Report of the International seminar on Integral yoga Psychology (26-27 June 2004)

[Guest guest]

 

PONDICHERRY PSYCHOLOGY ASSOCIATION

In collaboration with

Indian Academy of Applied Psychology

INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON INTEGRAL YOGA PSYCHOLOGY26 – 27 JUNE 2004

 

A Report of the Proceedings

The Pondicherry Psychology Association in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology has organised International seminar on Integral yoga Psychology on 26 and 27 June 2004 at Hotel Anandha Inn, Pondicherry. This seminar brought together scholars and practitioners from across the globe with a common aim to discuss the variety of issues related to the relevance and application of Eastern and Western Psychological and Spiritual approaches to education in meeting the global challenges. There were twenty one psychologists/academicians from USA, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and Italy, and 71 delegates from various parts of the country. On 26th June 2004 at 10.30 am Inaugural Session was commenced with invocation by the teachers of Achariya College of Education. Dr. Panch. Ramalingam, the organizing Secretary of the seminar welcomed the dignitaries and delegates, and presented the scope of the conference. The main objectives of the conference were

· Discussion of various models of psychology with special reference to education

· Discussion of various indigenous schools of thought in Integral psychology

· Exploring important areas and issues that can bring Eastern Integral Studies to the forefront in order for it to become a living force for the future.

· Developing practical applications of Indian approaches for Western students.

Prof. A.Gnanam, Former Chairman of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council presided and in a traditional way, he lit the Kuttuvilakku to inaugurate the seminar and had released the books “Psychological Approaches to Teacher Education” edited by Dr Panch. Ramalingam and “The Yoga of Religion” authored by Mr. William Stephan, Antioch University, USA. Mr. J.Arawindhan, Chairman, Achariya College of Education received the first copy of the book. In his inaugural address Prof Gnanam said that when whole world was net working, there was a need for change in the mindset for integration with best of physical, spiritual and psychological world. He added that “If the traditional values could not withstand the test of time it had to be replaced” There was growing virtual mobility of an intellectual with regard to capital, knowledge and the like, moreover rapid integration of world economy was taking place. Under these circumstances there was need for all round interation in all aspects, he reasoned out. Key note address was delivered by Prof. Kittu Reddy of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry.In his address he highlighted the Indian traditional aspects of Indian philosophy and said that spirituality was not monopoly of Indians, but Indians were having the advantage of opening out to spirituality. Prof. K.V.Kaliappan, Convenor, Federation of Psychology Associations in India delivered special address. In his special address he said that the McCauley system of education was not suited to the country. When the whole system of education was for personality development, the system was giving knowledge only in a few areas. He regretted that psychology was not used for the development of self esteem. Mr.Roger Foord-evans United Kingdom and Ms. Margo Borden, France felicitated,

At 12.00 noon Plenary Session I was held on the theme: Yoga Psychology – Dharma- the Bed Rock of Consciousness Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani Director, International Centre for Yoga Education and Research, Pondicherry and Dr.Anandha Balayogi Bhavanani Chairman, Yoganjali Natyalayam, Pondicherry conducted a thought provoking demonstrative session .

 

Scientific Session I on Eastern and Western Integral Approaches was Chaired by Prof.V.Suresh, Prof. and Head, Department of Psychology, DDE, Annamalai University and. Co-Chaired by Dr. V.Muthu, Chairman, King Nandhivarman College of Arts and Sciences, Thellar. Dr. D. Dutta Roy, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, Dr.B.Muhkopadhyay, Prof and Head, Department of Educational Management, National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research, Chennai, Ms. Margo Borden, Psychotherapist, Paris, France and Mr. William Stephan Brashear, Antioch University, USA have presented their papers

 

After tea break the Scientific Session – II Integral Approaches by Sri Aurobindo was Chaired by Dr. Soumitra basu, Sri Aurobindo Integral Health Studies, Kolkata and Co chaired by Shri K.V.Jayajhothi, Principal, Kendra Vidhyalaya, Pondicherry. Dr.P.Mourthy, Reader, School of International Studies, Pondicherry University, Ms. Sharvani Prasad, USA and Dr.Yogesh, JIPMER, Pondicherry have presented their papers

 

The special session on Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam: Dialogue between Cilvilisations in an Age of Globalisation was Chaired by DR k.Srinivas, Reader, Department of Philosophy, Pondicherry University. Dr. Beloo Mehra, Associate Professor of Education, Antioch University, USA and Dr.K. Krishnamohan, Institute for Subjective Well-being, J and S Medical Foundation, London have presented their presentations

On Sunday, 27th June 2004 at 10.00 am scientific session III on Integral Approaches in Education was Chaired by Mrs.Sabrina Griefeo, Director, Gitanandha Yoga Centre, Milano, Italy and Prof. Mamota das, Professor and Head, Department of Education, Annamalai University, Dr.P. Subramanian, Founder Chairman, Society for Integral Education Dr.V.Aruna, Lecturer in Sociology, Pondicherry University, and Mr.S. Suresh, have presented their papers.

