthfulness, continence, self-restraint, faith, generosity, etc. though not in proper order, but which are definitely included in the system of Yoga. In KATHOPANISHAD, the word “Yoga” has been used in its technical sense and has been defined as “controlling and stabilizing the senses”. This Upanishad further gives stress on ADHYATMA YOGA which leads to Self-realisation. The motto of Karmayoga which is defined in the opening verse of ISAVASYOPANISAD. “The actions done with an attitude of renunciation do not become binding”. In KENOPANISAD nature of Self-Realisation has been explained which gives indirect hints to such a Karmayoga. The SVETASYATAROPANISAD prepares a long list of Yogic practices. The realization of the mystic power of God through the Yoga of meditation (DHYANAYOGA) was also recommended. The divine power, known as Kundalini in Yogic culture, is produced by meditation. For the first time, the posture and the place for Pranayama and meditation is described, in detail, in this Upanishad. The KATHOPANISAD refers to the metaphor of a charioteer and the Self is said to be the driver of the chariot; the mind; the reins; the senses; the horses; the sense-objects the paths on which chariot goes. The chariot reaches its proper goal if the horses are properly controlled by the Charioteer (Higher Consciousness, Manas) keeping full control over the reins. Yoga is understood as one of the finest examples found in the Upanishads for the Spiritual Living. The MUNDAKOPANISAD represents further a development of Yoga techniques, narrating ‘OM’ as the main object of meditation.

 YOGA VASHISHTA is another Yogic scripture which is very difficult to date. Many Hindu tradition holds that Lord Rama lived in Treta Yoga and thus the Ramayana, the story of his life, was written by Sage Valmiki, about 7,000 years ago. The Ramayana is also an allegory for the principles of Yogic living. Lord Rama was the supreme Yogi and the role model for all Yogic qualities. The RAMAYANA is a “practical Yoga manual” showing mankind how to live a spiritual life. Proper attitudes to take towards all the challenges of worldly life are elaborated in detail in the work.

The MAHABHARATHA is the second great “Yogic allegory” of Hindu literature, written by sage Ved Vyasa. It tells the story of the struggle of every human soul to overcome the animalistic passions (symbolized by the Kauravas) and enable the triumph of the divine qualities of the God nature (symbolized by the Pandavas). The Mahabharatha is also the story of Krishna, who, it is believed, lived in Dwapara Yuga, about 5,000 years ago. It is said that when Lord Krishna died, And the date is postulated at about 3125 B.C., Kali Yuga began. Embedded within the Mahabharatha is the world famous scripture of Hinduism

THE BHAGAVAD GITA which is the ultimate text book of Yoga. In eighteen chapters of the discourse between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, the word “Yoga” is frequently used in the Bhagavad Gita. In fact, every one of the eighteen chapters is entitled as a “Yoga”. Lord Krishna carefully leads Arjuna out of Vishadha, or depression, into a positive state of mind where he is able to fulfill his duties as a warrior. The famous Yogic concepts of the Gita include: “Yoga Karmasu Kaushaam” (Yoga is skill in action) and” Yoga Uchayati Samatva” (Yoga is equal mindedness in all circumstances). Concepts of Karma Yoga, Bhakthi Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Dhyana Yoga were codified and elaborated in a systematic way for the first time in the Bhagavad Gita. The emphasis was on Vairayga or detachment and Viveka or discrimination. No practical instruction is given, other than the instruction to “sit straight” with head and neck erect. The word “Asana” is used, but mainly in reference to the “seat” on which the Yogi is to sit to perfect his “meditation”. The concept of “Yoga” as an attitude towards living which could embrace the entire spectrum of man’s existence was first formulated clearly and boldly by Maharishi Ved Vyasa in his magus opus, THE BHAGAVAD GITA which forms a part of the MAHABHARATHA. In these eighteen chapters, each chapter of which is entitled a “Yoga”, Lord Krishna instructs his disciple Arjuna that Yoga is cultivating the “proper attitude” of mind in all of life’s circumstances. Yoga is not just a “withdrawal from the world and practice of extreme asceticism” but rather a Yogi is he who is “moderate in both eating and fasting, sleeping and waking”.(Chapter Sixteen) (16). “Yoga is not possible for him who eats too much or for him who abstains too much from eating. It is not for him, who sleeps too much or too little.” Even “Dejection and Despair” can be a “Yoga” in the sense that often such despair is the starting point of the spiritual life.

