Indian Classical Dances as Yoga: a Route to Powering Positive Psychological Traits

By : Madhu Jain, Chirmi Acharya

Page No: 409-415

Abstract
The fundamental purpose of all classical Indian dances and yoga has been union with God through bodily transcendence and thus these techniques serve as a route to selfknowledge for centuries. Their effectiveness as healing arts is based on the fact that mind and body are a gestalt, and any change in one will be exhibited in the other too. The paper tries to draw parallels between Indian classical dances and yoga highlighting their focus on positive physical health, the rhythmic breathing, activation of chakras, catharsis and a transcendental flow or ‘experience of enlightenment’. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the underlying unity of both yoga and Indian classical dance, in promoting well being and manifesting the spiritual states and in experiencing bliss of art which is similar to realizing God in oneself.

Authors :
Chirmi Acharya : Junior Research Fellow, Department of Psychology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
Madhu Jain : Associate Professor — Department of Psychology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur