Yoga routines, meditation helpful for the arts

Ni Komang Erviani ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Denpasar   |  Wed, 03/04/2009 2:58 PM  |  Life

The movements and meditation performed in Yoga routines can help assist creative pursuits, a workshop on yoga and the arts was told Tuesday by senior dance choreographer Didik Nini Thowok.

Speaking at the workshop, part of a series of events being held at the International Bali-India Yoga Festival, Didik said yoga and mediation were extremely beneficial for controlling breathing and movements of the body.

“Dancers need the ability to control breathing and heavy movements. Those accustomed to yoga and meditation will find such activities easier and more controlled overall,” he said.

Didik, who has practiced yoga over the past year, said he developed more power in his dance movements.

“Yoga helps me control my technique and also focus. Many traditional dances are related to yoga. The Bedoyo Javanese dance, for example, is very meditative in its movements.”

Didik, renowned for his comical repertoires and penchant for cross-dressing , also said yoga was not something to be linked exclusively with the Hindu religion.

“Yoga is useful, why does it have to be banned? Simply because I practice yoga does not mean I have to become a Hindu,” he said.

“I am a Christian. People should not be so judgmental.”

Feel the breath: You can also practice this breath by placing one hand lightly over the abdomen and the other on your chest to feel the movement. JP/J. AdigunaFeel the breath: You can also practice this breath by placing one hand lightly over the abdomen and the other on your chest to feel the movement. JP/J. Adiguna

Yoga was thrust into the limelight in February after the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued a fatwa (edict) banning the practise on the grounds it contained certain Hindu chants.

The ban came shortly after a similar edict was issued by a related Malaysian council.

Chairman of the Bali-India Foundation, Somvir, said several yoga movements were very helpful for dancers, particularly the Cakrasan and Gomukasan movements.

Somvir said Cakrasan, a backward-arching movement, was helpful to warm down the body after a dance session while Gomukasan was an arm routine designed to regulate blood circulation.

Another movement, the Uttan Padasana, he said, involved lying on one’s back with legs raised, and assists in strengthening core balance.

“There are plenty of yoga movements which can return the body to its normal state after practicing dance routines,” said Somvir.

“Basically, yoga is very useful for many things, ranging from health to art.”

The festival, which will run until March 10, will not only involve yoga practitioners and enthusiasts but also artists and intellectuals who will discuss various issues related to yoga.

Various seminars will be held on yoga-related themes such as the arts, beauty, ecology, health, lifestyle, peace, pluralism and philosophy.