The following personalities from around the world have been the beacon of inspiration for our work and us. Their life and philosophy has been guiding us in all our endeavors.
Swami Vivekananda: Swami Vivekananda was a philosopher, spiritual leader, monk and one of the towering figures of Indian Heritage. He traversed all over India and many parts of the world reviving the Indian philosophy and inspiring countless people through his talks, writings and deeds. In the words of the French savant Romain Rolland, Swami Vivekananda’s words were music- much akin to Beethoven in their effect. That his works and life continues to inspire people around the world for more than a century stands testimony to his magnificent personality. All of what Swami Vivekananda said came out of his experience and sharp intellect, guided by his spiritual master Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
YogaKshema Rehabilitation & Wellness Center has been built on the strong edifice of Swamiji’s message of service – Shiva Jnane Jiva Seva. YogaKshema has also designed workshops based on the sayings of Swami Vivekananda. Through his sayings like “Take up one idea, make that one idea your life’ think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let every part of your body be full of that idea. This is the way to success” and “We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.“, we are able to realize the deep connection his experiences had, with the current neuro-scientific discoveries and Cognitive Behavior findings. These workshops are customized to all demography – from children to senior citizens.
Mahatma Gandhi: Mahatma Gandhiji is a name synonymous with non-violence. His life was his message to the world – one that inspired many great world leaders like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. “Be the change that you want to see in others” is a renowned quote by Mahatma Gandhi. YogaKshema’s workshops have imbibed the spirit of these words into them. Our workshops encourage the participants to turn the focus inwards instead of external factors, in pursuit of their own happiness and peace. By changing our thoughts, we can change our habits, our personality and eventually the destiny of our life. We can set practical example for others by becoming the kind of persons we want others to be.
Mahatma Gandhi laid a lot of emphasis on simple factors of life such as cleanliness, and education which would lead to profound impacts on the society at large. His vision of rural empowerment, women empowerment and equality is cherished as well as practiced by YogaKshema. Our workshops and programs are focused on enabling grass root level empowerment and have laid extensive focus on women especially home makers.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama: The latest discoveries in the field of Neuroscience – the plasticity of the brain (Neuroplasticity), and the benefits of Mindfulness techniques have largely been unraveled due to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. His challenge to the world of Nueroscientists and doctors to study the Buddhist monks who had been practicing meditation and mindfulness techniques for several years, led to breakthroughs that were unforeseen even as recently as a decade ago. His endearing personality, scientific temper and open mindedness has enabled the scientific community to actively engage themselves in a rigorous study of the many techniques used since ancient periods to understand man, his nature and his mind. This is leading to a confluence of science & spirituality in the modern day. A holistic field of medicine is emerging that seeks to improve the overall Quality of Life of people. YogaKshema’s work is an example of how modern neuroscientific discoveries when coupled with ancient wisdom can be used to have an immense impact towards making lifestyle changes. We have successfully employed Cognitive Behavior Training and Mindfulness techniques as a powerful combination to help people address several issues including depression, excessive worrying, severe negativity and other personality traits.
Rabindranath Tagore
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer