Typically, today’s educational system encourages more left brain activity which involves cramming of intellectual facts into the child’s mind and rote learning (mechanical repetition). It also encourages activity which is analytical, logical, sequential and linear. This is sometimes detrimental to and at the expense of right brain activity which is creative, intuitive and special. It is from the right hemisphere of the brain that most important inventions and discoveries have been brought about.
For a holistic education, both hemispheric activities are important. Education should therefore integrate and harmonise these two sides of the brain and the limbic system. Yoga practices are ideally suited to achieve this integration and harmony resulting in a whole brain and a holistic mind approach. They make the brain very efficient; memory and concentration become sharper, grasping power and ability to recall facts and figures increases.
The early Indian education system integrated yoga in education for its multiple benefits.
Unlike vyayam (exercise, gymnastics) which takes care of only our physical personality, yoga by its very nature takes care of all facets of our personality--- physical, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual---- resulting in an integrated whole person. It is thus a holistic science, regular practice of which leads us to happiness and contentment.
In view of the above aspects Kumaran has integrated yoga in the school curriculum for classes I to X wherein children are taught yoga once a week for 40 minutes duration and are also instructed to practice the same everyday.
Each class is so organized that the yoga practices takes care of all facets of our personality. For example, we use asana for the body, pranayama for the mind and Yoganidra meditation for the spirit. This leaves the child’s body/mind complex in a state of equilibrium enabling him or her to function better.
For concentration of mind- In order to improve the capacity of the brain and the process of intelligence, the practice of meditation is employed involving concentration of mind on one object/point without allowing the child to think of other objects/thoughts. This makes the mind strong. This practice should however not last more than 5 – 10 minutes.
Breath and the Brain - This involves pranayama to balance their physical and mental energies. This practice should not last more than 5 – 7 minutes.
Relaxation and Visualization - This refers to 5 – 10 minute of Yoga Nidra and visualization of 15 or 20 pleasant objects. This helps in developing memory power of inner vision. Thus practitioners are able to see their thoughts in their mind space.