Yoga Theses by PhD students
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Yoga Theses by Yoga PhD Students at SVYASA. These pages present some efforts at Scientific Validation of Yoga. You may receive full text of available yoga research papers
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Item Chandoyoga : Its effects on mindfulness, anxiety, self-concept, positive and negative affect & neuropsychological variables in adolescence(SVYASA, 2022-11-20) Mollika Ganguly; Sanjib Patra; Sampadananda Mishra, SAMPADANANDA MISHRABackground Adolescence is a critical age where due to immense physical and psychological transformations, children are found to have higher anxiety levels, identity crises leading to self-doubt, deregulated emotions etc. Failing to cope with these rapid changes there has been noticed decline in cognitive abilities like memory and attention affecting academic performance. Child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) is a growing concern all over the world. Mindfulness practices have not only been helpful in improving emotional quotient of an individual but its regular practice has also remarkably impacted awareness levels and attention in children. The present study hypothesized that practicing Sanskrit chanting as a mindfulness tool also identifying the benefits of the specific characteristic of chanting called Chanda/meters or Sanskrit prosody on equipping adolescents with better psychological health and improved cognitive abilities. The purpose was multi-fold 1. To have scientific evidence that Chandas/Sanskrit prosody (specific rhythms and pauses) has its own effect irrespective of the language, music, words or their meaning while chanting a shloka and validating its benefits mentioned in our ancient texts. 2. To make a study design that can identify the impact of the Chandas/prosody aspect of chanting and eliminating the factors like language, meaning of the phrase etc. 3. With this preliminary study and considering one type of Chanda, opening gates for researchers to further explore all kinds of Chandas to its maximum potential. 4. If the results matched our hypothesis, then we would like to conduct further study for children with special needs mainly ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder. viii Aims and Objectives Aim To study the effect of Chanda/Sanskrit prosody on cognitive abilities, mindfulness, anxiety and self-concept among adolescents. Objectives 1. To find the impact of Chanda/Sanskrit prosody on positive and negative emotions in school-going adolescents. 2. To find the impact of Chanda/Sanskrit prosody on cognitive performance in school going adolescents. 3. To identify the impact of Chanda/Sanskrit prosody on Anxiety, mindfulness and self concept in school-going adolescents. Research Question Does Chanda/Sanskrit prosody have any impact on emotions, cognitive performance, anxiety, mindfulness and self-concept scales in school-going adolescents? Hypothesis 1. Chanda/Sanskrit prosody has helpful effect on positive and negative emotions in school-going adolescents. 2. Chanda/Sanskrit prosody has positive impact on cognitive performance in school going adolescents. 3. Chanda/Sanskrit prosody has positive impact on anxiety, mindfulness and self concept scales in school-going adolescents. ix Null Hypothesis 1. Chanda/Sanskrit prosody has no effect in positive or negative emotions in school going adolescents. 2. Chanda/Sanskrit prosody has no impact on cognitive performance in school-going adolescents. 3. Chanda/Sanskrit prosody has no impact on anxiety, mindfulness and self-concept scales in school-going adolescents. Method: Participants Participants for the study were appointed from a CBSE School called Samsidh Mount Litera Zee School, from Urban Bangalore, India. Children from grades 7 and 8 who met the inclusion criteria were allocated into 4 groups of the study. Randomization for groups could not be done as these kids already were in 4 different sections and shuffling them during school hours was not permitted. Sample size This sample size was obtained by calculating the Effect size as 0.94, fixing alpha as “0.05”, power of the study as 0.8, based on the previous study (Telles et al., 2017). But considering the rate of drop out and conduct an appropriate statistical analysis, a sample size of 120 participants was considered for the proposed research. Design The design of the study was a four-armed control trial. The intervention period was 5 days a week for all four groups for one month. Baseline and post intervention data was collected in the school premises before and after 30 days. x Assessments The outcome measures comprised of (a) Positive and Negative Affect Scale for Children, (b) Stroop Color-Word Test, (c) Digit Letter Substitution Test, (d) Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale, (e) Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale for Children and (f) Children’s Self concept Scale. Data analysis: The study aimed to test the hypothesis that chanting or humming slokas/mantras in a Chanda is associated with significant differences in post intervention mean± SD to pre intervention values of children’s self-concept scale, anxiety, emotions, sustained attention, executive function, mindfulness and awareness in adolescence. Continuous variables were reported as mean ± SD, categorical variables as the frequency with percentage. For continuous outcomes, within-group pre-post comparisons were made by paired 't' test and for between-group comparisons, two-sample 't' test was used to compare outcomes at baseline and follow-up. All comparisons were two-sided. p <0.05 was set as the cut-off of statistical significance. A post hoc analysis was run to assess the superiority of group effect on each variable. STATA version 14.2 was used for statistical analysis. Result PANAS-C There was no difference in both domains of PANAS in within group analysis. However, the positive affect was statistically significant when compared between the groups (p<0.01). A post-hoc analysis revealed the superiority of the CM and HM groups in positive affect alone when compared with other two groups. xi DLST and Stroop Test Within-group analysis using sample t-test demonstrated significant changes in HC, CS, and SS groups (p<0.001) with DLST scores. Post-hoc analysis revealed that the CS group had higher scores; however, there were no differences between the HC and CS groups. Stroop scores improved in all groups except for the SS group. Post-hoc analysis to examine the superiority between groups presented a higher statistical significance in CS group when compared to HC group. A statistical significance was also observed between the chanting and SS group. There were statistical differences within the group in both HC and CS groups in the Stroop mistake scores, but no differences were observed between groups. Anxiety, MAAS-C and Self-concept A significant change was noticed in the domains of anxiety, Intellectual and school status, physical appearance and attributes, and the total scores of the self-concept scale in all the four groups after the interventions. On pairwise group comparisons, the change in the domain of anxiety was significant for the Chanting vs English phrase reading, Chanting vs Humming and Chanting vs Silent sitting (p<0.05). When intellectual and school status for English phrase reading was compared to Silent sitting group, a significant difference was depicted (p<0.05). Also, Physical appearance and attributes scores and total scores were found significantly improved for Chanting vs Humming but only total scores in humming vs Silent sitting groups. There was a significant change in all the domains except happiness and satisfaction after chanting (p<0.01). However, participants in the English phrase reading group also showed a significant increase in the scores of anxiety and total scores of the Self-concept scale after intervention (p<0.01 and p=0.03). There was reduction in the anxiety levels for the humming group whereas increase in all anxiety scores in the remaining three groups. xii Conclusion Humming of Sanskrit prosody has reported an overall reduction in anxiety levels when compared to the remaining three groups. However, there was a decrease in the anxiety levels in the chanting group as well. There was a significant increase in mindfulness scores in the humming as well as chanting groups. Also, there was no change observed in the self-concept scales in the humming group. Beside this, mantra chanting and only humming the prosody without verse, had a similar effect on both emotional personality features of positive and negative effect. The results also suggest amelioration in the positive affect following chanting and humming the prosody, although there were no changes in the negative effect. Keywords: Sanskrit-prosody, Chanda, Adolescence, Self-concept, Anxiety, Mindfulness, positive & Negative affect, Mindfulness, sustained attention and Stroop effectItem Anomalous variations in microbial growth explained by traditional knowledge(SVYASA, 2022-11-20) Vegaraju Prabhakar; Alex Hankey; Ramesh N. MavathurThe main cultures of modern India, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism find a common source in the Vedas and the Vedic literature, which existed for thousands of years before the rise of subsequent teachers such as Mahavira, Lord Buddha, Adishankara and the later Gurus of the Sikhs. Vedic literature contains statements that have been tested and verified by methods of modern science. Yoga practices from Shad darshanas have been profoundly verified experimentally in both physiological studies and medical trials. Adishankara’s profound statements from his commentaries and expressions on Advaita Vedanta have been shown to provide a profound basis for understanding consciousness in terms of modern science. Ayurveda passed thorough scientific scrutiny and testing, where thousands of studies have now been published and is shown to agree with deep understanding of biology in both theory and experiment. The limbs of the Veda, the Vedangas, have also been tested. The first, Shiksha, has been shown to provide deep insights into the nature of experience, and the foundation for a new approach to cognitive science. The last of the Vedangas, Jyotisha, the Vedic system of sidereal astrology, has also been thoroughly tested. An earlier S-VYASA PhD study began this process by showing that Jyotisha can predict output of microbiological growth processes, where microbes, i.e. bacteria or viruses, are cultured in flasks. Such microbial growth processes are highly variable and thus unpredictable, but by using times of flask-inoculation as the process starting time great reductions in the uncertainty were achieved – variances decreased by up to 80%. This previous PhD thesis and its accompanying publications showed that Jyotisha astrology can correctly vi predict output of vaccine production runs based on starting time of flask inoculation. When benefic Grahas were influencing the Lagna Muhurta, growth of bacteria was enhanced, while virus propagation was slowed. On the other hand, when malefic grahas were influencing the Lagna, growth of bacteria was slowed, and propagation of viruses was enhanced. These results are extended by the work carried out for the present thesis, which studied exponential phase growth of a simple, non-pathogenic variant of E. Coli bacteria. Rather than assess final output, the present study measured rates of bacterial growth, in particular during exponential phase growth, when the rate of doubling is constant, to understand the influence of Jyotisha factors on it. Such growth rates exhibit variations which have been considered inexplicable, i.e. anomalous artefacts. In addition to refining previous experiments, the current study was designed so that microbiology educational programs at schools and colleges could repeat them because of the safe, easy strain of bacteria used. The thesis proper starts with an exposition of Jyotisha as a supreme spiritual science elucidating deep understanding of Vedic sciences of the soul. Its appellation as the ‘science of sciences’ in the Vedic literature is fully justified. Of primary concern to the soul is its progress on the path of Sanatana Dharma, expounded in terms of the four concepts of Chaturvidha Purushardha, namely Dharma – Artha – Kama – Moksha: spiritual tendencies, ways to make gains of all kinds, probable achievements, and feasibility of attaining spiritual liberation. Jyotisha’s division of the Kalapurusha into 12 Bhavas yields a triplet of each of the four. For Dharma, individual nature, teachers, and spiritual merit give the greatest contributions, reflected in: Lagna, the 1st bhava, for the person, the 5th bhava for education, teachers and children, and the 9th bhava for Nature Support in life, i.e. in the auspicious Trikona bhavas. Similar triplets for Artha, Kama and Moksha may be defined. Part 1 of the thesis also gives a short exposition of the fundamentals of Jyotisha used to interpret a given Kundali. vii Jyotisha’s significance lies in its ability to make predictions about the course of any process and its outcome based on its starting time. Most usually it is used to predict the main tendencies in a person’s life, based on the time of their birth, Janma, and how to avoid or mitigate various kinds of suffering if any are predicted. Jyotisha expounds that starting times, whether auspicious or inauspicious, influence all processes. Now even microbiological processes and their outcomes are found to vary with quality of starting times, elucidating the dimension of time as heterogeneous. Experimentally, application