Yoga - What is Yoga?Yoga Course Offerings - Yoga Courses at SVYASAYoga Training & Research DivisionsArogyadhama - Yoga Research Health HomeA leading Yoga Research InstitutionYoga LibraryEvents @ SVYASAAbout SVYASA and VYASASVYASA in the NEWSSVYASA Partners

Yoga University » Events » Special Events
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE - YOGA RESEARCH AND CULTURAL SYNTHESIS
  6th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE YOGA RESEARCH AND CULTURAL SYNTHESIS

27-30 December 2009, Lonavla, India

 

INTRODUCTION
The need and significance of Yoga for modern life cannot be over-emphasized as benefits of Yoga have been amply corroborated through rich scientific data. Yoga is now being pursued as an important part of academic in schools, colleges and universities and has also been found to be an effective
tool for overall personality development.
An uneasy transition to the 21st Century has seen problems concerning cultural egoism and ideological intolerance resulting in widespread egocentricity and communal discord across the globe. Swami Kuvalayananda had the vision to perceive cultural synthesis among worldwide cultures way back in 1924, and this has become all the more relevant today. Swami Kuvalayananda, the doyen of scientific research into Yoga, envisioned the great potential of Yoga to forge a cultural synthesis based on socio-spiritual principles at the global level. To accomplish this objective, Swamiji established Kaivalyadhama in 1924 and proposed the application of modern sciences to the Yogic lore in order to reveal spiritual wonders. Swami Kuvalayananda chose Yoga for cultural synthesis as it is the very foundation of Indian culture and also is accepted by most of the different cultures of the world. This led to the establishment of a full-fledged scientific and philosophico-literary research wing at the Campus in 1924 and the Yoga Mimamsa research quarterly started to be published. Swamiji later went on to establish a college, the College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis, and thanks to a munificent donation by Seth Makhanlal Seksaria, the College was renamed as Gordhandas Seksaria College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis in 1951. Swami Kuvalayananda in 1956 asserted that "political, economic and even moral values are to be made dependent upon values spiritual. Thus and thus alone will the terrific political and economic struggle cease and a real brotherhood will be established on the face of the earth".

OBJECTIVE OF THE CONFERENCE
At Kaivalyadhama, we have the conviction that the 6th International Conference on Yoga and its Research and Cultural Synthesis will significantly contribute to the emergence of Yoga as a common and universal substratum. We hope that it will help to bring all cultures and groups of varied religious allegiances together towards uplifting humanity as a whole.
We are confident that the essence of the following message of Yoga, propounded by Swami Kuvalayananda, can be adopted into worldwide traditions and cultures to help forge a workable synthesis through deliberations at the Conference.
"Yoga has a complete e message for or Humanity. It has a message for or the human body. It has a message for the human mind. It has also a message for or the human soul". We are certain that the original ideas and researchbased data to be presented by the eminent speakers at the Conference will make a significant contribution to a fruitful cultural synthesis. The Conference will provide a common platform for holy individuals of all religions and cultures, as well as, scientists, educationists, medical professionals,
political thinkers and Yoga lovers, to participate and share views in various capacities, forms and modes, thereby contributing toward Cultural Synthesis.

CONFERENCE VENUE
The Conference will be held at the campus of the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavla, in Maharashtra State, India. This 150-acre site is situated in the Western Ghats, about 125 Km from Mumbai (Bombay) and 65 Km from Pune, at a height of 600 meters in the Sahyadri Hills. It can be reached by road or railway from Mumbai and Pune. During the month of December it has a pleasant daytime climate with temperatures varying from 15.25 degrees centigrade. Generally, transport to the Conference venue is easily available.

