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"Ashtanga Yoga is the Solution to Today's Problems."

Swami Ramdev on yoga, healing and the key to human happiness

Why do you consider yoga to be a complete health solution?
Yoga means to awaken the dormant energies of the being and achieve a level of consciousness, where the entire soul is submerged in an ocean of peace and tranquillity. According to me, Patanjali's ashtanga yoga should be the basis of an exuberant life. A majority of diseases are curable by yoga; the word impossible does not exist. Persistence is required. I don't need to say much; still I would like to add that yoga is the only key to a propitious and healthy way of living.

What ailments are curable through yoga and ayurveda?
Blood circulation can be improved through yoga, the nervous system becomes more active and awareness levels increase. Heart disease, asthma, diabetes can also be cured.

Asanas and pranayama remove the root cause of maladies and fortify the digestive system. Yoga is indispensable for physical well-being, and most necessarily to de-stress the mind. Uniting the soul with the Almighty by patiently practising yoga, one can experience transcendence. This is yoga!

Why do you stress so much on pranayama?
Based of the experience of millions, I confidently believe that pranayama is significant in curing ailments and encouraging spiritual development. Except for the ailments of the bones, all diseases can be cured primarily by pranayama supplemented by a few asanas. I would say that asanas are beneficial only if they are preceded by pranayama.

What are the secrets to a healthy life?
Diet, sleep and brahmacharya - these are the three essentials. Our daily diet affects our body as well as mind. Food should be masticated properly and not more than two-three sips of water should be taken after a meal. Buttermilk is an excellent coolant and should be a necessary part of one's diet.

Early to bed, early to rise, improves life's condition. By brahmacharya, one implies control over all senses and the power to attain 'Brahma-hood' in this very life.

Along with these, exercise, a good cleansing bath and meditation should be made a compulsory part of everyday life.

Is attainment of inner peace possible through yoga?
According to me, ashtanga yoga is the only answer to the chaotic situation prevailing today. If you desire inner serenity, then you should follow ashtanga yoga, and then you will realise that no force can stop you from happiness.

Which tradition do you follow?
Indian Vedic sanskriti. Only by following the Vedas can the human race gain momentum.

You are against the fast-food trend in India and in favour of vegetarianism. Why?
Patience and control are essential. If one wishes to lead a progressive life, then an appropriate diet is essential. If we can eat bread, then why sacrifice the life of an innocent animal to gratify our desires? Even our Vedas have argued against non-vegetarianism. If we wish to preserve our culture for future generations, these sacrifices are a must.

Please suggest some simple asanas to curb day-to-day diseases like stomach ache, constipation, etc.
Our wellness is dependent upon the proper functioning of our stomach. Maximum asanas are very effective, especially for our digestive system. Like uttanpadasana (beneficial in constipation, gastric disorders, stomach aches), pawanmuktasana (beneficial in the removal of wind from the abdomen, onstipation), sarvangasana (beneficial in regulating the thyroid activity), kandharasana (beneficial in stomach ache and waist ache), shashankasana (beneficial in curbing stress, anger and restlessness).

Apart from some asanas like shirshasana (not recommended for people having a high blood pressure and heart patients), halasana (not recommended for people suffering from high blood pressure, spondylitis and cervical), the rest are beneficial for all. Time, place, appropriate clothes, age, health factor, diet and normalcy of the breath should be kept in mind while doing the asanas.

What is your message for our readers?
Healthy food, a good night's sleep, a mind immersed in divine love, meditation and yoga - what else do you need to make your life beautiful? Avoid a clash of opinions, discard all your reservations and concentrate on yoga with your heart and soul. Life will automatically become beautiful.

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