Lord Krishna defines Yoga as “a balanced mind.” “The one fixed in equanimity of mind frees oneself in this life from vice and virtue alike. Therefore, devote yourself to Yoga. Work done to perfection is verily Yoga.” (Chapter Two. 50). The Yogi is one who has controlled his senses. “The Yogi, having controlled them (the senses) sits focused on Me, as the Supreme Goal. His wisdom is constant whose senses are under subjugation”. (Chapter16). A Yogi is a man who rises above the duality of action and non-action “He who sees action in inaction and inaction in action, he is wise among men, he is a Yogi and accomplisher of everything”. (Chapter Four 18). The Yogi is not attached to the fruits of action “Abandoning the fruit of action, the Yogi attains peace born of steadfastness; impelled by desire, the non-Yogi is bound, attached to fruit”. (Chapter Five 12).

 Yoga Sutras of sage Patanjali are still not often recognized to be part of a larger work along with The Yoga Bhashya; the commentary on these sutras. One which is said to be written by Vyasa, yet, most scholars believe was actually Patanjali. Therefore, as much as there are varied interpretations of this text due to how sparse it is, the meaning is clearly given in the commentary, as well as two later ones of importance (Vacaspati Misra’s and Vijnanabhiksu’s)

´  There are 4 chapters or padas in The Yoga Sutras. They are, Samadhi Pada, laying out the fundamental, metaphysical view. Sadhana Pada, that which describes how to practice, Vibhuti pada; strangely, a whole chapter on the special-powers (Sidhis) that come from practice, and Kaivalya Pada, that delves deeper into the state of liberation and the aspect of meditation that precedes it.

YOGACINTAMANI

´  In this text we find thirty-four asana’s described in detail. Kukkutasana along with mayurasana are featured amongst what starts to become a more physically dynamic approach to yoga asana.

´  The text borrows extensively and directly from the hathapradipika. However, its primary orientation is on the science of Ayurveda. The author is Harthsakirti Suri, and in it, it details the ashtavidha pariksha, or, eight types of examination of a patient. Namely; pulse, urine, eyes, oral, tongue, stool, voice and touch.

GHERANDASAMHITA

´  Authored by Srisa Chandra Vasu it means Gheranda’s collection. The text details a sevenfold yoga (in contrast to Patanjali’s ashtanga). This involved; shatkarma, asana, mudra, pranayama, pratyahara, dhyana, samadhi. The purpose then being to use asana once again for the sake of the ultimate aim of meditation, dhyana.

YOGA MAKARANDA

´   This text is authored by Shri Krishnamacharya the text lays out in pictural form and accompanying instruction a practice that groups asanas into sequences very similar to those of the ashtanga yoga we know today. Here, we find the emphasis on the technique of trishtana; breath, bandha, Drishti as well as the ‘counting method’ known now as the vinyasa count.

´  Books related to Indian education like History of Education in India by Dr. S. N. Mukherji, Contemporary Problems and Current Trends in Education by S.K. Murthty, Develop of Education in India by S. P Aggarwa  and  A. Biswas, , History of Indian Education  by  P.L.Rawat , Education Ideas and Ideals of Gandhi & Tagore by David Hardimanm, The Educational Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi by  M. S. Patel, Value education by Mohit Chakrabarti, Thoughts and Theories of Indian educational thinkers by B. N. Dash and Nibedita Dash and other books have highlighted the importance of yoga education.

Total development through the application of Yoga Education as envisioned in NPE-2020

Education is a powerful force in bringing rapid changes in the Society. Education includes all the process that develops human ability and behaviour (UNESCO). Human beings have two important aspects-Biological and Sociological. The Biological aspect is maintained and transmitted by nutrition and reproduction. The Sociological aspect is improved and transmitted through a powerful means of education. So conceptualization and development of education as a product has more importance than the others.

India is a famous country that has the right to take pride in Yoga Philosophy and in ancient age old educational system. India’s glorious culture presents to mankind the history of several races invaded India and mixed in the human ocean of India. Dr. F. W. Thomas one of the distinguished Indologists writes, “There is no country where the love of learning so early an origin or has exercised so lasting and powerful an influence.” The ideal of Hindu education was based on it’s Yoga Philosophy and culture and not in mere literacy. The system of Indian education is the development of ‘self’ and to realize the supreme ‘self’ through the practice of Yoga education to liberate mind and to lead the highest possible life. The pivotal sources of ancient education were the Vedas. The Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads were the granaries of the ancient rich culture and heritage. Dr. R. K. Mukherjee said, ‘Since the birth of the oldest Vedic poetry, we find Indian literature for a period of more than a thousand years bearing an exclusively religious impression’ A.S. Altekar has rightly remarks, ‘the knowledge is a third eye of man which gives him insight into all affairs…’ The education of ancient India was exclusively religious in nature influenced by Yoga Philosophy during the early and later Vedic period. Realization of true knowledge was the main aim towards the achievement of absolute or Brahma. Education during the Buddhist period was basically religious in nature and based on practicable principles, high ideals and non-violence. .

