RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29800, 17 April 1962, Page 23

RANDOM REMINDER

LEFT H AND DOWN A BIT

Yoga is defined by one of the better-known dictionaries as a system of Hindu philosophy showing the means of emancipation of the soul from further migrations, and yogi as a Hindu ascetic who practices the yoga system, consisting in the withdrawal of the senses from external objects, long continuance in unnatural postures, etc. Its the etc. that interests us, ' because the dictionary definition does nothing to explain the wave of yogism which is now, here in Christchurch. threatening the very roots of our domestic life. People from all over the city are flocking to yoga classes, and bringing back their home-work. So in a hundred homes, each morning, mother is

standing on her left foot with her right leg draped gracefully around her neck, instead of getting on with the breakfast. And the sight of father standing on his head may be regarded by the largest son as reasonable compensation for the loss of his plate of porridge for a day or two. but no more. Some parents are even attempting to get their children to join with them in exercising each morning, and apparently one of the requirements is that this indoor commando course should be carried out before the system has been sullied with such early morning restoratives such as steak and eggs. It is all very difficult The yogi students, their diaphragms flicking up and down like faulty

blinds, come from all classes—old and young, fat and thin, men and women. But in one voice they claim immediate results, an absence of all the customary aches and pains, a new vigour and zest for life. Those not taking part are glad the yogis are happy. And of course, there are always compensations for those not benefitting by asking their quart pot bodies to §et into pint-sized pants. ine of the secrets of yoga is breath control—it has to be held, sometimes for long periods, which suits a few nonyoga husbands. And non-yoga mothers whose husbands are forever flexing their muscles can control restive children by whispering to them: “Look out, look out, here comes the yogi man!”