Connecting yoga with spirituality

In the painting, Kendra Within, the birds, represent thoughts, white symbolises good thoughts, black evil and blue, which dominates the centre, stands for enlightenment.

It seeks to emphasise that great destinations are found within, at the centre of the self and that this eternal inner destination can be accessed through yoga.

An ongoing exhibition, Yoga Chakra-Tradition and Modernity at Sangeet Natak Akademi, seeks to go beyond the conventional belief of yoga being a solely physical exercise and focus on it as something that is "good for mind body and soul." 

"People, today, are talking about yoga as a kind of physical exercise, which it is, but in addition to that the synergy between mind and body is very important," said Sushma Bahl, the curator of the exhibition.

"To establish this synergy, we have juxtaposed classical and historic art pieces against very contemporary ones," she added.

It was inaugurated last evening by the Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma. 

"The fact that the International Yoga Day was celebrated across the world today is a matter of great pride for India. Yoga is a part of our culture and our ancient culture has found a place worldwide with the celebration of Yoga Day today," said the minister.

Comprising of about 389 artworks by 150 <g data-gr-id="37">artistes</g> from across the globe, the exhibition has been divided into three broad segments: Gyan, Dhyan and Karma.

"Each section is then <g data-gr-id="50">sub divided</g> into sections like yogis and yoginis, nature, cosmos etcetra to help people appreciate and enjoy the works," said Bahl.

Jagmohan Bangabni's The Namokar Mantra represents yoga as a physical, mental or spiritual practice.

Accompanied by chanting of the sacred verse or sound symbolises a spiritual experience of the wandering mind, and helps it concentrate inwardly and focus on one's thoughts. "Yoga, which connects with spirituality, is also about wellness, happiness, and health," said Bahl. The exhibits which have been loaned from different museums, previous exhibitions and collections, have been put together keeping in mind that they fit the idea of yoga. 

"We see if the works show something related to yoga as a kind of idea, as a kind of exercise, as a kind of a discussion or as a kind of philosophy," she added.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, the Akademi has also organised participatory public events like dance and music performances and workshops on yoga. The exhibition is set to continue till June 27.