But nowadays Students, of all stages whether it may be Primary, secondary or Higher education, are engaged themselves in accumulating bookish knowledge. Learning to them becomes a burden and monotonous. Intrinsic motivation in them is rare for achieving true knowledge or empirical knowledge. Education today does not help them to become self-sufficient and self-dependent in future. Even education of today is not so related to the new changes in the global perspectives and growing socio-economic problems stirring up in our country in the present century. In educational scenario what we notice today is indiscipline, impatience, violence, lawlessness, hatred, decrease of human values, lack of self-confidence, self-sufficiency and self- reliance, mental insecurity, stress, depression, anxiety consumerisation of foreign culture etc. The skills of Problem solving attitude, Decision making capacity, Communication, Interpersonal relation, Empathy, Social awareness, self-awareness, Coping up with emotion and Stress are not inculcated due to lack of  active involvement of the learners in the Teaching-learning process. So ‘all round drawing out of the best’-the goal of education is not fulfilled. As a result,  unemployment, Student’s unrest, violation of human rights, violation of rules & regulations, religious fanaticism, inhuman treatment to women, caste conflicts prevailed  to greater extent in the present century.

National Education Policy-2020 introduced New Curriculum according to the needs of the learners and society has been introduced in all stages of education. Innovative teaching methods, strategies, tools and techniques have been introduced. Continuous comprehensive evaluation system has been implemented. But man making and character building education is yet to be achieved due to gradual value erosion. The objectives of all round development of the students have not been completely fulfilled. Recently the NCTE has recommended Yoga Education in B.Ed syllabus.

So the Principles of Yoga Philosophy which have been recommended in NPE-2020 could be the solution of present day problem of education as once the implications of Yoga Philosophy in ancient Indian Education generated the Human resource to reach the zenith  of progress of human civilization based on values and morality. The proposed project will highlight as to how Yoga Education could fulfill the goal of education , development of 3 Hs (Hand, Heart &Head)and generate human resources of our country.

Conclusion: The philosophy and practices of Yoga are quite relevant in the modern life and they play significant role in the prevention of disease and health promotion through sustainable approach. The principles and practices of Yoga particularly the ‘AstangaYoga’ have been practised form several thousand years and have been subjected for the investigation in different areas like psychology and allied sciences. They stood the test of all the time and are of great help in the achievement of best possible holistic health through their regular practice. Yoga revives our heritage and tradition and supports the modern health care system to prevent many of the modern psychosomatic diseases.

Yoga education will be given priority in the school, college and university curriculum which was neglected for the last hundred years. Practice of  Eight Limbs Yoga  is highly relevant in the 21st century due to its ability to address the prevalent issues of stress, anxiety, and sedentary lifestyles by offering a holistic approach to physical, mental, and emotional well-being through practices like postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation, making it a valuable tool for managing the demands of modern life across various age groups and fitness levels. 

Yoga, a millennia-old practice originating from ancient India, has become more relevant than ever in the 21st century. In a world marked by rapid technological advancements and an ever-increasing pace of life, the importance of yoga has transcended its historical roots. The modern era presents unique challenges to physical health, mental well-being, and stress management, and yoga offers a comprehensive solution to these concerns.

In terms of physical health, the sedentary nature of many contemporary lifestyles has led to a rise in health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular problems, and musculoskeletal disorders. Yoga provides a holistic approach to physical fitness, emphasizing not only strength and flexibility but also mindful movement and awareness of one's body. Its postures, or asanas, cater to individuals of all fitness levels and ages, promoting overall health and vitality.

Equally significant is yoga's impact on mental well-being. The 21st century has witnessed a surge in stress-related disorders and mental health challenges. Yoga offers a sanctuary of calmness in the midst of chaos, teaching individuals to quiet the mind, focus on the present moment, and cultivate inner peace. Through techniques like meditation and controlled breathing, practitioners can manage stress, anxiety, and depression more effectively, enhancing their emotional resilience.

Moreover, the digital age has brought about constant connectivity and information overload, often resulting in mental fatigue and decreased attention spans. Yoga's emphasis on mindfulness and concentration counters these effects, enabling individuals to develop a heightened sense of awareness, concentration, and mental clarity. As a result, productivity and creativity are enhanced, and the ability to manage daily challenges is improved.

Yoga's importance also extends to fostering a sense of community and interconnectedness. The practice brings people from diverse backgrounds together, creating a shared space for personal growth and mutual support. This aspect of yoga is particularly relevant in a world where cultural diversity and global communication intersect.

In conclusion, the 21st century's fast-paced lifestyle and evolving challenges have amplified the significance of yoga. Its multifaceted benefits, spanning physical health, mental well-being, and community building, make it a vital tool for individuals striving to navigate the complexities of modern life. As the world continues to evolve, the timeless wisdom of yoga provides a guiding light towards a balanced, harmonious development and enriched existence which is the goal of Education as well as NPE-2020.

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