Handbook of Yoga Education and Training

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This handbook titled, "Handbook of Yoga Education and Training", provides readers with an introduction to "Yoga" and an overview of its education and training aspects. Various aspects of "World Yoga Day" and "Common Yoga Protocol" are discussed. The focus lies on importance and value of yoga education and training. An in-depth analysis of yoga, sadhana and meditation is done. Other issues related to main elements and dimensions of yoga education and training are also analyzed. Efforts are made towards providing a complete overview of major yoga sutras and traditions, where the focus is on prominent yoga personalities and their contributions. An analysis of select institutions involved in yoga education and training is done. Focus lies on select courses and curriculum of yoga education, training and research. This handbook also provides readers with useful appendices. Bibliography and index are given to facilitate further knowledge creation on the said subject.

Presently, Prof. S. N. Pandey is the Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University, Arunachal Pradesh. Earlier, he was Professor and Head, School of Oriental Medicine, The Global Open University, Nagaland. Prof. Pandey had guided many research scholars towards completing their M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees. He has a long experience of working with reputed hospitals and colleges. He has also served at the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), an autonomous organization, now under Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. He was also a co-investigator in the research project on efficacy of Yoga in major mental disorders. He also served as the Principal of Government Naturopathic Medical College, Begumpet, Hyderabad. He also served as the Head of a survey conducted in 21 States of India, regarding the status and role of AYUSH Systems in National Rural Health Mission. Prof. Pandey has organized, attended and chaired several national and international conferences, workshops and seminars. His book 'Jeevan Sutra' has earned him a lot of appreciation. He also has to his credit a good number of publications in the field of geriatric care, mental health, Indian philosophy and health care delivery systems. Born on 5th March, 1948, in Myanmar and migrated to India in 1967, Dr. Pandey has mastered three languages- Hindi, English and Burmese. He is also associated with several professional & charitable organizations.

Yoga is a system of physical and mental discipline which originated in India long ago. The word is linked to meditative practices in both Buddhism and Hinduism. In the latter, it also refers to an orthodox school of philosophy. Yoga has many branches like Raja yoga, Karma yoga, Jnana yoga, Bhakthi yoga, and Hatha yoga. But when most people talk of yoga in India or abroad, they usually mean Hatha yoga, which consists of certain exercises called "asanas". It can also include "pranayama", a set of breathing exercises. Yoga is an important system of complementary or alternative therapy. Yoga teachers prescribe specific asanas and breathing exercises for specific diseases. Yoga has beneficial results in treating many diseases like diabetes, asthena, hypertension, obesity, etc.

Human beings are made up of three components-body, mind and soul corresponding these there are three needs-health, knowledge and inner peace. Health is physical need, knowledge is our psychological needs and inner peace is spiritual need when all three are present then there is harmony. Yoga gives us relief from countless ailments at the physical level. The practice of the postures (asanas) strengthens the body and creates a feeling of well. being. From the psychological view point, yoga sharpens the intellect and aid in concentration; it steadies the emotions and encourages a caring for others. The practice of breathing techniques (pranayama) calms the mind. In the realm of the spiritual yoga brings awareness and the ability to be still. Through meditation inner peace is experienced. Thus, yoga is a practical philosophy involving every aspect of a person's being. It teaches the evolution of the individual by the development of self-discipline and self-awareness. Anyone irrespective of age, health circumstances of life and religion can practice yoga. Yoga helps to discipline our sense of power with the power of our own. If we peep into the benefits of yoga, they are numerous. It improve physical fitness, stress, controls general well-being, mental clarity and greater self- understanding. People of all ages can do yoga and it can also be adapted for people with disabilities or special needs. The asanas enhance muscle strength, coordination, flexibility and can help to keep our body fit control cholesterol level, reduces weight, normalizes blood pressure and improves cardiovascular performance. Apart from these when people actively seek to reduce the stress in their lives by consoling the mind. The body often works to heal itself. In this sense yoga can be seen not only as a way to get into shape on several levels, but also as a tool for self-healing. In today's world of information and inter planetary voyages most of the people find it difficult to devote time towards their health and fitness. This has led to drastic increase in health problems and health related stress the number one killer in modern days.