of these principles of Jyotisha accurately predicts differences in vaccine production when inoculation times of production flasks are taken as Muhurta. As microbiologists know, output from such experiments is unpredictable; but the 3 Grahas, Guru (Jupiter), Chandra (Moon), and Rahu (the North Node) account for more than 70% of observed variance. Also earlier research assessed the effects of three solar eclipses even though they did not pass through India, since these are said to exert their malefic influence on all life on earth. Comparative values of virus vaccine production on solar eclipse dates showed that their effects were indeed more than Rahu’s Aims and Objectives The aim of this PhD thesis is to extend those results to continue efforts to establish the validity of Jyotisha astrology in modern scientific terms by studying and investigating specific Jyotisha influences on Exponential Phase Growth patterns of batch cultures using an easily obtainable non-pathogenic strain of bacterium K12-MG1655 of E. Coli. The objectives to provide Jyotisha-based explanations for the hitherto inexplicable anomalous variations, in bacterial growth rates are: (1) to identify factors that contribute to variances in growth rate; and (2) to investigate specific Jyotisha influences on Exponential Phase Growth. Ethical Clearance: Approval was obtained from the I.E.C. of S-VYASA Yoga University. viii Selection of Materials and Source: An easily obtainable, non-pathogenic strain of E. coli, K 12 MG 1655, was procured from National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru. Methods: The E. coli was grown according to standard protocols used in Microbiology. Design: Exponential phase growth rate (EPGR) and variances with reference to different Times of Flask Inoculation (TOFI) were studied. Intervention: The TOFI was taken as the appropriate valid Jyotisha parameter. Natural variations in growth allowed assessment of variations in growth rate. Novelty: Assessment of Jyotisha influences on EPGR of bacteria is novel. Assessments: OD-600 measurements were made with 1 ml of bacterial culture aliquots at 0, 60, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes after TOFI. Mean slopes of exponential phase growth were obtained as regression lines for the five points from 180 to 360 minutes. Experiments measured detailed growth curves, assessed growth, computed Cell Numbers, Growth Rates, Doubling Time or Generation Time and Number of Generations at the above time points after TOFI and further correlated the variations with Graha Shadbalas. Also, the study tried to quantify effects of solar and lunar eclipses, both partial and total, on EPGR Results Growth Curves Generated: Over an eighteen-month period beginning 16.02.2017 and ending 11.08.2018, a total of one hundred and fifty growth curves (GCs) were generated for one hundred and two start times. These comprised (1) 59 individual growth curves (GCs), which included 30 GCs with eclipse start times, (2) 38 duplicate GCs (done parallel in 2 flasks for each TOFI) generating 76 GCs total, and (3) 5 triplicate GCs (done parallel in 3 flasks for each TOFI), i.e. 15 GCs total. Variances Obtained: Overall variance of all 150 regression line slopes was 0.1327; that for ix single TOFI obtained from within group doubles and triples (76 + 15 GCs) was 0.0218. Deliberate choice of start times during the many months of GC experiments permitted intermediate variances to be calculated for sets of GCs both 2 hours and 2 days apart. F test Analyses of Variances: F test indicated good significance indicating that, as we select and compare groups of GCs with to increasing difference between start times from a same start time to larger time differences, variances steadily increased from small values to larger ones. Influence of Eclipses: Growth curves on six eclipse days had reduced exponential phase growth rates. Influence of Planetary Strengths: Further detailed analyses showed that the graha Shadbala, planetary strength, of Kuja Graha correlated significantly with the slope of exponential phase segment of growth. Other grahas showed weaker trends. In other words, Shadbalas of Grahas correlated with exponential phase growth. Summary and Conclusion Incorporating the relevance of the time, space and consciousness dimension embodied in Jyotisha astrology; a subtler dimension than those so far incorporated in modern bioscience, the present experiments offer new understanding of variances in bacterial growth that replace previous ideas. While the previous experimental results were concerned with effects of Grahas on vaccine production the current study tests the possible effects of Saptagrahas on exponential phase of growth curves of the non-pathogenic bacterium, E. Coli K-12 MG 1655. Another salient finding was the effect that Mars (Kuja graha) dominance exerts on exponential phase growth, a discovery that confirms the effect exerted by planetary bodies on the biology of cells. The data of Kuja Shadbala reducing the growth rates during the exponential phase is an x evidence of Kuja’s malefic nature manifesting. Eclipses were observed to have similar malefic, life-opposing influences. Although the solar eclipses, during which experiment was conducted, could not be seen in India; its effect appeared to act globally. Present results also support earlier research observation of strong life opposing effects of eclipses, consistent with statements in the Jyotisha. Unlike earlier experiments that require license to grow pathogenic organisms, the methodology explained in the current study can be repeated in any ordinary biology laboratory, possibly creating wider acceptance & appreciation of Grahas’ influence on bacterial growth and enabling any researcher to experimentally test the hypothesis that variances in exponential phase growth rates of bacteria are smaller for smaller times between starting TOFIs. Biologists can now empirically test the validity of Jyotisha principles to offer scientific explanations for the high variances attributable to Navagrahas. Thus, this information not only helps to add a new dimension to microbiology, that of Bio-astrology / Ayur-Jyotisha supported by the astrophysical theory, but also explain how such influences are generated – one such being the influence of quantum correlations associated with each of Navagrahas. Jyotisha may become a source for innovative biological teaching and research, and revolutionize perspectives on biomedicine. Medical Jyotisha / Bio-Jyotisha may gain the primary role accorded to it by Ayurveda. This research study will have implications for Ayurveda and Yoga in addition to Jyotisha itself which helps to prove Time and Space become heterogeneous complex variables in their influence on biological processes. Key Words: Vedanga Jyotisha, Chaturvidha Purushardha, Exponential