G.Yoga Theses PhD.
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://192.168.0.109:4000/handle/123456789/11
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
News
Yoga Theses by PhD Students
Browse
82 results
Search Results
Item Role of Yoga and its possible mechanism behind the psychophysiological outcomes in elderly - A Randomized control trial(SVYASA, 2023-01-07) Shree Ganesh H. R.; Subramanya Pailoor; Raghavendra RaoBACKGROUND The ageing process is a biological reality which has its own dynamic progression, usually associated with degenerative changes, loss of role and functionality and an increasing prevalence for chronic non communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s etc. Lifestyle approaches such as yoga would therefore mitigate disability and prevent NCD’s. This study aims to evaluate the effects of yoga in reducing stress and improving performance in elderly. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Aim: To evaluate the effects on possible mechanism behind the integrated yoga practice on psychophysiological outcomes in elderly population. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of yoga on perceived stress, quality of life, sleep, mood, heart rate variability, spinal flexibility, muscle strength in elderly. METHODS Participants Elderly subjects willing to undergo yoga class for three months conducted by Divine Park Trust, Saligrama, Udupi and Kundapura. Subjects will be referred from both primary care physicians and bill board flyers inviting participants to enrol in a lifestyle program to improve their health. Design The proposed study design is a parallel, prospective, waitlisted, randomized controlled trial with 1:1 allocation ratio. Patients will be randomized into intervention arm and control arm. vii Assessments: Primary Outcomes: 1. Quality of Life using older people’s quality of life questionnaire 2. Changes in Heart rate variability Secondary Outcomes 1. Spinal flexibility assessed by Sit and Reach Test 2. Calf muscle strength assessed using and Back and leg dynamometer 3. Hand Grip strength assessed using Hand grip Dynamometer 4. Self-reported depression using Geriatric Depression Scale 5. Insomnia using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index 6. Stress level using Perceived Stress Scale 7. Constipation using Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Intervention: The Yoga intervention comprises of Physical postures, Pranayama (controlled breathing), Meditation & Relaxation & will be given under the guidance of an institutionally certified Yoga therapist. The physical postures consist of preliminary stretching exercises followed by breathing practices and asana in four categories (standing, sitting, prone, and supine). RESULTS: Yoga group showed significant reduction (expressed as significance) in all the variables of frequency domain of heart rate variability, LF, HF and LF/HF (p<0.05). All the domains of quality of life were depicted to have a significant improvement in yoga group after a 12 week intervention when compared to control group. (p=0.001). viii Also, perceived stress, depression, spinal flexibility and calf muscle strength was improved in when compared with control group in both between and within group analysis (p=0.001). All the domains of sleep quality and constipation related Quality of life, Hand grip strength and VAS scores depicted an improvement in the yoga group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The improvement in the quality of life and autonomic function in elderly was mediated by reduction in stress and improvement in their physical and psychological well-beingItem Role of finance in yoga related to health, education, and allied industries(SVYASA, 2022-12-22) Dayananda Swamy, H. R.; Karuna Nagarajan; G. Agoramoorthy; Judu IlavarasuYoga has been popularized worldwide mainly due to its utility in health and education. Hence, Yoga has gained a societal relevance in contemporary world. Thus, the traditional purpose of Yoga, which is for spiritual upliftment, has changed to fitness and other immediate physical and mental health benefits. As a result, it may appear that the contemporary practice of Yoga has been largely deviated and diluted. The strength of momentum that is gained in physical culturing through Yoga is indomitable. But it cannot neglect altogether the traditional source and purpose. Yoga, however, should be acknowledged as the easiest and fastest means to bring the first impression about holistic health, and harmony and hence can be a best anchor for building further foundation, deep-rooted in traditional values. In order to facilitate addressing the current needs of the society in a large scale, and to put an anchor through Yoga for later higher spiritual practices, understanding the economic dynamics around Yoga is essential. Economic analysis of Yoga-based activities in India is not adequately presented in terms of scientific research publications. Policy-makers in the government largely depend on accurate data on the economics of Yoga, which is crucial to make strategic decisions. Gathering data on these least explored aspects of Yoga finance is a monumental task involving many government, non-government and corporate agencies. In this thesis, I have attempted to explore these unique dimensions to propose a set of recommendations for policy makers in the state and central government systems. The ideas, options and recommendations proposed in this thesis could create, shape and vi implement a systematic scientific approach to generate financial insinuation records surrounding all Yoga-allied activities that include healthcare, education, and commerce. This will immensely help future stakeholders in various industries to take evidence based decisions on using Yoga as a means to develop their service or business ventures to suit the needs of their targets, goals, and