By Tushar Kanade

Amidst today’s information overload and attention chaos, we have witnessed the emergence of a number of meditative practices and art forms. Yet, none match the allure, popularity, and widespread acclaim of yoga. More than any other institution of its kind, The Yoga Institute, the world’s oldest organized centre of yoga, has preached this ancient way of living for exactly a century, having been founded in 1918! More than 55000 teachers have now been trained by The Yoga Institute over its entire existence, a number so baffling that it may give even established global university alumni networks a run for their money!

Today, more than 2000 people visit The Yoga Institute every day! While its original philosophy was pure and centralized on a single centre of practice (in Santacruz East, Mumbai), with time The Yoga Institute has expanded its physical and geographical reach to around ten branches, with a prominent presence in Goa, Delhi, and even Hong Kong! Despite its expansion, the original centre in Santacruz, Mumbai remains the bastion of all learners, with individuals from more than 40 international countries taking tutelage under the gurus through a host of training programs!

Its significance is underscored by the stupendous scale of its centennial celebrations this week, as the ‘Harmony Fest’ – a two-day celebration of The Yoga Institute’s 100th foundational anniversary – is simultaneously India’s biggest wellness festival! From being inaugurated by the Hon. President of India, to being attended by the Hon. Governor and the Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, among other dignitaries, this festival is one of the largest of its kind in the entire world!

Yet, while the Yoga Institute has a rich heritage, how did it all begin?

In a candid interaction with The Yoga Institute’s Director, Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, we explored some of the essences that cement the foundations of this great institution.

“Shri Yogendraji, our founder, preached the first ever yoga lessons conducted by The Yoga Institute,  at Versova beach on December 25th, 1918, before leaving for the USA for education”, says Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, Director, The Yoga Institute, sitting through a candid interaction in the midst of an otherwise packed day.

“He interpreted this as a scientific endeavour and would pointedly ask specific questions that elucidate the scientific method in its rawest form – ‘…when you meditate, what happens to your brain? What about your bodily organs and what about the effects of exercise on any or all of your biological systems?…’ – questions that were unheard of in similar fields by other practitioners,” she quipped.

The primary question that drove the narrative early on was indeed to determine the needs of the modern man.

The conclusion? “We need a focused yoga for the householders, and for everyday use without major cumbersome procedures or specially designed environments,” said Dr. Hansaji Yogendra.

Yoga amidst distraction – the householder’s philosophy

This philosophy of not tweaking the practice of yoga basis the environment was on full display when you examine the historical account of the life of Shri Yogendraji and his persistence on setting up the institute and continuing its operations under challenging circumstances. He shifted base from Versova to Bulsar, in Gujarat just ten years after having founded The Yoga Institute at the revered Dadabhai Naraoji’s residence. Just after the conclusion of the Second World War, he was already looking to shift base back to Mumbai, yet the plan only came to fruition in 1948, when he bought a plot in Santacruz, the current residence and base of operations of The Yoga Institute.

Back then, a lot of lush greenery and foliage surrounded the suburban areas of Santacruz and the adjacent Vile Parle, and yoga could not have been practiced in a better environment than the one found here. The only airport operations of the city were at Pawan Hans, in Vile Parle-Santacruz on the western side. Yet, just a decade after its newfound base in Santacruz, the domestic airport in Santacruz suddenly represented a lot of commotion for the peace-loving folks indulging in yoga in its nascent stages.

“Shri Yogendraji truly believed that the brand of yoga – a focus on Classical Yoga – the institute preaches is aimed at householders who represent everyday professions and do not necessarily have silent environments. He, therefore, stuck to the premises in Santacruz despite the newfound commotion and noise, and these roots have not been uprooted till today!”

A focus on research has been the cornerstone of The Yoga Institute

Smt. Hansaji Yogendra, Director, The Yoga Institute

“This institute was the first one to do research on yoga in a scientific capacity, and has done so since inception,” remarked Dr. Hansaji Yogendra.

In today’s commercially-driven fitness mania, some people have taken the physical portions of yoga and commercialized those to the benefit of their respective organizations, but to the detriment of the distorted perception around the wholesomeness of yoga.

Especially chronic in these commercial aggrandizements were the ignorance of both the psychological and the philosophical elements within yoga. While vastly ignored by virtually all other yoga centres in India and beyond, these, along with the other wholesome aspects of yoga, have remained the focus of The Yoga Institute in its bid to imbibe the most complete form of yoga training.

It is no surprise, therefore, that the institute’s four books were selected for preservation in the 1940s by Oglethorpe University, which, after having scavenged for similar pieces of literature across the subcontinent, accredited immense significance to The Yoga Institute’s publications over other prominent ideologues’ written work. This was no ordinary feat. The preservation was specifically towards the ‘Crypt of Civilization’, a first-of-its-kind repository whose contents will only be opened approximately 6000 years later, according these works an unparalleled level of importance.

