Yoga

While the whole world is struggling to address the health issues created by the modern unregulated lifestyles, yoga,the Indian holistic therapy propagated by Dr Heggade through rejuvenation by bringing it to the mainstream of medical treatments is noteworthy. He laid the foundation for the SDM Yoga and Moral Education Project in 1990 amidst serene sylvan surroundings of Shantivana for Yoga training to school children.

Shri Heggade chose the ancient system of Yoga as the vehicle for bringing about a change in the psyche of people. He personally chose one of the most experienced Masters in Yoga, who shared his zeal and enthusiasm to promote Yoga as a part of everyday life. A small start was made by selecting 275 school teachers from undivided Dakshina Kannada district who were equally inspired and motivated by the project. Today, there are over 4786 trained teachers in Yoga.

Masters of Yogic Arts imparted the principles and practices of Yoga in a sound and scientific method. They were empowered with the nuances of this beautiful science to answer any questions their students would ever ask. Each of these teachers was asked to train 100 students in their school. What transpired was a ripple effect that encompassed in its fold 6,75,000 students who regularly practice yoga and meditation in their daily life.

The initial success of the project brought about the realization that a systematic approach and carefully thought out syllabus would prove beneficial to both the teacher and the taught. Named aptly as the Panchamukhi Personality Development this Programme dwells on:

  • Physical development through Surya Namaskara, relaxing exercises and motivational games
  • Mental development through pranayama, relaxation techniques and games for improvement of mental skills
  • Intellectual development through ‘Swadhyaya’ (Self Study) by reading books authored by masters in metaphysics for intellectual growth
  • Emotional development through satsang, prayers, meditation, service to others and actively participating in cultural meets
  • Spiritual and moral development through yama & niyama, reading stories and articles about great spiritual leaders, composing and singing devotional songs and listening to ‘Harikathas’ (musical narration) of India’s ancient spiritual masters

Teachers who have followed this syllabus have realized that their personalities and abilities have undergone a remarkable change for the better. Students exposed to the syllabus have shown amazing improvement in their studies and conduct in society.

Yoga for Future 2013′ has been organized by Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Shantivana Trust in association with Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Yoga and Ethical Education, Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat and department of public instructions under the guidance of Dr Heggade. In the mega event 62,824 students of many educational institutions across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts simultaneously performed yoga and won Guinness Book of World Records. The demonstrations included Suryanamaskar, chanting of Surya mantras, Trikonasana, Parshwakonasana, Shashankasana, Pavana Muktasana, Sarvangasana, Vajrasana,Makarasana,Bhujangasana and Dhanurasana.