The Legendary Yogendra Family revivalists of holistic health

sadhakas of the institute The Legendary Yogendra Family revivalists of holistic health

sadhakas of © WORLD COPYRIGHT THE YOGA INSTITUTE, SANTACRUZ

First edition: October 2015

Published on the occasion of the 68th Birthday of Smt Hansa , Director – The Yoga Institute, Santacruz DEDICATED TO OUR VENERATED ,

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WHO HAVE BROUGHT US The contents of this book are copyright and must not be reproduced or translated in full or in TO OUR TRUE SELVES. part without prior permission of The Yoga Institute, Santacruz (E).

Published by Dr Jayadeva Yogendra for The Yoga Institute, Santacruz (E), 400 055, . The World’s Oldest Organised The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai Centre for Yoga

Paramahamsa Madhavdasji Shri Yogendraji Smt Sita Devi Yogendra Dr Jayadeva Yogendra Smt Hansa J. Yogendra Shri Hrishi J. Yogendra

The Legendary Yogendra Family Revivalists of Holistic Health and World Peace

Perhaps the most Sadhakas of The Yoga The Yogendra For nearly a century, The magnanimity Through its misleading trait of a Institute, Santacruz, family’s spiritual the Yogendra of the Yogendras pioneering initiatives Yogi is that he looks Mumbai have been commitment to family has been is reflected in the in the fields of like an ordinary man. blessed with the humanity has transforming even sheer number of healthcare, sociocare This is probably why rare opportunity inspired them to work troubled individuals families they have and educare, the we fail to recognise of imbibing Yogic tirelessly for several into happy men, empowered—with Yogendra family has him even when he wisdom from not one decades, with a single women and children valuable insights on silently paved the stands only inches but four Yogis. aim: holistic health who are at peace with how to practise Yoga way for the ancient away from us. and the growth of themselves and the as a ‘Way of Life’. to consciousness. world at large. live on in the modern world. The Mission of a Yogi

Yoga IS An Few know that Shri Yogendraji’s childhood was bereft of bhakti and Yoga. A skeptic in essential SCIENCE his younger days, Shri Yogendraji, who was formerly known as Mani, underwent an OF LIVING. astonishing transformation at age 18 when he met Paramahamsa Madhavdasji Maharaj. In the year 1916, one hundred It transforms years ago, Madhavdasji was a great sage who hailed from Madhavdasji and Kolkata, West Bengal. He was born in the year Mani came face to man from ignoble 1798 and lived to a grand age of 123 years. In the face for the first time. Madhavdasji span of his long and glorious life, Madhavdasji couldn’t take to noble. walked the length and breadth of India 11 his eyes off the times, accelerating the spiritual advancement spirited young Shri Yogendraji of seekers with his timeless yogic wisdom. lad. “When I see Founder, The Yoga Institute such a one, I gain strength,” said the Every legend has an indomitable Madhavdasji’s words and demeanour had such Master of Mani. hero. This one has Shri Yogendraji; an impact on Mani that he gave up his studies an unassuming man of untold yogic in St Xavier’s college, Mumbai and followed powers, Shri Yogendraji set into motion Madhavdasji to his ashram in Malsar, . a great movement that drew Yoga out of the shadows of hidden caves and There he spent three years, learning the mysterious mountains into the lives of intricacies of Yoga from Paramahamsa himself. ordinary householders. It is for good reason that Shri Yogendraji is hailed as the Father of the Renaissance in India and the world over. Under the masterful guidance of Paramahamsa Madhavdasji, Mani’s mind became so still and his focus so True to his word to his father, Shri Yogendraji crystallised that all knowledge suddenly surged to him. married Sita Devi in the year 1927 and became India’s firstHOUSEHOLDER ‘ YOGI’. Together, In a revelation akin to the Rishis receiving the Vedas, Shri Yogendraji received the secrets of Yoga as if from Shri Yogendraji and ‘Mother’ Sita Devi worked Heaven itself. Of this extraordinary experience Mani said: tirelessly to spread the message of Yoga in India and abroad.

