Extinct Yogi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided excerpt from "The Extinct Yogi" by Jayadeva Yogendra, focusing on its core arguments and concerns:

The book "The Extinct Yogi" by Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra serves as a poignant plea for the preservation of traditional Indian yogis and their lineage, likening their potential extinction to the decline of endangered wildlife like tigers. The author argues that these yogis represent a highly evolved species of mankind and are the crucial, often unacknowledged, sources of India's rich cultural heritage.

Yogendra asserts that the yogi's influence is profound and pervasive, citing them as the inspiration behind various Indian cultural achievements, including classical music (Nādayoga) and the visualization techniques of sculptors. He draws a parallel between the dwindling numbers of tigers and the alarming decline in the statistical recognition of traditional yogic practitioners like the Nāth-Panthis and Gorakh-Nāthis. Unlike the past, where their numbers were in the six figures during the British era, today, there are no proper statistics, and the author himself has had to omit names of old yogic practitioners from his surveys.

The author highlights the disconnect between these traditional masters and the modern world. Engaged in creative and introspective work, they are unable to adapt to changing times and lack the modern tools and recognition to thrive. He contrasts their focus on a "permanent attitude to life" with the modern scientist's pursuit of transformation, emphasizing that yogis, through their millennia-old practices, have yielded profound insights and contributed to the development of art, architecture, medicine, dance, music, and spiritual evolution. India's national respect, Yogendra argues, is largely due to these past glories and the incorporation of some of these principles into modern life, such as non-violence and non-cooperation.

Yogendra identifies the extreme development of materialism in fields like medicine and education as a key reason for the resurgence of interest in Yoga today. This interest extends beyond mere physical postures and breathing exercises (asanas and pranayama) to include aspects like relaxation, peace of mind, joy of living, and tranquility. He believes that allowing these old masters and their traditions to flourish could be a significant boon to a modern, ailing society.

The author proposes a solution: government assistance for these indigenous centers of learning. He suggests that the Central Council of Research, which he has been a part of, should be instrumental in this. Specifically, he advocates for uniform assistance to all old masters with over 20 years of experience. He also proposes that societal problems be presented to these gurus for their unique solutions, drawing upon their traditional techniques.

Ultimately, Yogendra calls for a proactive approach to preserving not just the physical existence of these yogis but also the social and political environments that support their practices and centers. He concludes with a lament, questioning who is listening or who cares about this critical cultural loss.

In essence, "The Extinct Yogi" is a passionate call to action to recognize, support, and preserve the invaluable legacy of traditional Indian yogis, whose wisdom and practices are vital for the spiritual and cultural well-being of contemporary society.