Phase Growth Rate, Heterogeneity of time dimension, Variance, Starting Time Clustering, Eclipses. (7 words)Item Psychophysiological changes associated with trataka (Yogic visual concentration)(SVYASA, 2022-11-20) Swathi P. S.; Raghavendra Bhat; Apar Avinash SaojiTräöaka (Yogic Visual Concentration) is one of the six cleansing techniques (Ñaöakarma) explained in Haöha yoga pradépikä. Träöaka means gazing continuously at a small point until tears are shed. This point of concentration activates the inner potential and can absorb the mind. Bahiranga träöaka (external concentrated gazing) is gazing at a candle flame or any other external objects, and antaranga träöaka (internal concentrated gazing) is focusing on the inner visualization of the object (Muktibodhananda, 1999). The practice of träöaka is considered an essential part of Ñaöakarma. Literature suggests that träöaka has many benefits, but there is a lack of clear understanding of the effects of träöaka scientifically. A study assessed the immediate effect of träöaka on critical flicker fusion (CFF) in thirty healthy volunteers. A significant increase in CFF immediately after träöaka sessions indicated better visual perception (Mallick & Kulkarni, 2010). In another study, the effect of träöaka on cognitive functions in the elderly population was assessed. Results showed significant improvements in cognitive functions such as Digit Span Test, Six Letter Cancellation Test, and Trail Making Test-B compared to the control group (Jagannathan et al., 2014). Another study demonstrated better performance on the Stroop colour-word test following träöaka compared to a control session. The research suggests träöaka technique increases selective attention, cognitive flexibility, and response inhibition (Raghavendra & Singh, 2016). Changes in heart rate variability and breath rate were assessed in 30 healthy vii volunteers (Raghavendra & Ramamurthy, 2014). There was a significant reduction in breath rate and an increase in the high-frequency component of HRV after the immediate practice of träöaka, indicating a trend of relaxation and parasympathetic activity. The above mentioned study looked at only frequency domain components of HRV, hence, in this study, we have investigated the time domain, nonlinear components, and association with the psychological task. Thus, the current study was proposed to understand the effects of träöaka on pre, during, and post-intervention. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The present study was proposed to understand the psychophysiological changes associated with träöaka in healthy volunteers. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of träöaka and eye exercise on i) Autonomic functions viz. Heart rate variability, Heart rate, Respiratory rate, Skin Conductance, and Simple Visual Reaction Time task (SVRT), ii) Psychological well-being and visual strain, iii) Visuospatial short-term working memory through Corsi block tapping task (CBTT). METHODS Participants: For the Autonomic function and SVRT task, a total of thirty volunteers, for Visual strain and psychological well-being, a total of one hundred and six volunteers, and for CBTT, a total no of forty-one volunteers of both genders with ages ranging from 18 to 30 years participated in the study. They were students of a Yoga University in South India. They had the minimum experience of Yoga practice for six months. Design viii We adapted the self as control trial to assess the autonomic changes and visual reaction time, wherein each participant was assessed twice during experimental and control sessions. The assessments for Autonomic changes were done for the duration of 5 min before, 20 min for during the session, and immediately after the practice of träöaka or control session. For Simple Visual reaction time, the assessments were done for the duration of 5 min before and immediately after the practice of träöaka or control sessions. For the assessment of the performance of Corsi block tapping task, a repeated measures design was adapted. Each participant was assessed thrice, at baseline, following the practice of träöaka and control sessions. We adopted a randomized controlled trial to assess visual strain and psychological well-being, and questionnaires were administered at baseline and at the end of two weeks. Assessments: i. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiration were recorded using a 16-channel human physiology system (Power lab 16/35. A.D. Instruments, Australia) ii. Visual Fatigue Scale (VFS), Visual symptoms checklist (VSC), Mind-wandering questionnaire (MWQ), and State mindfulness attention awareness scale (SMAAS) were administered. iii. SVRT task and CBTT were presented using the Inquisit Millisecond software package 4.0 (Millisecond Software, LLC, Seattle, USA) Intervention: The träöaka module consists of 2 distinct stages, which were administered for 20 min. As a preparatory stage of träöaka, eye exercises were performed. The eye exercises were done with eyes open in a well-lit room. The second stage was the practice of träöaka itself. The ix participants were asked to fix their gaze on the candle's flame for about 2 to 3 minutes without blinking their eyes. This process was repeated for three rounds (simple focusing, intense & deep focusing for 5 min each), and practice was ended in silence with the prayer. The second stage consisted of about 15 minutes. During the control session, subjects practiced only eye exercises for 10 minutes, and for the next 10 minutes, they sat quietly with their eyes closed without doing any concentration or meditation exercise. RESULTS: i. Autonomic Functions & Simple visual reaction time task: Enhanced heart rate variability was observed during and following träöaka, indicative of possible parasympathetic activity in the autonomic activity. There was also a reduction noted in Respiratory rate, Skin Conductance, and SVRT task. ii. Visual Strain & Psychological well-being: There was a significant reduction in VFS and VSC scores, MWQ, along with an increase in SMAAS scores in the träöaka group after two weeks of intervention. iii. Performance in Corsi Block Tapping Task: The results demonstrate an enhanced working memory, spatial memory, and spatial attention following the practice of Träöaka in the Cosri Block Tapping Task. CONCLUSION: The practice of träöaka was found to reduce visual strain and mind wandering while improving state mindfulness. The träöaka (yogic visual concentration) leads to increased vagal tone and reduced sympathetic arousal along with reduction observed in SVRT Task. x Also, träöaka enhanced working and spatial memory in the CBTT. The results indicate the practice of träöaka to be safe in healthy volunteers. NEED OF THE STUDY: There is a paucity of scientific studies about the effects of träöakaon autonomic and cognitive functions and visual strain and psychological functions. All these domains could be potentially influenced positively through the practice of träöaka. Thus, we undertook studies to evaluate the effect of träöaka to understand autonomic changes during the träöaka and on Visual Reaction Time; performance in CBTT (for working and spatial memory) and to evaluate the effect of träöaka on the visual strain and promoting psychological well-being.Item Yoga based bhakti in Muttusvami Diksitar's compositions(SVYASA, 2022-09) B. Utpala Karanth; R. Rangan; P. V. S. laxmiBACKGROUND Some of the researchers generally focus on Dīkṣitar’s music aspect and others focus on his Bhakti aspect. This thesis is to explore how Dīkṣitar’s Bhakti becomes unique and takes a new shape when it evolves from Yoga and how this Yoga-based Bhakti is helpful to mankind. AIMS & OBJECTIVES To find the concept of Bhakti in Dīkṣitar’s compositions. To decipher Yoga-based Bhakti in Dīkṣitar’s compositions. To find several aspects of Bhakti eg, Navavidhā Bhakti (nine kinds of devotion) in Dīkṣitar’s compositions. To find the link of different emotions of Dīkṣitar with Rāgas adopted by him. To present how Dīkṣitar links concepts other than Bhakti with it. To connect the principles of Yoga and Bhakti found in Dīkṣitar’s compositions. METHODS Syntactical approach: searching for terms related to Bhakti in Dīkṣitar’s literature. Symantical approach: exploring the principles of Bhakti and Yoga in Dīkṣitar’s compositions. DESIGN This is a descriptive research analysing the literature of Dīkṣitar in the context of Bhakti and Yoga. ASSESSMENT This work explores the components of Bhakti described in Bhakti Śāśtras, like nine types of Bhakti and five Bhāvas, in Dīkṣitar’s compositions. Their subdivisions are also dealt. (E.g. Smaraṇa is the component of Bhakti. Cintana, Bhāvana and Upāsana are Smaraṇa’s subdivisons). viii Music and literature are two aspects of Dīkṣitar’s Bhakti. Researching the music aspect, a survey of connoisseurs has been made and the emotional stimuli that get kindled while listening to several compositions have been studied. Various reasons for the raise of several emotional variants listening to different songs are discussed. It has been concluded that different Rāgas have different potencies of emotions. One raga may have one or more potencies. Among potencies, a connoisseur extracts a particular potency based on his character. Thus recognition of an emotion of a Rāga is partially objective and partially subjective. Connoisseurs of rare personality traits may recognize the emotions that are hardly found by others. All Rāgas selected in this research may have peace as a fundamental potency. Researching the literature aspect, Alaṅkāra (figures of speech), Rasa (aesthetic sense) and Dhvani (tone) of the passages found in Dīkṣitar’s compositions are analyzed in detail. More than that the link between Bhakti and various principles of Yoga and Tantra like Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Kuṇdalinī and Nādopāsana found in Dīkṣitar’s compositions are explored. CONCLUSION Dīkṣitar’s Bhakti is Kathenotheistic and therefore certainly non-fanatic. His Bhakti‟s objective is peace. His Bhakti emerges from the internal peace and it merges in it. This is his Yoga- based Bhakti. This kind of Bhakti is very relevant to society to lead a harmonious lifeItem Effect of short duration integrated classroom yoga module on physical fitness, cognitive performance, emotional well being and personality characteristic measures of school children(SVYASA, 2022-05-13) ATUL SINHA; Sony KumariTwo themes in children’s education have received a great deal of attention in the last few decades. One concerns the stresses children face, leading to a high prevalence of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) issues. The other is a disturbing trend in dysfunctional youth behavior. These themes have led thinkers to advocate giving weightage to social emotional learning (SEL), educating the whole child and focusing on character education along with academic knowledge. This thinking reflects, to a large extent, the Indian ethos of education, as articulated by thinkers like Swami Vivekananda and J Krishnamurti, and, as seen in the ancient Indian gurukula system of education. The present study hypothesized that the purpose of equipping children with the power of concentration, SEL and good character may be well served by meaningfully integrating yoga with education. Its purpose was threefold: 1. To build a theoretical model of yoga in education based on ancient yogic knowledge and modern scientific research. 2. To develop and validate a school-based short duration Integrated Classroom Yoga Module (ICYM). The present study observed that though schools were aware of the benefits of yoga, most had either not incorporated yoga in the school curriculum or had done so sub-optimally, usually one class a week. The reasons ranged from lack of time, a packed schedule and the need for resources like yoga rooms, yoga mats and trained yoga instructors. An efficacious short duration ICYM could potentially overcome such challenges and pave the way for yoga’s inclusion in the daily schedule. 3. To provide empirical evidence of the effect of the short duration ICYM on physical fitness, cognitive performance, emotional well-being and personality characteristic measures of school children through a methodologically rigorous study.Item Impact of Karma Yoga on Job Satisfaction Job involvement & Motivation in Business Development Professionals(SVYASA, 2022-02-03) DEEPAK B. V.; Sony Kumari; K. B. AkhileshItem A study on impact of yoga in improvement of Physical, Psychological, and Social fitness among adolescents(S-VYASA, 2019-11-02) Choukse, AsthaDiscovering and promoting ways to improve adolescents’ overall fitness has been a recurrent concern and challenge in the field of health and psychology. Adolescence, as a period of transition, is highly prone to health risks and unhealthy behavior patterns. Decrease in physical activity, improper food habits, and sedentary lifestyle in adolescents are very prevalent today. These factors can constitute risks to physical, mental, and social health. Adolescence is the right time to promote healthy practices to prevent problems of health and behavior in adulthood. Even though, fitness during adolescence is considered essential, there is a dearth for effective programs that promote overall fitness in adolescents. Available programs lack in holisticity or integrative approach as they focus on either of the fitness domains such as physical, psychological, or social domains. Indian classical texts provide immense conceptual resources and guidelines on different aspects of life. Texts like Bhagavad-Gita, Taittiriya Upanishad, Patanjali Yoga