clients. Thus, this thesis has sown a tiny seed in the form of Yoga finance for future development of an entirely new sub-field of intensive research in the economic studies of Yoga. In order to elucidate this idea, I have attempted to present precise observations and outlooks under different chapters with an in-depth logic to pursue practical advances. Chapter 1 provides the general introduction of the entire thesis, covering the important aspects of the whole thesis, that includes role of finance in health, education, and business. Chapter 2 explores the scriptural perspective of Puruṣārthas that forms the foundation for the human pursuit to incorporate Dharma, Artha, Kāma and Mokṣa. Furthermore, it is elaborated on how Artha is the basis for even Kāma and Mokṣa. Particular focus has been made on Dāna and how the Corporate Social Responsibility can be naturally groomed to achieve it. Chapter 3 explores the needs, challenges and opportunities for using Yoga as the core intervention to treat various types of ailments. In order for the government and policy makers to decide on using Yoga as an important tool to address health care needs, vii systematic studies and quantitative data on financial viability of implementing Yoga interventions should be available. Chapter 4 attempts to review the contemporary issues related to the implementation of Yoga in the Indian education system. There is an urgent need to integrate the wisdom of ancient education system to the modern education system, because there are many pitfalls in the modern education system that is difficult to manage with the current approach followed in schools and colleges across India. Chapter 5 presents how Yoga is emerging as a huge business opportunity in India and elsewhere in the world. The key strategy to tap into the emerging economic resources are discussed in this chapter. Specific attempt has been made to evaluate the extent to which tourism sector was affected especially during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Chapter 6 focuses more on elaborating how Yoga can be promoted to meet the expectations of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. The role of Yoga-based learning and how it could possibly enhance the SDGs are discussed in detail. Chapter 7 summarizes all the previous chapters to propose action-oriented list of recommendations, which can be easily acted upon by the government, policy makers, local bodies for the effective promotion of Yoga to reap the best financial benefits out of this huge economic opportunity emerging out of Yoga. The last chapter 8 concludes by appraising the strengths and weaknesses of the presented thesis.Item Bio-mechanics of yogasanas : A study of alignment and proficiency(SVYASA, 2022-12-22) Mohan Kishore D.; Manjunath N. K.BACKGROUND Yoga is a traditional Indian way of keeping the mind and body fit, through physical postures (asanas), voluntarily regulated breathing (pranayama), meditation and relaxation techniques. The recent pandemic has seen a huge surge in the number of yoga practitioners, many practicing without proper guidance which leads to unexpected injury. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The present study was designed to develop a technology-driven pose estimation method to assess and evaluate yoga postures to understand the level of accuracy. It will assist practitioners to perform any yoga posture with the support of a machine learning algorithm. METHODS Participants Twenty practitioners in the age group of 18 to 60 years performing different postures in real time were captured and fed separately to the proposed architectures and a comparison of the estimated accuracy was done. Design The present exploratory study included a group of 20 yoga practitioners to assess the accuracy and proficiency of yoga postures. Assessments: The image of a yoga practitioner performing an asäna is captured by a camera and fed separately to the four deep learning architectures, which then estimate the pose performed by the practitioner by comparing it with the pre-trained model. An error is shown if it does not match any of the five asanas. Intervention: The five yoga poses considered for posture estimation are (a) Ardhacandräsana (Half-moon pose) (b) Täòäsana (Mountain pose) (c) Trikoëäsana (Triangular pose) (d) Vérabhadräsana (Warrior pose-II) (e) Våkñäsana (Tree pose) Results: In this work, four distinct deep learning architectures-Epipolarpose, Openpose, Posenet, and Mediapipe-were utilized to evaluate yoga postures. The results show that, despite only utilising one camera, Mediapipe outperforms the other approaches in terms of accuracy. Five yoga postures have had their poses estimated using various suggested methods. Following the model's validation, the posture correctness of 20 real-time sample photos was estimated using the model. Conclusions: The health and fitness industry can employ human pose estimation efficiently. The huge range of poses with high degrees of freedom, the occlusions caused by the body or other objects blocking limbs as viewed from the camera, and the wide range of appearances or clothes make pose assessment for fitness applications particularly difficult. The mediapipe design offers the best estimation accuracy, according to this study, which evaluates the estimation of five different posturesItem 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 Concept of Siddhi in yoga texts : Comparison with modern physics and transpersonal psychology(SVYASA, 2022-05-13) SONEJI RADHA TULSIDAS ASHA; Sridhar M. K.; Alex Hankeyviii ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Though well known in ancient times, materialism has meant that Siddhis are no longer generally accepted. The term ‗siddhi‘ translates as ‗perfection‘, ‗attainment‘, or ‗success‘. Siddhis result from yoga practices that train the mind to operate on subtle levels. The study sets out a list of siddhis in ancient yoga texts with their descriptions, and procedures to develop them. It also lists abilities described in Transpersonal Psychology, and provides explanations from instability physics that explain these higher functions of the mind for the academic community. Siddhis arise when, through spiritual practices, the mind‘s higher potentials are realized. As natural phenomena they should be understood as milestones on the spiritual path. The study provides academics, philosophers, and scientists, a basis for understanding the concept of siddhi and its ramifications. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The study has two aims: first, to generate a complete listing of siddhis described in yoga texts, along with the means to develop them; second, to discuss them in terms of modern science. Its overall objective is to extended the scientific paradigm to include siddhi; more precisely that they constitute advanced states of psychology, which known physics of mind can explain. The study thus purposes to link knowledge from the dateless past with today‘s empirical sciences. METHODS The study is literary research, taking as its problem: How to include siddhis in the scientific paradigm, and its body of evidence, siddhis listed in both the Sanskrit literature and modern investigations. Source texts for the study were selected after discussions with experts in the field. The two Yoga Çästra, the Bhagavada Gétä and Pataïjali Yoga Sütra, twenty Yoga ix Upaniñads, and four Yoga Tantras were studied in detail, and translated into English after transliteration. Modern science research data was taken from texts and papers published in academic journals. APPROACH The study has both practical and analytical aspects. It studies siddhi from ancient and modern perspectives, i.e. from the three angles of Yoga Texts, Modern Physics of Consciousness, and Transpersonal Psychology, which uses terms such as subtle phenomena, extraordinary capabilities of human beings, extra sensory perception / ability, consciousness and its biophysics, manifestation of potential abilities and fulfillment of mental potential. It builds a science of siddhi from the phenomenon of siddhi, using the lens of modern science to analyze procedures given in ancient texts for siddhi attainment. Siddhi is not bound by time or space. Yogis acquire them as they transcend those levels of existence. RESU./LTS A complete set of translations of the selected texts and çloka are given. Similarly a detailed comparison is made between the special abilities described in Transpersonal Psychology and those in Yoga Texts. Analysis of the physics of instabilities, such as those known in fractal physiology, shows that siddhis are compatible with known laws of physics. CONCLUSION Many parts of the Vedic literature describe siddhis; some describe means for their development. The study has elucidated them all, comparing them with those named in Transpersonal Psychology. It also considers how contemporary physics may account for siddhis on the basis of recently developed theories of conscious experience. Despite appearing supernatural, siddhis are available to all human beings through subtle aspects of mind. Most people with mobile phones have the experience of knowing the identity of a caller, especially of a close friend or relative – ‗telephone telepathy‘, scientifically x substantiated by Rupert Sheldrake. Siddhis start at this level, and, as this study describes, proceed to really extraordinary phenomena that make Mind appear more fundamental than Matter. Testing the theory as various siddhis are performed may lead to the emergence of a new empirical scientific discipline.Item Effect of yoga based lifestyle modification in pre-diabetes(SVYASA, 2022-05-13) AMIT SANTOSH MISHRA; Padmini Tekur; Hongasandra R. Nagendravi ABSTRACT BACKGROUND T2DM, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare spending. Prediabetes is a pre-stage risk factor for the development of T2DM. yoga is a mind-body medicine shown to have several health benefits. There is a lack of evidence for the efficacy of yoga in improving Prediabetes and reducing diabetes incidence. Hence the effect of yoga base Lifestyle (YBL) in prediabetes study is imperative. Stress plays an essential role in the manifestation of several chronic conditions such as Diabetes. Stress-related factors such as stressful workplace or traumatic life events and mental health problems underlie the development of Diabetes. In the present study, we study the association between stress and "prediabetes," the precursor and preventable stage of Diabetes, which needs attention. yoga is an ancient skill set that could aid in attaining optimal physical and mental health and aid in the prevention and combating of several lifestyle disorders and diseases. The study was to understand the perception of people in all zones of India about yoga (not only Äasana or Präëayam) and knowledge-practice of yoga We hypothesized stress as one of the reasons for the progression of people with Prediabetes into T2DM. The present study report on associations between perceived stress and blood glucose markers stratified by T2DM status. The nationwide survey was to understand the benefits and barriers encountered by the community members to accept yoga into the workplace and routine practice. Even though vii yoga helps prevent obesity, Diabetes, and hypertension, not practiced universally. This study explores motivators and barriers to practice by estimating how these elements can help develop and incorporate yoga as a workplace activity and profession. AIMS & OBJECTIVES Aims ▪ To study the effect of yoga-based Lifestyle Modification in Prediabetes. ▪ To study the effect of yoga-based Lifestyle Modification of stress on prediabetes, Diabetes ▪ To reduce and control the growing curve of Diabetes in India Objective ▪ Trial