The transformative vision of The Yoga Institute transcends generations

What was the vision of Shri Yogendraji and what elements of his vision were possibly executed during his lifetime? Which elements still resonate with The Yoga Institute of today as it embarks on global awareness on an unprecedented scale?

“It was difficult for him to found this institution during the British Era,” quips Dr. Hansaji Yogendra. “Only essential buildings were allowed to be constructed, and it also resulted in a tiff between the Founder and the local Municipality Commissioner, who eventually did bow down to the stern stance adopted by Shri Yogendraji. All plants in the institute were planted by Shri Yogendraji, signifying his centennial presence even today.

“He named it ‘The Yoga Institute’ to deprive it of any personal branding as an institutional symbol withstands far longer than any personal scripture embedded within such symbolisms,” she added.

Keeping Shri Yogendraji’s unique contributions in mind beckons another question. Transforming the vision of The Yoga Institute, what were some of the greatest contributions by Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra ji in advancing the ideals of The Yoga Institute?

“He was a Yogi personified – no passion or desires; he was responsible for courses in children, as well as special courses for women. In fact, he thought about the various biological stages of a woman through the course of her life – young girl, puberty, marriage, pre natal care, post-natal care, menopause, old age – the different eras of a woman did beckon a different approach to yoga in order to facilitate a seamless adoption of mental and physical wellbeing. Even an approach towards introducing ‘couple’s classes’ was Dr Jayadeva’s vision, and so were the immensely popular ‘Teacher Training Classes’.”

Governmental push for Yoga in an institutional manner has been quite disruptive

The Government plays a widespread role in advancing a widespread health and well-being movement across the country and beyond. The present Government and the Ministry of AYUSH has fared quite well in exactly the same principles that are important in increasing subscription and adoption – from viral promotional campaigns to the creation of an International Yoga Day (first held in June 2015 in the presence of the Hon. Prime Minister, with Dr. Hansaji Yogendra on-stage), this governmental machinery has indeed multiplied the significance of yoga. The International Yoga Day in particular, under the tutelage of Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, has attracted widespread acclaim.

In her role as the Chairperson of the Yoga Certifications Committee at the Quality Council of India, Dr. Hansaji Yogendra’s scope covers introducing a standardized metric to regulate the entire field.

“Standardization of yoga is a priority indeed, as lots of institutes and individuals have sprung up in recent times without regard for the actual teachings of yoga,” she said.

The next generation of yoga is no longer averse to millennials – but welcomes them

Millennials have an outsized role in shaping the discourse over the next ten to twenty years. With the cultural depth and therapeutic history of yoga, does The Yoga Institute witness a widespread adoption of the yogic way of living in the years to come?

“Yoga is the classical version as being pronounced and promoted by The Yoga Institute. Asanas is 1/8th of what yoga is as per Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Yamas (restraint, the 1st ‘limb’) and Niyamas (discipline, the 2nd ‘limb’), Dhyana (meditation, the 7th ‘limb’) and Dharana (concentration, the 6th ‘limb’) are completely ignored as compared to Asanas in popular discourse elsewhere in the world,” as per Shri Hrishi Jayadeva Yogendra, Assistant Director, The Yoga Institute.

This is the primary concern of The Yoga Institute. “The classical approach itself needs to reach out to masses,” he quips.

“We are changing our own mindsets and expanding beyond this single centre and have started extending, more than merely expanding, our approach and our reach. Yoga is a preventive science rather than the therapeutic science – the essence of yoga is always that it preached for a way of living that encourages prevention of vices.”

The plan ahead? Amend a bit of the communication strategy employed by The Yoga Institute.

“If I just keep a bhavas workshop for instance, people tend to ignore the messaging – but if I transform the messaging into much more interactive modes, the engagement is much higher.”

The Harmony fest is a furtherance of Classical Yoga’s appeal maximization

“We aim to create an environment that will be conducive and welcoming – but it aims to deliver what we actually want to deliver – which are the Misconceptions of Yoga.”

“The basic theories and principles behind the traditional texts and sources in India – on food, for instance – are the basis for some of our initiatives. We have a workshop at the fest on modern food habits in comparison to traditional healthier alternatives – so we do not reject the narrative of pizzas entering modern eating habits but encourage ingredients such as ragi or other organic alternatives.”

Another example is of medicine – how is it possible to integrate modern medicine with traditional medicine? That is another fusion tactic on the platter – since The Yoga Institute has tied up with some of the most prominent hospitals in Mumbai, from Hinduja Hospital to the Asian Heart Institute to S.L. Raheja Hospital. “We have, in fact, given a soothing session to patients before critical surgeries – to reduce stress and tension and increase calmness – increasing success rates of surgeries by simply having a relaxed body and mind.”

Indeed, with so many initiatives, amidst a backdrop of the rich cultural heritage of this ancient practice as well as the transcendental personalities of its founders and caretakers, The Yoga Institute is poised to change lives well into the next century!

By Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries

The 19^th century sociologist Ferdinand Tönnies is best remembered for the distinction he drew between two types of human groups. In the first one – called community or Gemeinschaft – social ties are defined on the basis of prized close relationships and the welfare of the group takes precedence over that of the individual. The second type, known as society or Gesellschaft, has a more impersonal nature, characterised by indirect interactions and formal roles. While Gemeinschaft was applied to peasant communities (families, tribes or villages), Gesellschaft came to represent urban, cosmopolitan environments with a more individualistic outlook.

Each orientation has its plusses and minuses. In a way, they are two sides of the same coin. The challenge is to devise a social model that finds a balance between Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft and thus accommodates both individual and societal needs. However, the last century has seen a clear transition towards Gesellschaft, a process that has accelerated over recent decades. The focus on what’s best for the community has morphed into what’s best for me. Self-promotion and individuality rule the day.

Many people have experienced this transition towards Gesellschaft as quite detrimental. The breakdown in social ties has created feelings of emptiness and a sense of disconnection. It has bred a culture of narcissism, with its attending indifference, egotism and disrespect of others. The increasingly vitriolic tone of politics is another manifestation, as is the apparent epidemic of unethical corporate behaviour. Compassion, empathy and tolerance are in short supply.

The self-esteem movement

Rampant individualism in the “I” world has also changed parenting styles. Parents now place greater value on their offspring’s achievements, casting civic duties far aside. This trend has been driven by studies suggesting a correlation between high self-esteem and being successful in life. 

True, we all have an innate need for self-assurance. Helping children acquire a secure sense of self is essential for their development. What can become a problem, however, is when parents go too far in trying to bolster their children’s self-esteem. Examples include:

• Showering children with effusive, unconditional praise
• Designing situations that make it impossible for their children to fail
• Sheltering them from any criticism or adverse consequences
• Fighting their children’s battles for them

Parents should not insulate their children from difficult experiences if they want to facilitate their growth and resilience. What advocates of the self-esteem movement have failed to realise is that self-esteem can’t be conferred on others. It is earnt through overcoming adversity and taking risks. Confidence comes from competence. When children are given the opportunity to stretch themselves, they expand the sense of their own capabilities. They then feel confident to tackle the next challenge.

Social media and narcissism

Social media can accentuate the narcissistic behaviour patterns of the “I” world by enabling budding narcissists to show the world how great they are. The trouble with social networking is that nearly everyone presents unrealistic, sanitised versions of themselves. Heavy social media users compare themselves negatively to others. They over-estimate the fun others have and underestimate their own experiences. Thus, instead of feeling good about their own pursuits, they feel even worse about themselves. No wonder that many of them feel lonely, frustrated or angry after spending much time online.

The other issue is that social media make it easy for users to form superficial connections with others. Rich, community-like and family interactions are replaced with screen time. With fewer and fewer face-to-face interactions, social media addicts don’t develop the communication and empathic skills that allow them to really understand and connect with others.

A force for good

Can we establish a better balance between Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft? How can societies further economic and political development whilst also preserving the qualities that make for a liveable, cohesive community? If we wish to taper the narcissistic orientation of the younger generation, one priority would be to neutralise the faulty premises of the self-esteem movement.

To instil genuine self-esteem in children, praise needs to be tied to observable behaviours and successes. There should be strong efforts to increase the amount of actual human (i.e. face-to-face) interaction that children have. Giving them the kinds of experiences needed to develop social skills such as empathy and compassion will encourage the next generation to be more civic-minded and more politically committed than is presently the case.

In organisational life, the challenge is how to make business a force for good. First, we should beware of narcissistic CEOs and senior managers. Under narcissistic leadership, subordinates often opt to tell higher-ups what they want to hear. They soon live in an echo chamber that promotes errant behaviour patterns and decisions, including fraudulent activities. Narcissistic leaders may profess company loyalty but, deep down, are only committed to their own agendas, with often dire consequences for the firm and its various stakeholders.

Second, we need to devise workplaces that are humane and not Darwinian environments where everyone is out for themselves. In such companies, people have a voice, as well as ample opportunities to learn and express their creative capabilities. These kinds of organisations value a coaching culture and see leadership as a team sport. Shareholder value is not their exclusive rallying cry. They adopt a long-term perspective and seek to be part of a sustainable world.

Looking ahead

The common notion that the unrestrained pursuit of self-interest is beneficial for all is illusory. The “I” world brings out the worst in people. It breeds a toxic social, economic and political environment.

The ideological tensions and extreme political partisanship present in many countries also find their source in narcissism. Self-focused world leaders, interested in short-term gains, lack the empathy to view issues and situations from the perspective of others. This neglect of community results in a series of powder kegs with potentially catastrophic consequences, including the destruction of our planet.

Given the darker sides of the “I” world, it is high time to restore the balance between Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft. We all have a role to play in building communities in which social ties and interactions are guided by a sense of responsibility and civic duty.

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Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries is the Distinguished Clinical Professor of Leadership Development & Organisational Change at INSEAD and the Raoul de Vitry d’Avaucourt Chaired Professor of Leadership Development, Emeritus.

The article was published in INSEAD Knowledge