Sutras explain various components of fitness and techniques that promote fitness at different domains. Integrative approach Yoga is considered an important intervention that provides the right dose of activities to promote health and wellbeing at all five koshas. Research studies indicate that although yoga is being implemented in schools, little is done on studying its effect on overall fitness of adolescents. While yoga in schools is a popular program, residential yoga camps for adolescents are less heard. Further, research studies on the effect of short-term residential yoga program has not been cited. There is also a need to develop effective holistic yoga program that can be replicated in different adolescent populations and different setting other than school as well. AIMS & OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of a seven-day residential, integrated, holistic yoga intervention on certain physical, psychological, and social fitness parameters in adolescents. The primary objective of the study is to examine the effect of yoga on a. Physical fitness, such as strength, speed, flexibility, and coordination b. Psychological, fitness such as Emotional Intelligence, anger, and self-concept c. Social fitness, such as empathy, social competence, altruism, and relationships The secondary objectives are a) To develop an integrated yoga module for overall fitness among adolescents b) To understand the difference in the effects of yoga across genders and age groups. c) To explore the relationships between the changes across physical, psychological and social domains. d) To assess if parents’ observations coincided with that of their children. MATERIALS & METHODS A pre-post yoga interventional study was carried out in three independent cohorts (batches 1, 2 and 3) with sample size of 148 (57.8% male), 167 (73.1% male), and 195 (62.1% male), respectively. The participants of the study included healthy adolescent children (both girls and boys) aged between 9 and 16 years, studying in English-medium schools. The samples were drawn from the children who registered for the seven-day residential yoga camp. Ethical approval and consent from parents and participants were obtained. A seven-day integrated yoga intervention was conducted in a residential setting. The intervention included Asana, Pranayama, Relaxation, Meditation, and also Jnana yoga (Yama- Niyama concepts) and Bhakti yoga. The intervention was spread over from morning 5.00 am till night 9.30 pm with intermittent breaks and free time. Food and lifestyle remained same for all the participants during the program. Physical fitness tasks such as body mass index (BMI), plate-taping test (PLT), sit and reach (SAR), standing broad jump (SBJ), sit-ups (SUP), and 10x5m shuttle run (10x5mR) were assessed using Eurofit battery. Psychological assessments included emotional intelligence, emotional regulation strategies, clinical anger, and self-concept. Social assessments included social competence, empathy, altruism, parent relationship, and peer friendship. Authorized scales and software were used for assessments and relevant analyses were carried out. Data was collected from the participants and their parents using respective versions of the scales for psychosocial assessments.Item YOGA BIOMECHANICS IN FACILITATING MUSCULAR FUNCTIONING AND MINDFULNESS AMONG ASYMPTOMATIC MALE CRICKET PLAYERS(SVYASA, 2021-09-23) MANASA R. RAO; RAVI KUMAR ITAGI; T. M. SRINIVASANBACKGROUND: Cricket is one of the prominent global team sports. It has undergone tremendous changes in the last two decades. With an emergence of Twenty20 tournaments, the physical preparation of elite cricket players has become complex with high match injury incidence. Premier league designs have also exposed the players to immense aggression, competitiveness and expectations. Yoga as a mind-body training is associated with having positive effects on a person's physical and psychological conditions, bringing better mind-body equilibrium. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Evaluating the impact of yoga in facilitating muscular functioning and mindfulness among asymptomatic male cricket players. METHODS: Participants - First-class domestic male cricket players from Karnataka State Cricket Association in the age group of 18-35 years were randomized into yoga group n=42 and wait-list control group n=40. Design - Longitudinal randomized controlled trial. Assessments - Primary outcome measures of muscular functioning were core stability, flexibility, range of motion, static balance, dynamic balance and proprioception of the ankle. Five-facet mindfulness questionnaire was used to assess mindfulness. Intervention - Players received the yoga module for five days per week for a duration of six weeks. Assessments were held at baseline, immediate post-intervention, and a follow-up after six months of intervention. RESULTS: Group differences in the change in parameters over time was modelled using linear mixed-effects regression method. Comparison of model fit indicates a highly significant (p<0.001) difference between the model as compared to the baseline model among most of the variables under muscular functioning. Among the five facets of the mindfulness questionnaire, comparison of the model fit indicates a significant (p<0.001) difference between the model as compared to the baseline model. There was no significant effect (p>0.001) at either time or group, however, there was a significant interaction effect at T2 (immediate post-intervention) among all the five facets. No significant interaction effect (group*time interaction) was found in the follow-up study. CONCLUSION: Integrating this yoga module into the competitive world of cricket appears to be appropriate for enhancing muscular functioning and maintaining a state of mindfulness among male cricket players. Continuous practice can reinforce sustainable benefits for male cricket players.Item Effect of Anapanasati meditation on anxiety, verbal aggression and depression - A randomized controlled trial(SVYASA, 2021-01) B. Sivaramappa; Sudheer Deshpande; Hongasandra R. NagendraBACKGROUND Modern life, beset with tensions and anxiety, continues to crush people with an increasing number of deaths and deteriorating quality of life. Despite technological growth and enhanced material standards of living, the real quality of living in terms of love, happiness and peace are nowhere in sight. As science and technology are progressing, on one hand, new types of diseases are erupting thus paving the way for deteriorating quality of life. The reason for all this is stress, which we observed in the recent past, triggers Anxiety, Depression, Verbal Aggression, etc. The best way to fight stress is Yoga. Yoga and spirituality contain secrets of the structure and laws of the entire