 

In continuation of the presentation made by Dr. Beloo Mehra, the workshop on Indian Integral Studies held under the chairpersonship of Yogacharini Meenakshidevi Bhavanani and Dr.D.Dutta Roy, Kolkata. Based on the interest of the delegates six groups were formed and selected their topic of interest to discuss in detail so as to integrate the Indian concepts into the educational system so as to meet the global challenge. The following are the topics and the group leaders:

 

 

Readings in Indian Philosophy Chaired by Dr.K.Srinivas Integral Education Chaired by Dr.Panch. Ramalingam Integral Health Chaired by Dr.Yogesh Indian Psychology and Psychotherapy chaired by Dr.Soumitra Basu Spirituality chaired by Dr.P.Subramanian

On behalf of the groups the main points were presented and Yogacharini Meenakshidevi Bhavanani and Dr.D. Dutta Roy have consolidated and highlighted the important issues related to the Indian Integral studies

 

Valedictory session was held under the chairmanship of Rev.Fr.A.S. Antonisamy, Chairman,Centre for Universal Ethics, Pondicherry. Yogacharini Meenakshidevi Bhavanani released the souvenir of the seminar. Dr.A.M. Sekar, Principal,Achariya College of Education, Pondicherry received the first copy. Dr.Panch.Rmalingam, Organising Secretary presented the report of the seminar. Dr.Beloo Mehra delivered valedictory address. Dr. P. Subramanian presented the views of the participants and appreciated Dr. Panch. Ramalingam for the necessary arrangements. Mr Abdul Majeed proposed vote of thanks.

 

Immediately after lunch a trip was arranged to Auroville. Mr. Uli, acted as coordinator and made all the arrangements to visit the Auroville.

[Guest guest]

many thanks

sounds very interesting & well applied

yours in Dharma,

Janaki(Angela)

 

PONDICHERRY PSYCHOLOGY ASSOCIATION

 

In collaboration with

Indian Academy of Applied Psychology

INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON INTEGRAL YOGA PSYCHOLOGY26 – 27 JUNE 2004

 

A Report of the Proceedings

The Pondicherry Psychology Association in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology has organised International seminar on Integral yoga Psychology on 26 and 27 June 2004 at Hotel Anandha Inn, Pondicherry. This seminar brought together scholars and practitioners from across the globe with a common aim to discuss the variety of issues related to the relevance and application of Eastern and Western Psychological and Spiritual approaches to education in meeting the global challenges. There were twenty one psychologists/academicians from USA, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and Italy, and 71 delegates from various parts of the country. On 26th June 2004 at 10.30 am Inaugural Session was commenced with invocation by the teachers of Achariya College of Education. Dr. Panch. Ramalingam, the organizing Secretary of the seminar welcomed the dignitaries and delegates, and presented the scope of the conference. The main objectives of the conference were

· Discussion of various models of psychology with special reference to education

· Discussion of various indigenous schools of thought in Integral psychology

· Exploring important areas and issues that can bring Eastern Integral Studies to the forefront in order for it to become a living force for the future.

· Developing practical applications of Indian approaches for Western students.

Prof. A.Gnanam, Former Chairman of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council presided and in a traditional way, he lit the Kuttuvilakku to inaugurate the seminar and had released the books “Psychological Approaches to Teacher Education” edited by Dr Panch. Ramalingam and “The Yoga of Religion” authored by Mr. William Stephan, Antioch University, USA. Mr. J.Arawindhan, Chairman, Achariya College of Education received the first copy of the book. In his inaugural address Prof Gnanam said that when whole world was net working, there was a need for change in the mindset for integration with best of physical, spiritual and psychological world. He added that “If the traditional values could not withstand the test of time it had to be replaced” There was growing virtual mobility of an intellectual with regard to capital, knowledge and the like, moreover rapid integration of world economy was taking place. Under these circumstances there was need for all round interation in all aspects, he reasoned out. Key note address was delivered by Prof. Kittu Reddy of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry.In his address he highlighted the Indian traditional aspects of Indian philosophy and said that spirituality was not monopoly of Indians, but Indians were having the advantage of opening out to spirituality. Prof. K.V.Kaliappan, Convenor, Federation of Psychology Associations in India delivered special address. In his special address he said that the McCauley system of education was not suited to the country. When the whole system of education was for personality development, the system was giving knowledge only in a few areas. He regretted that psychology was not used for the development of self esteem. Mr.Roger Foord-evans United Kingdom and Ms. Margo Borden, France felicitated,

At 12.00 noon Plenary Session I was held on the theme: Yoga Psychology – Dharma- the Bed Rock of Consciousness Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani Director, International Centre for Yoga Education and Research, Pondicherry and Dr.Anandha Balayogi Bhavanani Chairman, Yoganjali Natyalayam, Pondicherry conducted a thought provoking demonstrative session .