On December 25, 1918, Shri Yogendraji established Mani’s father, Shri Haribhai, insisted TheYoga Institute as a Not for Profit Organisation. that Mani give up The Institute operated out of the Versova house his yoga studies. of , who we still remember as On the persuasion the Grand Old Man of India. From Mumbai, the of Madhavdasji Maharaj, Shri Institute shifted to USA in the year 1920. Eight “I know not how Nature Haribhai years later, it moved to Bulsar, Gujarat. In the year consented to disclosed her secrets to me 1936, it was established in Chowpatty, Mumbai. In allow Mani to but I found knowledge the year 1947, The Yoga Institute finally took root continue on the condition that in Santacruz, Mumbai where it stands even today. pouring in rapid continuity his son doesn’t become a sanyasi like a waterfall. My hands and that he settle were too small to contain it. into the life of a householder. I cried, I struggled and extended my hands. I found some scattered drops. My palm is again empty, for I give them.” The world’s first institute to impart practical and scientific knowledge on Yoga Shri Yogendraji was a prolific writer. He authored several books in English. Mother Sita Devi was the Shri Yogendraji spent first woman to write books on . Yoga Personal Hygiene, Yoga Simplified and Hatha Yoga Simplified written by Shri Yogendraji hours studying the along with Yoga Physical Education for Women by Smt Sita Devi have been buried in the CRYPT movement and effects of OF CIVILISATION for posterity, next to rare paintings, scientific instruments, costumes, and Four of Shri his own . more articles. The crypt will be opened in the Yogendraji’s and year A.D. 8113 and will reveal to the coming Mother’s books Shri Yogendraji laid great emphasis on Yoga as an generations the authoritative knowledge of yoga have immense education in living and Yoga therapy was its by- So intense was his study as disclosed in our priceless books. historical product. Seventy years ago, when medical science significance; was not so advanced, Shri Yogendraji pioneered Shri Yogendraji emphatically emphasised that Yoga they have found that he could soon unthinkable research endeavours and proved that is a ‘Science of Living’ and that every human a place in US- yoga could cure even the most severe ailments of being should be taught this science. Everything based Oglethorpe perform miraculous feats the heart, lungs and joints. he did was with a single aim: to change man from University’s Crypt ignoble to noble. of Civilisation. like transferring his For the benefit of all who came to learn from him, Shri Yogendraji broke down the complex Hatha Founder, as he was known, always said, “Experience Prana to others in order Yoga techniques into simplified Asanas, which could is beyond knowledge and thinking and is often be performed by anyone and into nine simple quite the contrary.” At The Yoga Institute, he laid , which he based on a revolutionary great emphasis on experiencing an rather to save their lives. count ratio of 1:2:4. This count system is today than ‘doing’ it. known as Yogendra Rhythm. He was a true —a rare blessing to sadhakas. Smt Sita Devi was a registered medical practitioner. The Mission of a Yogi She drew on her expertise to customise health, with yoga, women hygiene and therapeutic techniques for women. In 1934, the first modern textbook for guiding recognise their women in their study of practical Yoga was published under her authorship. The cumulative uniqueness so they effect of her forward-thinking initiatives is evident from the fact that Yoga is today popular with can reintegrate numerous ladies who are engaged in educational, Shri Yogendraji health, medical, and cultural institutions both in said of his modern society India and abroad. wife, “Sita’s contribution to with spirituality. In 1939, in recognition of her outstanding service the working of to women in particular and society as a whole, The Yoga Institute Smt Sita Devi Yogendra the Women’s Health Federation of America is exceptional. Secretary, The Yoga Institute appointed Smt Sita Devi as the official delegateWithout her, we Barely eighteen years of age, soon after from India to the Health Welfare Congress at the could not have her marriage in 1927, Sita Devi joined World Fair. In 1940, her book received progressed.” The Yoga Institute. After four years of the honour of being preserved in the Crypt of intense study, she was entrusted with Civilisation. the responsibility of conducting Yogic practices for women. As Secretary of Despite remaining steadfast in her Yoga sadhana, the Institute, she pioneered initiatives Smt Sita Devi fulfilled all her duties—civic, that empowered women to rediscover social and domestic. She was the symbol of an their innate abilities and sharpen their ideal daughter-in-law, wife and mother. Verily, skills through mindful awareness, she proved that marriage only enhances one’s generated through Yogic techniques. spiritual progress on the path of Yoga studies. The Yoga Institute’s Teacher’s Training Courses, The Mission of a Yogi which are today hugely popular all over the world, are the brainchild of Dr Jayadeva. Like Shri Make constant Yogendraji, Dr Jayadeva wrote copious books. Everyone who has read his commentary on the effort to produce Patanjali Yoga Sutras and the four Cyclopedias authored by him regards the invaluable books as tendencies that the last word in Yoga. He has, for the last 62 years, been the Editor of The Yoga Institute’s magazine, do not increase Yoga and Total Health. Especially noteworthy is Dr Jayadeva’s idea of Shri Yogendraji desires, cravings incorporating the four positive bhavas of once said of philosophy i.e. , Jnana, Vairagya and Aishvarya Dr Jayadeva, “He and attachment. into everyday activities for long-lasting Yogic results. is a true Yogi. He Inspired with Dr Jayadeva’s pioneering efforts Dr Jayadeva Yogendra never gets angry.” President, The Yoga Institute in education and therapeutics, National Council of Educational Research and Training sought his Speak to the sadhakas of The Yoga guidance in devising the yoga syllabus for schools Institute and they will at once tell you all over the country. that Dr Jayadeva’s yogic messages are always short, sweet and stirring—much Firmly established in the Yamas and Niyamas laid like the Yoga Sutras of Maharshi Patanjali. down in the Yoga Sutras, Dr Jayadeva has all his Despite being a scholar of Samkhya—a life demonstrated an unflinching commitment to philosophy that assigns no role to Satya. In today’s materialistic world, he remains the God—Dr Jayadeva has unflinching faith epitome of Aparigraha i.e. non-covetousness. At in God. Lovingly raising his hand, he age 86, he has but a few possessions—two kurta- says, “God bless you,” to sadhakas who pyjama sets and a pair of simple slippers. prostrate themselves before him. The shelves in The Yoga Institute are lined with The Mission of a Yogi awards and certificates, which have been conferred on Smt Hansaji for her unmatched efforts in the purpose of a reaching Yoga to the masses. HailedWoman as ‘ of the Year’ in the year 2000, Smt Hansaji is perhaps strong body and best known throughout the nation for her hugely popular television series ‘Yoga for Better Living’, which healthy mind is was first aired in 1980. With the knack of a brilliant orator, Hansaji communicates the most complex to do one's duty yogic topics with simplicity, in multiple languages for ease of understanding by diverse audiences. She Smt Hansaji has travelled the world, enthralling people with her ignites in people with love and engaging talks, lectures and seminars. the will to transform into compassion. Her easy-to-execute tips on how to become better individuals who are steeped Smt Hansa Jayadeva Yogendra stronger physically, mentally, emotionally, and of Director, The Yoga Institute course spiritually, have been featured in numerous in Dharma Bhaav national newspapers. As a kind and compassionate and rooted in Over the years, The Yoga Institute has counsellor, Hansaji has won the love and respect Karma Yoga. burgeoned from being visited by seven of all who have come to her seeking ways to break sadhakas a day to receiving 1,000 old destructive habits and cultivate constructive sadhakas a day. If you are amazed by ones, which take them closer to their spiritual goals. this, know that it is because of the Smt Hansaji has dedicated her life to demystifying indefatigable efforts of Smt Hansaji. She Yoga and making it a ‘Way of Life’ for the common has spearheaded the development of man. She has worked shoulder to shoulder with the women’s wing and the health camps. Dr Jayadeva, taking Yoga into households, teaching She continues to impart practical tips people of all ages how to manage their minds and to those who come here seeking relief emotions, and regain mental stability and happiness. from all sorts of ailments. Like Father, Like Son The Young Torchbearer To attain the i often feel as if esoteric, one shri yogendraji needs to control is inspiring me the senses and the and guiding me to mind and meditate continue the work on ham-sa. of the institute. Shri Hrishi Jayadeva Yogendra Dr Patanjali Jayadeva Yogendra Assistant Director, The Yoga Institute

In July 1975, Dr Jayadeva and Hansaji At age 26, Shri Hrishi Jayadeva Yogendra were blessed with a son whom Shri gave up his cushy job in an MNC to Yogendraji named Patanjali, after the manage the massive administrative great sage. Right from his childhood, processes of The Yoga Institute. Only Patanjali put into practice Dr Jayadeva’s 18 months into his new role, Shri Hrishi motto: Speak less and only when has already started giving the institute necessary. His deep interest in Yoga a refreshing makeover—from adding led him to write a PhD thesis entitled new modules to the training courses ‘Yoga in Ancient India as revealed in the to building more rooms in The Yoga Upanishads’. Dr Patanjali merged with Institute; all this has been possible only the Lord at a young age of 37 years. because of his dynamic energy. The world will In another three years, The Yoga Institute will obesity, and even stress. Add to this couple’s celebrate a century of yogic living. Since 1918, classes, Yoga education camps for school and the Yogendra family has been transforming college children, Reach Out camps for special remain forever people—including troubled individuals burdened children, training camps for the Police Constables of with ill-health, negative thoughts and strained Mumbai and the National Cadet Corps, corporate indebted to relationships—into healthy and happy men and workshops, and even training for pedestrians women who are at peace with themselves and the participating in Equal ‘ Streets’—Times of India’s world at large. Having risen above their ordeals, energetic new initiative for the young and old alike. the illustrious the sadhakas of The Yoga Institute walk into the world as self-aware and selfless individuals, eager Yogendra family to pass on to others the holistic healing benefits of Each one of Yoga. In his or her own special way, every sadhaka of The Yoga Institute contributes to heightening our pioneering for its towering the levels of society’s consciousness. initiatives has but contribution In the last 97 years, The Yoga Institute has blazed new trails in the realm of Yoga. The Yogendra one aim: family has tirelessly pioneered innovative towards fostering initiatives in the fields of education, social care and health care. THE GROWTH OF the holistic Apart from the five Teacher’s Training Courses CONSCIOUSNESS. of varied duration, the Institute also conducts well-being of numerous health camps for effective management of diabetes, cardiac trouble, hypertension, humankind. orthopedic and respiratory ailments, pregnancy, The need for specific techniques will diminish in and meaningfulness of life. The Life School would Life School face of a change in values, motivations, attitudes prepare men and women to live well in the world and habits. Yogic living will re-establish homeostasis again. They would not only learn this but would Is there a life-school where one learns how to live? All activities that go on here including interpersonal and treatment of diseases will be a by-product of teach it to others as well, through sharing. Can we relationships in classrooms and administrative The objective of such a life-school of course will not a yogic life. dream of such centres of learning in the country? be in helping acquire money or power or pleasure offices will lend to a spiritual awareness. It does not matter if we call these life-schools ‘The but rather in sharing and teaching of the art of a Emotional tensions will get resolved against a The faith in a Higher Reality will instill a positive Yoga Institute’ or we call them by other names. larger understanding of the incomprehensible healthy way of life at physical, mental and spiritual approach to life and will definitely lead toThere a is an overwhelming need today for such life- and irresistible twists and turns of life. Whether levels. Compassion, mindfulness and discipline reduction in floating states of anxiety responsibleschools in the society. We lack neither skills nor it is learning of Asanas or learning of Yoga Sutras, will be its hallmark rather than it possessing tall for many psychosomatic and neurotic conditions. information. What we need is more role models the learning would add to sattvic experiences. buildings and an expansive campus. One would learn to participate fully in any and who truly experience the fullness of life and all activities all day. This would lead to joy in living illuminate the glorious path for others to follow.

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