universe. Through this wisdom, Yoga offers a unique new way of life to modern man. Yoga which comprises of yogāsanas, breathing techniques (prānāyāma) and meditation is known for its applications in physical fitness and a better quality of life. Yoga is also effective in decreasing anxiety, confusion, tension and depression (Deshpande, Nagendra & Raghuram 2008). Not only therapeutic values but also psychological, spiritual and philosophical values are accessible and achievable through Yogic practices. Many have immensely benefited from these practices. Many scientific studies were done in the recent past to investigate the effect of Yoga and mindful meditation techniques on emotional states such as anxiety and depression. But we found that very few studies in the case of Ānāpānasati Meditation, a mindful breathing technique has been done. Mindful meditation techniques such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) have shown significant improvements in psychological wellbeing. Hence, we took up scientific studies on the effect of Ānāpānasati Meditation also on improving the overall psychological well-being. We had designed the present study to test the effect of Ānāpānasati Meditation on emotions such as anxiety, anger and depression in adults. AIM The study is aimed to investigate the effect of Ānāpānasati Meditation on anxiety, verbal aggression and depression. OBJECTIVES: 1. To investigate the effect of Ānāpānasati Meditation on levels of anxiety as assessed using the scores of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) 2. To investigate the effect of Ānāpānasati Meditation on levels of verbal aggression as assessed using the scores of Verbal Aggressiveness Scale (VAS) 3. To investigate the effect of Ānāpānasati Meditation on levels of depression as assessed using the scores of Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI) METHODS Participants: The subjects were recruited from a stream of visitors to Pyramid Valley International, Bangalore, and Pyramid Spiritual Science Academy, Bengaluru. A total of 140 subjects were recruited for the study. Inclusion Criteria: Both males and females in the age group of 20 to 65 years were included in the study. Exclusion Criteria: People with diabetes, cancer and hypertension were excluded from the study on self-report by the participants. Since the study period was 6 months, only chronic diseases were excluded. Design: This is a Randomized Controlled Study (RCT) and participants were recruited from Pyramid Valley International, Bengaluru and Pyramid Spiritual Science Academy, Bengaluru. We limited the sample size to 140 participants based on previous studies that had a demonstrated effect size of 0.4; with the power set to 0.8 with a 5% level of significance. GPower was used for sample size computation. Initially, 140 participants consented to participate in the study, but at the end of the screening, 10 participants withdrew as they were not interested. Ultimately, 130 participants were considered. We divided the participants randomly into experimental and control groups consisting of 65 participants each. We assigned Identification numbers (ID) to participants and picked up the assigned IDs from the set of IDs and allocated them to both the groups in such a way that the experimental group got the first ID and the control group got the next ID. We repeated the procedure till all the IDs got over. We informed the participants about their group through a sealed envelope. We did not disclose the identities of the participants of both groups i.e., participants in the experimental group did not know the participants of the control group. Similarly, participants in the control group did not know the participants of the experimental group. We used the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), a self-report questionnaire as the scale to study the effect of the intervention on anxiety. STAI consists of two parts, state anxiety and trait anxiety, each consisting of 20 questions which take values from 1 to 4. The present endeavour considered the state anxiety part (STAI-S) of the questionnaire for a study, which indicates the current state of anxiety in a specific situation when compared to trait anxiety which is a general tendency of the individual. We used the Verbal Aggressiveness Scale developed by Infante and Wigley (A. Infante & Wigley, 1986) to study the effect of Ānāpānasati Meditation on verbal aggression. It contains 20 items scored on a 5-point linear rating format with reverse scoring in 10 out of 20 items. We used the Beck Depression Inventory-II (Beck, 1966, 1996) as the scale for measuring the effectiveness of intervention of depression. On this scale, we have 21 items for a scoring record. We ensured that the experimental group members were given instructions by experts in respect of Ānāpānasati Meditation’. They continued the practice of ‘Ānāpānasati’ for one hour a day for the duration of the experiment. The control group on the other hand continued their routine work with no Ānāpānasati Meditation. Assessments: We ensured the tests by examiners before and after six months of Ānāpānasati Meditation in a room devoid of any disturbance or distractions. The invigilators coded and segregated the completed questionnaire cum response sheets for scoring after the study. A person not involved in the group formation evaluated the coded response sheets. A person not involved in the present study decoded the response sheets after noting the scores prior and post-administration to the respondents and the data were later prepared. Intervention: We administered Ānāpānasati Meditation as an intervention for the experimental group for six months. In this practice, we used breathing as the object of concentration. Breathing is not a physical object that arouses a distraction in the minds. It is a quiet, natural, unfluctuating and effortless process. We administered meditation in easy steps. The practice was simply to sit comfortably in any posture convenient to them and to clasp their hands together. They are to be mindful of breathing in and breathing out for one hour in one go every day. We advised them to restart if they happened to be unmindful of breathing during the practice of this technique. Mindful breathing facilitates experiencing knowledge besides awareness and joy. Clear comprehension is the outcome. The demonstration of the meditation technique included the steps mentioned below. 