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Jain Education International
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श्री पुष्कर मुनि अभिनन्दन ग्रन्थ : नवम खण्ड
YOGA FLOURISHES IN BRAZIL
OIGNEZ NOVAES ROMEU
President Institutos de Cultura Yoga Cientifica Integrados, São Paulo, Brazil
About some eleven years ago, I went to Kaivalyadham, Lonavla, and there took the
diploma course in Yoga. Before going to India I was already interested in Yoga and had been attached to a Yoga Institute in São Paulo. Previous to that I was trained as a teacher of Physical Education and afterwards went to the States where I received a degree of Master of Science in Corrective Physical Education at "Smith College", Northampton, Mass.,
U.S.A.
Because of this background I found myself very much at home in the Yoga School of Kaivalyadham, where the scientific aspect of Yoga is stressed, without losing sight of the spiritual aspect. I was really lucky to have chosen Kaivalyadham, where the Yoga students have a chance to receive the generous and competent guidance of Revd. Swami Digambarji. Since then I have returned twice to Lonavla and Rajkot to continue my studies, and I am glad to say I have been able to maintain the good relationship established since my student days.
I try as much as possible to keep in touch with the work being continuously done in the field of Yoga at Kaivalyadham.
During my last visit to Lonavla, two years ago, I asked and received permission to represent Kaivalyadham Institution in Brazil. I have considered it a great honour but this is also a great responsibility for me.
My work is centered mostly in São Paulo city, where I live, and which is the Capital of the same State; being a city under continuous development where changes and growth constitute her distinctive mark, we all suffer the growing pains and have to face all the consequent problems.
This being the case and so many cultures coming together in a truly melting pot, we have here a fertile soil for all kinds of experiments. Naturally all cults, all sects, philosophies, etc., have a place in this city. Yoga has its share and like all over the world it is practised here in all aspects and combinations.
We hear all kind of opinions-pros and cons- and only the future will tell what the firm root will be. However some sort of stability is already taking place: groups are being formed, associations are taking shape and some paths are being opened.
There is a growing consciousness about Yoga in Brazil. Several individuals and centres are working in the field of Yoga in their own capacity. In spite of great interest about Yoga there are also many misconceived ideas associated with Yoga. It is necessary that the superfluous elements about Yoga are removed and Yoga is presented in its true nature. Various aspects of Yoga need to be clearly brought out and explained to the people.
Various associations and individuals working in the field of Yoga may create confusion in the minds of novice when they hear different views on Yoga. There is also a need that different associations working in the field with common objectives come together and strengthen the
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