Part I: The Concept of Vrata
Part II: An Exploration of Perception of Yoga amongst Medical Personnel
By

Jayasimha

Abstract
Part I: The Concept of Vrata
VRATAS: Vratas are very ancient and have history of thousands of years. The good and bad deeds exist simultaneously in man’s life. From the ancient times some groups were interested in performing good deeds keeping in mind that they would attain mokña or salvation by performing good deeds.. The vratas form a part of good deeds performed by many groups in order to attain mokña. The antahakaraëa çuddhi or internal purification, which is a step to attain mokña, can be achieved by observing vrata. One can become a true devotee of God by doing prescribed vratas. The present life is involved with lack of discipline in all respects. People eat unhygienic food, follow Adharma, and are indisciplined. Vratas promotes discipline in an individual and also supports hygiene. Some vratas are meant for celebration. Some of the festivals are celebrated with some discipline and custom that fall under the category of vrata. [1]

Summary and conclusions

Vrata or religious observance is a good topic to study in detail. Vrata is the cultural heritage of few religions. It is surprising to note that hundreds of vratas were observed by many sects in  India to please God and attain mokña. Vrata also serves as tool to renunciation or Vairägya. Vairägya or Self - control can be achieved by exercising moderation in food, type of food, quantity of food . Self - control leads to path of mokña /Salvation. Self-control also brings spiritual growth. The Great spiritual text Bhagavadgétä emphasize on vrata as part of self control. The spiritual texts Upaniñad,  Puräëa also mention about vrata. The great Vedas such as Ågveda, Atharva Saàhita, Çrauta sütra mention about Vrata. Itis followed by many people as discipline. Discipline brings concentration and courage in an individual and builds up faith in God and spirituality. Spirituality cannot be practiced without discipline and self-control . Self- control forms the basis for realization of God. Hence one or the other type of Vrata becomes essential for spiritual growth.
From  the study on VRATAS,one can definitely know the importance of Vrata.
Vrata purifies the body and mind therefore, one can adopt in his life and follow the path of salvation.
Vrata can be performed to have control over diet and improve health.
Vrata becomes essential to bring spiritual progress.
Vrata can be a model for those who wish to reduce the weight.
Vrata is also a culture of the country  which has rich spiritual wealth.

Part II: An Exploration of Perception of Yoga amongst Medical Personnel
BACK GROUND: Yoga is accepted by large community in India and around the world including the modern medical professionals. In India, Yoga is more relevant to public health. But a study to find out the perception of Yoga, amongst GPs in India not available.
AIMS: To explore perception of Yoga amongst medical personnel: General Practitioners.
 OBJECTIVES: To find out, what is their knowledge about Yoga? whether their  patients accept Yoga? whether GPs recommend Yoga? what percentage of  Doctors think that Yoga is beneficial, for Chronic ailments and what is their  opinion on Yoga ?           
METHODS: 120 GPs were selected as subjects by stratified random cluster sampling technique. Cross sectional study design was used dividing Bangalore into North and South. Further, 6 areas selected were based on the locality where the residents were mainly of low -income, middle-income or high-income groups. Thus 20 GPs from each of the 6 areas (3 Localities in North, 3 localities in South) summed upto 120 GPs. GPs practicing  predominantly in commercial areas were excluded. Those doing specialist practice, either Doctors with PG diploma or alternative medicine practitioners like ayurveda, homeopathy, formal/informal practice system and those with only diploma were excluded from the study. Questionnaire was administered to 130 GPs and the same were collected for analysis.
RESULTS: Response rate was 89% (116/130). Male to female ration 81:35. The mean number of patients who visit a Doctor is 31 per day. Doctors saw 700 patients in a month.  73% responded that the patients who visit them practised Yoga. 79 %  responded that time constraint is a difficulty to practise Yoga by their patients. 93% recommended Yoga to their patients. 80 % of GPs considered  Pränäyäma as branch of Yoga  and 70% felt that meditation as branch of Yoga. Being non-violent and following truth is Yoga  according to 60-70% of GPs. But one of the steps in Yoga ie Äsanas was considered so by 36%. 50 to 75% felt that jogging, walking , can be considered as Yoga. Interestingly 18% of the GPs practiced different types of Yoga. GPs felt that Yoga can be used to manage chronic diseases/conditions such as Hypertension (56%), Diabetes(37%) constipaton (43%),back ache(67%), Anxiety and  related diseases(77%), Asthma(50%),stress related disorder(75%), Chronic life style related diseases ( 57%). Doctors also felt that regular and continuous Yoga practice would help an individual to develop body and muscles (73%), overall health (97%), improve memory (81%), improve concentration (95%),  normalize appetite ( 81%). Decrease of asthmatic attacks (81%) and decrease of blood sugar level in diabetics (68%),.They feel that Yoga is cumbersome to practice daily because of non-availability of time ( 52%). Yoga practise brings therapeutic and spiritual benefits (89%) and one can attain kaivalya /salvation  ( 36%).
DISCUSSION: This project is the only project done in India to explore the perception of Yoga amogst GPs,it provides detailed information and throws light on the situation with respect to perception of Yogaby GPs in Bangalore. It is evident from the results that a good percentage(93%)of doctors are advising their patients to choose Yoga as a part of the treatment. Use of Yogicpostures as a physical activity also may benefit since it has now been established that Yoga which contains the identifiable relaxation component  and mind mastering technique has wider application with a more holistic approach to healing. The misconception that Yoga is a physical exercise exists among doctors too, as (62%) of GPs have indicated doing brisk walking can be included Yoga. In addition (77%) and (50%) of GPs have indicated undertaking daily walks and jogging respectively can be included under Yoga.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
Findings say that, GPs are knowledgeable about Yoga, they consider Yoga as physical activities like jogging, walking, swimming, athletics. They know about certain vital practices.  But they are not clear about branches and steps of Yoga. GPs also practice Yoga and they recommend it to their patients too. They have responded that Yoga  helps to manage   certain chronic conditions and diseases. In addition Yoga helps to improve overall physical and mental health as opined by GPs. Indian GPs are aware of the value of health benefit of Yoga. A study with intervention (yoga) to patients at the general practitioner’s level would be more beneficial.
The project “Exploring Perception Of Yoga Amongst Medical Personnel” for study was decided after discussing with guide, co-guide and members of the advisory group. A questionnaire was designed after series of discussions on the contents of the questionnaire. Pilot study was conducted in known area and the report was made. The questionnaire was re-designed with omissions and additions and actual study was taken up. The cross-sectional study design comprised of 120 General Practitioners with MBBS as qualification in south and north of Bangalore and all other diplomas and PGs excluded. The sampling technique used was stratified random sampling technique.
Each doctor was visited 4-5 times to seek appointment and submit the questionnaire with a brief note of objective. A few doctors were reluctant to entertain. The answered samples were collected personally from GPs and detailed analysis was made.
The survey has brought out certain points. Yoga is made aware to many GPs. They have knowledge about yoga. They consider physical activities like jogging, walking swimming, athletics under yoga. They consider being non-violent and being truthful as practices of yoga. 22%-77% of Indian Doctors think that yoga is beneficial for chronic ailments (conditions/diseases). 80%-95% think that yoga is helpful in promotion of positive health. They are aware of the value of health benefit of yoga, they practice yoga (20%) and they recommend yoga (93%).
Also the study has brought out certain aspects like they were given opportunity to comment about yoga and they recognized SVYASA as a research center with yoga as a main subject in the university. The advantages as expressed by GPs are very near to the results so far obtained in the field of yoga by research. Many GPs are of the opinion that yoga serves as important factor in the physical and mental development. Improve concentration and memory among children. Yoga is one of the methods to attain spiritual growth according to many doctors. Doctors have judged properly that aged people, non- traditional people and those who have stiff body can practise yoga. They have expressed about their interest in taking part in yoga. The survey is an insight to the doctors and also to the general public that yoga is becoming more scientific and health practice.

Keywords: Vrata,perception of yoga medical personnel.