to test the potency of yoga-based lifestyle intervention on prediabetes risk reduction in a large community setting. METHODS A national-level survey was part of a study conducted in rural and urban areas in all zones of India, screening 2,40,000 population in 60 districts selected randomly in all states. Participants (age 20-70 years) were individuals with prediabetes A1C (range, 5.7–6.4%) and Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) ≥ 60. The intervention included practicing yoga-based lifestyle modification protocol (YBL) for nine consecutive days, followed by daily home and weekly supervised practices for three months. Standard care advice was for the control cluster for diabetes prevention. Participants The study's first phase included a survey across all the identified regions (Urban and rural). The participants with consent are recruit to the study. This phase included 1,62,330 participants to recruit for the NMB program with a three-page item questionnaire. viii Design In this nationwide sampling survey, Phase one was to estimate the Prevalence of Diabetes and Prediabetes. Phase two was to assess the efficacy of the structured intervention to prevent the progression of Prediabetes to Diabetes. Assessment 1. Demography (Semi-structured schedule), 2. Anthropometrics 3. Biochemical Blood Test. Intervention yoga group: The intervention group received the specially prepared standardized yoga based lifestyle change protocol and standard T2DM management education for three months. YVDM (yoga Volunteer Trained for T2DM Protocol) trained participants for a 9-day camp (2 h daily) activity. Followed by daily (individual or group) practice using DVDs and included 2-h weekly YVDM-supervised follow-up classes. Standard care advice was for the control cluster for diabetes prevention. Sample size calculated 5320 in Intervention and Control Group. Total 10,640 for two groups. RESULTS In the YBL Group, the conversion rate from Prediabetes to normoglycemia (52.80% in intervention vs. 37.80% in the control group, P = 0.005) over three months. The conversion to normoglycemia after YBL was significantly better in the younger age group (≤4 0 years) than those above 40yrs, with OR=2.20 (95% CI 1.57-3.08) and OR=1.02 (95% CI 0.82- 1.26), respectively). In the study, conversion to normoglycemia was found to be equally effective in both genders. ix Significant reduction in FBS 12.33%, PPBS14.08%, Triglyceride>200 35% reduction, HDL<45 19.46% increase, stress 7.3% reduction. The association between perceived stress scores (PSS) was tested in a large-scale population of 16,368 individuals with Prediabetes and T2DM, aged 47.8 ± 12.5 years. Individuals were recruited from different geographical zones of India under the National Multicentric Diabetes Control Program. Results reported that individuals with Prediabetes had higher perceived stress and depression, may indicate the relevant role of stress underlying the progression towards Diabetes. Interestingly, people with Prediabetes had significantly higher depression scores (patient health questionnaire-9 scores) 6.9 vs. 6.1 than people with T2DM. This draws to the relevance of stress management approaches, including mind-body interventions and yoga, may affect the progression of T2DM.Respondent’s survey revealed that 11.8% practice yoga, the north zone has the highest [4,567/112,735], and the east zone has the lowest [971/112,735]. Out of 101,643 respondents, 94,135 believed that yoga improved their lifestyle (92.6%), and 90,102/98,518(91.4%) believed that yoga prevented T2DM, revealing an immense knowledge–practice gap. General acceptability with knowledge–practice yoga gap has a scope of integration with modern medicine to change conventional healthcare. A standard validated questionnaire perceived stress scale (PSS-10) was used in individuals with Prediabetes (n=649) and T2DM (n=485) and then segregated them into three categories (minimum, moderate, and severe stress levels). Blood glucose markers (Fasting Blood Glucose - FBS, Postprandial Blood Glucose- PPBS, and Glycolate Hemoglobin- HbA1c) were evaluated to report their association with the PSS-10. The study revealed a significantly higher HbA1c level in people with Prediabetes, who had higher perceived stress than other categories. T2DM who had high FBS levels had severe perceived stress. x In the yoga intervention group in the nationwide multi-centered prospective randomized control study, questionnaires for barriers and benefits of yoga practice were asked. Most Participants perceived yoga as a tool to improve physical fitness, relax mind and body, and enhance stamina in all age groups. Barriers reported were urban /rural Lifestyle, Family commitments, Physical exertion. Other reasons across the country came as No Encouragement of family, Occupational commitments, and few places to do yoga. Conclusion The substantial influence of the yoga-based lifestyle intervention was observed against Prediabetes risk reduction on Indian Population. This change was significantly better in the younger age group of less than 40 years. Prediabetes had higher perceived stress and depression, this draws to the relevance of stress management approaches, including mind body interventions and yoga, which may affect the progression of T2DM with integration with modern medicine to change conventional healthcare. People believe in yoga in India, but People Practicing yoga is far less. The reason for barrier in urban and rural yoga Practice is urban /rural Lifestyle, Family commitments, Occupational Commitments, few Place to practice yoga. Tackling barriers and improving yoga based Lifestyle participation would be an effective strategy to combat the epidemic of diabetes from both preventative and treatment perspectives. Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus T2DM, Prediabetes, yoga, Stress, Depression, yoga based Lifestyle.