Vartaman Yuga Me Yoga Ka Nari Par Prabhav - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vartaman Yuga me Yoga ka Nari par Prabhav" (The Impact of Yoga on Women in the Present Era) by Dr. Mrs. Mayarani Arya:

The article discusses the evolving role of women in modern society and highlights how yoga can be a powerful tool for them to navigate these changes and contribute to societal progress.

Key Points:

Modern Woman's Enhanced Role: The author asserts that modern women are achieving equality with men and are taking on greater responsibilities in society. Their duties have become multifaceted, encompassing family upkeep, education, and awakening a new consciousness within the female community.
Need for Moral Awakening: The current era is characterized by a drift towards Westernization, leading to a neglect of traditional ideals and ethics. The author stresses the crucial need for moral education, stating that societal development cannot solely rely on economic or technical progress.
Women as Agents of Social Change: Women are identified as key contributors to social awakening. Through yoga and value-based education, they can shape the future generation according to their own principles. They must actively guide their children in adopting new values and behaviors in this changing world.
Impact of Psychology on Child-Rearing: Advances in psychology and consciousness research have provided new insights into child psychology. Women are encouraged to utilize these insights to foster concentration in children and guide them in their education.
Challenges in Child Rearing: With women increasingly participating in jobs and social activities, there's a new challenge in raising children. Mothers need to integrate new lifestyles and practices into their own lives and then guide their children accordingly.
Mother's Primary Role in Character Building: The mother plays a pivotal role in instilling good values in children, as children spend more time with their mothers than fathers. A mother's behavior directly influences a child's character development and leads to the formation of a successful personality. Mothers also foster creativity in their children.
Nurturing Individual Potential: Women can help children realize their unique personalities, interests, and latent talents. They can guide children to channel their energy effectively and enhance their physical capabilities, which is essential for them to become scientists, musicians, or artists.
Yoga for Discipline and Concentration: While some children are naturally obedient, rebellious children require special attention, and practical yoga education is recommended for them. The most effective way to discipline children is for mothers to set an example, as children naturally emulate their mothers' routines and behavior.
Swami Satyananda Saraswati's View: The article quotes Swami Satyananda Saraswati, who emphasizes the new responsibilities placed upon women. He suggests that yoga education should be imparted at home, and women are best suited for this task. Maintaining yoga-related literature at home is also recommended.
Yoga as a Tool for Development: Yoga and values are the means by which children can develop their lives in a structured manner. Yoga creates a calm and serene environment for children. Without yoga and value education, mothers may struggle to keep their children emotionally and physically healthy.
Yoga's Role in Combating Modern Ills: The author links indiscipline in society to the lack of yoga education. She highlights the prevalence of diseases like diabetes and epilepsy among children, which are often exacerbated by mental stress and frustration. Yoga, through its asanas (postures), helps children remain free from stress, diseases, and frustrations.
Definition and Benefits of Yoga: Yoga is defined as the "unification of the mind," where various mental activities are brought under control. This disciplined mind can then work harmoniously within the body, individual, society, and circumstances, leading to the experience of divine consciousness. Yoga empowers individuals to achieve good health and understand themselves. Yoga, meditation, asanas, and pranayama are all tools for self-analysis.
Addressing Mental Instability: The root cause of many modern-day problems, such as restlessness, mental unrest, and the tendency to consider others inferior, lies in the instability of the mind. The spirit of competition and the overemphasis on materialism and luxury due to a lack of spirituality are also contributing factors. Yoga education, facilitated by women, can help control these desires in children.
Balance in Child Development: A balance in the physical and mental activities of children during their formative years is crucial. Parents must overcome their own frustrations to guide their children effectively. Both parents and educators should ensure that children receive mandatory yoga education.
Self-Reliance through Yoga: Children who practice yoga become self-reliant and are able to regulate their physical, mental, and emotional lives.
Yoga's Growing Acceptance: Yoga is becoming an integral part of life in Western countries, improving family environments and enhancing children's concentration and memory. They learn the importance of physical labor and maintain good health, becoming resistant to diseases.
Integrating Spirituality in a Materialistic World: The article stresses the necessity of incorporating spirituality in today's materialistic world. Despite their material advancements, Western societies lack spiritual contentment, and issues like infidelity, stress, high blood pressure, and heart disease are rising. They recognize the need for the practical application of yoga to bring about a new awakening.
Yoga as the Essence of Indian Culture: Yoga was deeply ingrained in the social life of India and is considered the lifeblood of Indian culture. The principle of "Man ke haare haar hai, man ke jeete jeet" (Defeat is in the mind, victory is in the mind) is central to yoga.
Controlling the Mind: Yoga bestows the power to conquer the mind, which is the root of all suffering and happiness. The mind is the source of desires, sorrow, depression, and anger. Therefore, maintaining a healthy mind is emphasized in Indian culture.
Scientific Validation of Yoga: Modern science is increasingly accepting yoga as a scientific discipline and is researching its effects on the body and mind. The article points to the development of the pineal gland (Ajna Chakra) in children around age seven and how imbalances in emotional thoughts and sexual development can lead to illnesses like epilepsy and hysteria.
Ancient Indian Practices: In ancient times, children were taught three things from the age of seven, marking the beginning of a practical, yoga-infused life. Mothers would impart knowledge of pranayama (breathing exercises), mantras, and physical exercises and worship.
Regulating Hormonal Imbalances: Yoga helps in overcoming hormonal imbalances that arise from glands, referred to in yoga as Brahma Granthi, Vishnu Granthi, and Rudra Granthi. The Rudra Granthi, considered the "trouble-making" gland, can be controlled through pranayama, allowing for greater mastery over the mind, nervous system, bodily glands, desires, and nerves, thus strengthening Brahmacharya (celibacy/spiritual continence).
Marriage as a Sacred Duty: Yoga teaches that married life is a sacred ritual and a virtuous act focused on truthfulness, not just physical pleasure.
Benefits of Asanas: Yoga asanas generate joy in the mind and purify the body, mind, and life. Asanas strengthen the body. The postures of Padmasana and Khadgasana are seen in images of Tirthankaras.
Yoga as a Secular Practice: Yoga is a secular practice beneficial to all. Regular practice of asanas and pranayama can treat conditions like asthma, colitis, and diabetes. Yoga also offers remedies for peptic ulcers, anger, diseases, and sorrow.
Meditation for Higher Attainment: Meditation, an integral part of yoga, should be practiced by children to achieve perfection and excellence, for physical and mental relaxation, and to activate the right hemisphere of the brain, thereby opening their "eyes of knowledge."
Developing Inner Wisdom: Yoga helps overcome personality flaws and develop inner wisdom. Modern science confirms yoga's ability to provide complete education and enhance intellectual and practical knowledge. Yoga fosters love and compassion, leading to personal growth.

In essence, the article strongly advocates for the integration of yoga into the lives of women, positioning them as crucial catalysts for personal well-being, effective child-rearing, and the moral and spiritual resurgence of society in the modern era.