Jaganmohanlal Pandita Sadhuwad Granth

Author(s): Sudarshanlal Jain
Publisher: Jaganmohanlal Shastri Sadhuwad Samiti Jabalpur

Page 332

Scientific Studies in Yoga
Dr. M. L. GHAROTE
Asstt. Director of Research and Principal, G. S. College of Yoga, Kaivalyadhama, LONAVLA (PUNE), 410 402.
Introduction
Yoga has a great antiquity and long tradition. It is a result of thousands of years of careful and systematic exploration by a long line of sages and yogis on the basis of their meticulous observations and personal experiences. Yoga is a science of life which helps man to attain his highest potential and highest state of consciousness. It uses various psychophysiological techniques involving Asanas, Pranayama, Bandhas, Mudras, Kriyas and Meditation-each of them having many sub-aivisions. Although there are many definitions of Yoga, the term Yoga is applied to the attainment of the highest aim, i.e. integration of personality by developing highest state of consciousness, as well as for the various methods and techniques used for the fulfilment of that aim.
In course of time Yoga was shrouded in mystery and until the beginning of the 20th century there were many misconceptions about Yoga, some of which still prevail in many quarters of the society, both in India and abroad. Along with the misconceptions about Yoga in general there are also misconceptions about researches in Yoga. The orthodox view is that no researches in Yoga are necessary as it has been already perfected by the ancient yogis. Others believe that utilization of yogic techniques for the purpose lower than the Spiritual" is distortion of Yoga and therefore research in applied aspect of Yoga is undesirable. Misconceptions about research in Yoga prevail because of inadequate understanding of the nature and scope of research itself. Research may be understood as "a diligent and systematic inquiry to discover or revise facts, theories and applications". In the light of this definition of research, any attempt at knowing new facts and addition to the knowledge of Yoga should be encouraged.
Today no field progresses without sound basis of research. In order to remove misunderstandings and get better insight in Yoga systematic thinking or research is necessary.
Concept of Research in Yoga
Although research is analytical, it should contribute to the understanding of the wholistic approach in Yoga. If the researches are not oriented in the light of the main purpose of Yoga, one is likely to be misled on the name of Yoga. The aim of Yoga leads to