YOGA : RESEARCH & CULTURAL SYNTHESIS
The three-wheeler rickshaw fare from Lonavla Railway or Bus stations to Kaivalyadhama is approx. Rs. 30.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
The inauguration of the Conference will take place on 27 December 2009 in the evening and full day sessions will be held on 28, 29 and 30 December 2009 Valedictory sessions in evening.
The salient features of the programme for the full day sessions will include:
(a) Plenary session with address by eminent scholars.
(b) Paper presentation and interactive sessions with the audience.
(c) Panel discussions and symposia.
(d) Practical workshops to highlight different approaches and applications of Yogic practices.
(e) Paper presentation session, which will later form the selection of best paper for the Swami Kuvvalayananda Award.
(f) Poster presentation
(g) Satsang

The proceedings of the Conference will be conducted mainly through the medium of English, with a certain number of presentations in Hindi and Sanskrit. If there are sufficient numbers of papers in other languages such as French, Italian or Spanish, separate sessions for the respective languages can be arranged.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED
1. Yoga and Cultural Synthesis
- Yoga and Religions of the World
- Unity in Diversity. in worldwide cultures
- Yoga and Cultural Synthesis : Philosophical Perspectives
- Modes and Forms of Cultural Synthesis : Aurobindo, Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, Ravindranath Tagore, etc.
- Cultural Synthesis and Communal Harmony
- Social Relevance and Application of Yoga
2. Yoga and V Value Education
- Value Education through Yoga
- Education and Yoga
- Standardization of Yoga Programmes for Value Education
- Integration of Yoga in today's Modern Educational System
- Yoga Education and Personality Development
3. Advances and Recent Trends in Scientific Research
- Fundamental Research
- Applied Research
- Standardization of Yoga Techniques
- Subjective Experiences and Yoga Research
4. Philosophico-Literary Research
- Basic research
- Applied Research
- Traditions of Yoga and their Evolution.
- Critical Editions of Yoga Mss and Texts, etc.
5. Advances and Recent Trends in Yoga Therapy
- Yoga therapy : Cultural Perspectives
- Behavioural Modification and Yoga
- Mental Health and Yoga
- Psychotherapy, Counselling and Yoga
6. Research Methodology in Yoga
- Methodology in Yoga Education
- Methodological Problems and their Solutions
- Advances in Experimental Research in Yoga
- Importance of Experimental Design in Yoga Research

YOGA : RESEARCH & CULTURAL SYNTHESIS CALL FOR PAPERS AND POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Deadline f for or Submission of Abstracts and Posters:
* Abstract (up to 200 words) on or before
1 August 2009
* Full Paper (up to 2000 words) on or before
31 October 2009
* Poster presentation
(NB - Send abstract/full paper by postal service and also one copy by Email : kdham@vsnl.com).
Participants presenting papers in languages other than English, are requested to send their papers along with English translation.
Notes for Poster Presentation: poste size : 3. x 4.;
photo size : 5. x 7.;
short poster text : (18 pt Helvetica) contains introduction,
method, result and summary, full colour;
title : 90 pt Helvetica;
sub-title : authors with designation and address,
departments, University 72 pt Helvetica;
border (½ inch);
presentation : verbal at poster site;
language - concise.
Registration
Indian * International #
Up to 1 August 2009
Delegate fees Rs. 2000 US $ 225
Students with a valid ID Rs. 1250 US$150
After 1 August and before 30 No November 2009
Delegate fees Rs. 2500 US$250
Students with a valid ID Rs. 1500 US$175
After 30 No November 2009
Delegate fees Rs. 3000 US$275
Students with a valid ID Rs. 2000 US$200
* Fees include dormitory accommodation and meals.
# Fees include twin sharing accommodation and meals.
A student's concession is available for past and present students of Kaivalyadhama and students of Yoga in universities / institutions from schools and institutions of higher learning duly recognized by the Government of India. Students need to produce their I-Card to obtain the student's rates. The registration fees entitles delegates to take part in all sessions, as well as, for vegetarian food breakfast, tea and two meals to be served in the Campus from 26-30 December 2009.
* The request for Campus accommodation will be entertained on a first come first served basis.

