Reviewing Yoga’s Role in Relation to Contemporary Collective Concerns

Keywords: Yoga, Repurposing Yoga, Indian Ancient Wisdom, Existential Threats, Collective Responses, Environmental Challenges

The spread of Yoga in various forms beyond the context in which it originated raises questions concerning whether in addition to its adoption and practice by individuals and for individual treatment and support, alone or in combination with complementary contributions, it might also benefit collective responses to shared environmental challenges and existential threats, and key decision makers such as business leaders and directors who have an important role to play in formulating them, and whether its contribution might be enhanced by incorporating other elements of Indian ancient wisdom that relate to respecting and protecting the environment and living in harmony with the natural world. A further question for those concerned with Yoga is whether they should influence aspects of its development purpose and practice, if they are in a position to do so and this would enhance its utility and relevance and increase its contribution, rather than allowing it to evolve in the marketplace.

Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas                                                                                 The Author is Distinguished Research Professor, Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management-Research, India, Governing Director, SRISIIM Research Foundation and President of its International Council of A dvisors and Chairman of the Editorial Advisory Board of Abhinava Prabanddhan.