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Collaboration for a brighter future: Our ongoing project
Empowering the next generation through the power of yoga
A growing body of research has already shown that yoga can improve focus, memory, self-esteem, academic performance, and classroom behavior, and can even reduce anxiety and stress in children.
Emerging research studies also suggest that yoga can help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by improving the core symptoms of ADHD, including inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It can also boost school performance in children with ADHD. A growing number of corporate schools now integrate yoga and mindfulness into physical education programs or classroom curriculums.
Keeping this in mind, HYF has designed Yoga Vahini. It is a program mapped out by HYF to conduct one-day yoga session for the students of government schools in the Indian state of Karnataka. HYF is committed to raising the level of education and literacy in rural India and helping disadvantaged children realize their full potential by offering them a powerful session of yoga for free of cost. The project seeks to ensure both physical and mental health for children in rural areas, opening the door for them to improve balance, strength, endurance, aerobic capacity and countless psychological benefits. This project aims to empower rural children to meet future challenges.
From farm to sanctuary: HYF's gau shala provides a safe haven for cows
We believe in the power of compassion towards all creatures
The Hastinapura Yoga Foundation, a renowned organization dedicated to promoting the practice of yoga and its many benefits, has recently announced plans to establish a gau shala (cow shelter) in its headquarters near Malladihalli, a village in Karnataka, India. This decision holds great significance as the village was once home to the legendary yogi Swamy Raghavendra, who is still revered for his teachings on yoga and spirituality.
The foundation’s decision to establish a gau shala holds both spiritual and practical significance. In Hinduism, cows are considered sacred and are seen as symbols of purity, motherhood, and abundance. The cow is also seen as a representation of the divine and is often referred to as ‘Gau Mata’ or Mother Cow. The foundation, being rooted in the principles of Hinduism, recognizes the holiness of cows and aims to provide them with a safe and nurturing home.
Apart from its spiritual significance, cows also hold great yogic and ayurvedic importance. In yoga, cows are seen as embodiments of the earth element and are believed to possess a calm and grounding energy. Being close to cows is said to have a soothing effect on the mind and can aid in the practice of meditation and yoga asanas. In ayurveda, cow milk, ghee, and urine are believed to have medicinal properties and are used in various treatments and therapies. By establishing a gau shala, the foundation hopes to provide a space for people to connect with these gentle creatures and experience their healing qualities.
The gau shala will serve as a multipurpose source for the foundation’s charitable causes. The shelter will be home to cows that are rescued from slaughterhouses, abandoned or injured on the streets, or in need of a safe haven. These cows will be taken care of with love and compassion, and will also be a source of milk and dairy products for the foundation’s yoga retreats and workshops. This will not only help generate income for the foundation but also promote the use of organic and ethically sourced dairy products.
The foundation also plans to use the cow shelter as a platform to educate people about the significance of cows in Hinduism and the importance of ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings. This aligns with the foundation’s mission to spread the message of yoga, which goes beyond just physical exercise and encompasses a holistic way of life.
The establishment of the gau shala near Malladihalli holds a special significance as it is the birthplace of Swamy Raghavendra, who is known for his teachings on the ancient science of yoga. The foundation aims to honor his legacy by creating a space that not only promotes the physical practice of yoga but also upholds its spiritual and ethical values.
The Hastinapura Yoga Foundation’s decision to establish a gau shala in its headquarters near Malladihalli is a testament to its commitment towards promoting a holistic and compassionate way of life. By providing a home and care for cows, the foundation hopes to spread the message of love, compassion, and unity, which are at the core of yoga philosophy. This initiative is a step towards creating a healthier and more harmonious world, and the foundation encourages others to join in this noble cause.
The foundation urges everyone to come forward and support this cause in any way possible. Let us all join hands to build a gau shala that will serve as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for generations to come. Donate to the Hastinapura Yoga Foundation today and be a part of this noble cause.
Embrace the cow's symbolism of unity through your yoga journey
The word ‘yoga’ itself means union, and one of the main aims of yoga is to achieve a sense of unity with all beings. Cows, being gentle and docile creatures, are seen as a symbol of this unity. In fact, in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna declares himself as the cow among animals, emphasizing the importance of cows in the yogic tradition.
