The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies (AYOS) recently organised a seminar here on the theme of yogic perspective in the eternal literature of all-time great poet Kalidasa. The speaker on the occasion was noted scholar Professor Gauranga Charan Nayak and the seminar was presided over by eminent litterateur Satakadi Hota.
Prof Nayak observed that although nothing is known about the life story of Kalidasa, the poet is reflected in his works of eternal poetic craftsmanship. Kalidasa is emphatic and eternal, pragmatic and practical and vibrant and his literature has a touch of the ambrosia being nothing short of Kathamrita.He said Kalidasa was well-versed in the intricate practices of yoga as it is described in his writings how Mother Goddess Parvati resorted to rigorous practice of penance and asceticism in order to win lord Shiva as her life partner.
lord Shiva Himself is the greatest yogi. The fifth canto is full of yogic descriptions. It has been depicted in Kalidasa’s literature how kings of the Raghu dynasty used to shed their bodies in yoga.The seminar was followed by a question-answer session in which scholars like S Sundar Rajan, Nihar Acharya and AYOS director Dr Indulata Das participated.In his presidential address, Satakadi Hota said yoga is the attainment of higher consciousness. Achievement of Siddhis and exhibition of the same is not the goal of yoga but liberation or eternal peace is the only goal of yoga.
Mihir Mishra gave the welcome address at the outset and thanked the guests and audiences at the end.