Yoga Aur Sandhi Pida - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Yoga aur Sandhi Pida" by Ratanchandra Varma:

Book Title: Yoga aur Sandhi Pida (Yoga and Joint Pain) Author: Dr. Ratanchandra Varma (M.B.B.S., F.R.C.S.) Publisher: Z_Umravkunvarji_Diksha_Swarna_Jayanti_Smruti_Granth_012035.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/211789/1

Summary:

This text, authored by Dr. Ratanchandra Varma, an M.B.B.S. and F.R.C.S., explores the relationship between yoga and joint pain. The author emphasizes that joints are essential for human movement, activity, and flexibility. In childhood and youth, joints function naturally and smoothly. However, with age, the natural lubrication of joints decreases, and muscles and tissues become stiff, leading to reduced joint mobility and the onset of pain. This is a natural consequence of aging that everyone experiences to some degree.

Dr. Varma asserts that yoga practice can significantly delay the onset and severity of joint pain. He highlights that yoga provides holistic well-being – physical, mental, social, and spiritual – enabling individuals to live a completely healthy life.

The text then outlines the key components necessary for maintaining joint mobility, explaining how yoga contributes to each:

Strong Bones and Smooth Joint Surfaces: Adequate nutrition, efficient digestion, and proper blood circulation ensure that bones receive sufficient nutrients and pure air. This also facilitates the efficient removal of toxins. Yoga aids in maintaining these bodily functions, keeping bones strong and their surfaces smooth.
Flexibility, Muscle Strength, and Tone: Yoga, through postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama), helps maintain flexibility and full joint range of motion, even as one ages.
Control of Joints: Joint control is regulated by the brain and the secretions of endocrine glands. Yoga keeps the brain active and sharp, ensuring the five sensory organs (gyanendriyas) and five motor organs (karmendriyas) function properly. The pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands are also positively influenced by yoga, supporting joint mobility.
Adequate Energy for Joint Movement: Sufficient energy is crucial for the movement of joints. Pranayama provides this energy, making joints highly effective in facilitating bodily activity.
Rest and Relaxation: Just as a machine needs rest to avoid breaking down, the body requires a balance of stress and rest. Yoga allows for intentional relaxation, preventing unnecessary strain on the body. The text refers to this as "Yoga Nidra" (yogic sleep), which, along with Shavasana (corpse pose), provides deep relaxation. This process relieves tension in the joints, extends their lifespan, and builds resilience to face life's stresses and difficult situations.

The author concludes by referencing two key principles:

"Yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam" (Yoga is excellence in action): This highlights the essential role of healthy joints in performing actions skillfully.
"Śarīramādyaṁ khalu dharmasādhanam" (The body is indeed the primary instrument for dharma): This emphasizes that the pursuit of righteousness (dharma) is only possible with a healthy body.

Therefore, the first four limbs of Ashtanga Yoga (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama) focus on building a healthy body, and through yoga practice, a healthy body is naturally achieved. The text is associated with Verma Union Hospital in Indore.