Accommodation in Off-Campus Hotels
Those who desire to book special accommodation i.e. their own private room in the vicinity of the Institute may communicate with the Organizing Secretary. Approximate price range would be : Standard Hotel Rs. 500 per day per person twin sharing room.
1 Star Hotel Rs. 1500 per day per person.
2 Star Hotel Rs. 3000 per day per person.
3 Star Hotel Rs. 6000 per day two persons.
4 Star Hotel Rs. 9000 per day per person.
(A list of hotels will be provided on request. The above rates are subject to change)
100% advance for accommodation is to be sent along with the registration fee.
When the Institute is making reservations on behalf of delegates, the policies of any of the respective hotels will have to be accepted in all cases of cancellation, extensions, and so forth. Check-in will start at 12.00 noon on 27 December 2009, check-out must be by 10.00 a.m. on 31 December 2009.

Pre-Conference Courses in Pranayama
Three two-week courses in Pranayama are scheduled to be held in November and December 2009, led by Pranayama master, Sri O. P. Tiwari.
A Beginner's Course runs from 1-14 November with 30 seats, a Continuation Course runs from 15-29 November with 30 seats, and an Advanced Course runs from 6-20 December with 15 seats. Personal attention will be given to all participants.
Pranayama will be taught and explained scientifically with do's and don'ts; the evolution of Pranayama and research findings will be explained by eminent researchers. Details are available on the website.

Post-Conference Workshop A week-long post-conference workshop on "The Perennial Philosophy (SaÆkhya) and the Five Elements (Mahabhutas)" will be held from 1-7 January 2010.
The workshop includes theoretical discussions, satsang, and practice sessions on Asana and Pranayama.

Full details will be available on the website.
Payment
Cheques/DDs should be drawn in favour of - The Organizing Secretary, 6th International Conference, payable at Lonavala.
For outstation cheques please add Rs. 50 extra.
For electronic transfer through India Bank : HSBC
Branch Code: 105, HSBC Pune,
Bund Garden Branch,
Account Number 105-297-550-001
OR
Bank : Syndicate Bank
Transfer to Lonavala branch,
Secretary K.S.M.Y.M. Samiti,
Account Number : 53262160000019
International Transfers
Swift Code : IFSC HSBC0411002,
Account Number : 105-297-550-001

Cancellation Policy
Full fees are refundable until 31 October 2009, 75% before 30 November. No refunds can be made on cancellations made after 30 November 2009. All cancellations minus bank fees.

Climate
The temperature may range from around 4 degrees Celsius at night to 15.25 degrees Celsius in the day. It is recommended that delegates bring proper warm clothing.

We wish all delegates a happy and productive time at the Conference.

INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
Argentina - asouto@interar.com.ar - Ms. Alicia Souto
Australia - lindaleila@iprimus.com.au - Ms. Linda Burr
- jobishop@internode.on.net - Jo Bishop
Austria - brittahe@yahoo.com - Ms. Britta Hermann
Brazil - rojo@usp.br - Mr. Marcos Rozo
China - yinyan@yinyanchina.com - Ms. Yin Yan
France - kdhama@club-internet.fr - Mr. D'dier Mongou
France - ydhama@free.fr - Ms. Nathali Anthony
Hongkong - boris@rootr.net - Mr. Boris
Israel - gilgih@netvision.net.il - Ms. Gilgi
Italy - kailash3@libero.it - Ms. Chaira Alberto
Japan - hhaikata@hotmail.com - Mr. Hiroshi Aikata
Macau - yoga@macau.ctm.net - Ms. Louise Shums
Sweden - mitaleek@hotmail.com - Ms. Mitalee Kotak
Thiland - paul@yoga-thailand.com - Mr. Paul Dallaghan
United Kingdom - ramesh.b@ntlworld.com - Dr. Ramesh Bharadwaj
USA - varthikad@yahoo.com - Dr. (Mrs.) Vartika Dubey

CORRESPONDENCE
The Organizing Secretary,
Kaivalyadhama,
Swami Kuvalayananda Marg,
Lonavala - 410 403, Maharashtra, INDIA
Telephone : +91 (0)2114 273001 / 276001 / 273039
Fax : +91 (0)2114 271983 / 277402
Website : www.kdham.com
E-Mail : kdham@vsnl.com

About US | Contact Us | Feedback | Donate | Press | Careers | Code