1. To sit comfortably 2. To cross the legs (when we sit on a chair or a sofa) 3. To keep the hands together–one palm on another 4. To silence the mouth 5. To sit erect 6. To close both the eyes and 7. To observe breathing in and out while in this posture (This practice is a mere observation of breathing in and breathing out by the consciousness [mind] with closed eyes. This procedure is mindful breathing). Monthly Verification Program: We ensured monthly verification of the intervention practice through the well-experienced supervisors. These supervisors have been in close contact with the participants to assist in the practice. The participants attended meditation classes once a week regularly in our designated meditation center for the duration of the intervention. We appended the photographs of the meditation center in the Pyramid Valley. The details of the participants are in the appendix. Data Extraction: We employed the prescribed questionnaires for the collection of data. Experienced meditator supervisors have undertaken the assignment. We carried out the scoring of the questionnaires as per the instructions in the manual. Data Analysis: We analysed the Data using the repeated measures ANOVA test. SPSS version 10.0 was used for the data analysis. Results A total of 140 participants enrolled, 130 were considered for randomization, as 10 participants were not interested in the study. Hence, there were 130 participants for the randomization. At the end of the randomization, 65 participants each were allotted to both experimental and control groups. In the follow-up, we lost 6 participants from the experimental group and 5 participants from the control group and a total of 119 participants have completed the six-month intervention successfully consisting of 59 participants in the experimental group and 60 participants in the control group. At the end of the six-month intervention, we analyzed the final BDI, STAI and VAS scores of all 119 participants from both groups. The results of all three studies are as follows: 1. Anxiety: We have analyzed the STAI scores before and after Ānāpānasati Meditation for both the experimental and control groups, using repeated-measures ANOVA. The experimental group has shown a significant reduction in STAI (p< 0.05) score after the intervention, whereas in the control group the reduction in STAI score was not significant. A comparison of the results shows that there was a decline of anxiety in the experimental group from 47.61 ± 7.41 to 44.58 ± 5.08 whereas there is an increase in anxiety level 50.55 ± 4.25 to 52.02 ± 4.41 in the control group. 2. Verbal Aggression: We took up and analyzed the VAS scores before and after Ānāpānasati Meditation for both the experimental and control groups using repeated-measures ANOVA. The experimental group has shown a significant reduction (p< 0.05) in the VAS score (66.53 ± 6.93 to 46.97 ± 6.79) after the intervention, whereas that was not a significant decrease (p = 0.19) in the control group in VAS scores (66.73 ± 12.15 to 64.97 ± 13.16). 3. Depression: We analyzed the BDI scores collected before and after Ānāpānasati Meditation for both the experimental and control groups using repeated-measures ANOVA. The experimental group showed a significant reduction (p< 0.05) in the BDI score (25.78 ± 9.32 to 4.02 ± 5.33) whereas the BDI score (15.33 ± 11.43 to 16.60 ± 12.77) in the control group has increased. 4. Conclusion: The results of the study have shown that the practice of Ānāpānasati Meditation has brought significant improvement in reducing the levels of anxiety, depression and verbal aggressiveness. There was a decline in anxiety levels from pre-score 47.61 ± 7.41 to post-score 44.58 ± 5.08 in the experimental group. In verbal aggression, comparative figures of pre and post-intervention show a decline from 66.53 ± 6.93 & 46.97 ± 6.79. There was also a decline of depression in the experimental group from 25.78 ± 9.32 to 4.02 ± 5.33. This study has revealed that Ānāpānasati Meditation had been effective in decreasing levels of anxiety, depression and verbal aggression as per their VAS, STAI and BDI scores after six months of intervention. The subjects who practiced Ānāpānasati Meditation showed a dip when compared to the control group who did not practice Meditation. As this is simple and easy to practice, we recommend the same for regular exercise to reduce their stress, anxiety and consequent depression levels and feel more energetic and positive in one’s approach. Keywords – Ānāpānasati Meditation, Mindfulness, Verbal Aggressiveness Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Inventory ScaleItem Efficacy of canons of expression and yoga on the emotion regulation among the caregivers of children with neurodevelopment disorders A randomized study(SVYASA, 2021-01) Jayashree Ravi Hegde; M. K. Sridhar; T. M. Srinivasan; Karuna Vijayendra; Deepeshwar SinghBACKGROUND: Emotion dysregulation is associated with the subjective burden of caregivers (CGs) of children with neurodevelopment disorders (NDDs) that lead the caregivers to high subjective burden, stress, depression, anxiety, and reduced caregivers’ appraisal, and quality of life. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the efficacy of holistic approach of canons of expression (CE) embedded in Indian aesthetic dance (IAD) and yoga on the psychological outcomes and electrophonic imaging among CGs of children with NDDs compared to control group. METHODS: Participants: A total of 101 CGs of children with NDDs (males= 2; and female= 99) were recruited from three Centers, age ranging from 21-65 were randomly allocated to three groups, i.e., (i) IAD group (n=33, mean age 41.71 ± 9.11 years) (ii) yoga group (n=34, mean age 41.03 ± 9.09 years), and (iii) control group (n=34, mean age 41.56 ± 9.09 years). Design: Three groups (CE, yoga and control) ; pre-mid-post assessment with randomized control trial. Assessments: The outcome assessments consisted of primary outcomes: (i) Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI), (ii) Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Secondary outcome measure (i) Revised Caregivers Appraisal Scale (RCAS), (ii) World Health Organization’s Quality of Life (WHOQOL BREF) scale were measured at baseline, 4th week and 8th week and (iii) Bio-Energy components through Electro photonic image (EPI) technique were measured for immediate effect at pre- and post sessions. Intervention: One experimental group received the intervention of canons of expression, and another group with yoga intervention scheduled for 75-min/day (3-days/week) spread across two months. In contrast, the control group was engaged in regular activities. Results: The IAD and yoga groups showed a significant reduction in scores of ZBS (P<0.001), DASS 21 (P<0.001), and improvement in the RCAS (P<0.001) and WHOQOL (BREF) (P<0.001). Even the EPI parameters showed a significant improvement concerning immediate effect (P<0.001) in intervention groups compared to control group and pre assessment. Conclusion: Two months of comprehensive IAD and yoga program is more effective than non-intervention on the psychological outcome and electrophonic imaging among the CGs of children with NDDs