Gorakhpur, Jan 13 (Reporter) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday emphasised the profound connection between Ayurveda, Yoga, and Nathpanth and said that all three share a common belief system centred around the importance of a healthy body for spiritual growth. The CM was addressing a special lecture on the second day of the three-day international seminar organized by the Guru Gorakhnath Institute of Medical Sciences (Ayurveda College) at Mahayogi Gorakhnath University’s Arogya Dham. Quoting the ancient Indian wisdom, 'Sharir Madhyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam' (the body is the medium for practising religion), he highlighted that a healthy body is essential for fulfilling spiritual, moral, and worldly duties, ultimately leading to salvation. Yogi stressed that the principles of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Nathpanth all converge on the importance of maintaining a disciplined and healthy lifestyle for spiritual advancement. He said that Ayurveda, Yoga, and Nathpanth all emphasise discipline and self-control to maintain physical health. "Ayurveda focuses on natural healing through medicines and Panchakarma treatments, while Yoga promotes health through practices such as Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Laya Yoga, and Kriya Yoga. Nathpanth’s Hatha Yogis combines yogic practices with Khatkarma techniques to strengthen the body," he said. The CM highlighted that all three traditions share the belief in the body being composed of five elements (Panchabhautik). "Ayurveda views health issues as imbalances in Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and the Nath tradition also emphasises balancing these elements through self-discipline and yogic practices," he said. He said, "Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath emphasised that the universe resides within the human body, stating that the elements present in the universe also exist within us." Yogi elaborated on the teachings of the Nath tradition, emphasising the importance of Niyam-Sanyam (self-discipline), pointing out that Yoga has been instrumental in connecting individuals with these values. He stressed that the purification of conscience can only be achieved through this and the Nath Yogis have provided a unique approach to this through functional yoga practices. He explained that Nath Yogis have detailed the benefits of specific yogic actions and mentioned that several prominent yoga asanas, such as Gorakh Asan, Matsyendra Asana, and Gomukhasana, have been named after Nath Yogis. The CM elaborated on the Nath tradition, where every Nath Yogi wears a sacred thread that creates awareness about the body's energy channels. He affirmed that yoga is an integral part of every Nath Yogi's life, fostering both physical wellness and spiritual discipline. Discussing the teachings of Guru Gorakhnath, Yogi emphasised the importance of exploring higher dimensions of consciousness. "Along with the conscious mind, Guru Gorakhnath taught techniques to expand awareness beyond the conscious mind, helping yogis unlock the potential of the subconscious and unconscious mind through deep meditation and spiritual practices," he said. He explained that yogic practices not only promote physical well-being but also serve as a medium to attain the Ashta Siddhis and Nava Nidhis. He emphasised the role of Pranayama in balancing the mind and body, comparing its importance to the vital necessity of breath for sustaining life. Yogi highlighted the resurgence of India’s ancient wisdom, stating that the nation had once distanced itself from its rich heritage, leading to a period of cultural inferiority. He pointed out how ancient Ayurvedic medicines were once patented by outsiders, stripping India of its intellectual legacy. However, he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for reviving global interest in Ayurveda and Yoga, with India reclaiming its rightful place as the origin of these sciences. He also expressed pride in the growing global acceptance of Ayurvedic treatments and yogic practices, emphasising how India’s ancient wisdom is once again being acknowledged and respected worldwide. The CM highlighted that the civilization and culture of India are among the most ancient in the world, with Indian culture often regarded as the oldest since the beginning of creation. He explained that over various eras, sages, and seers expanded and enriched this culture with their profound experiences and wisdom. He said, "Initially, the tradition of knowledge was transmitted orally through the Guru-Shishya (teacher-disciple) tradition. However, Maharishi Ved Vyas transformed this oral tradition into a written form by compiling the knowledge in the form of four Samhitas. He not only authored the four Vedas- Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda, but also played a pivotal role in furthering Indian culture by composing the 18 Puranas, including the revered Shrimad Bhagwat Purana." Yogi clarified that Moksha (liberation) is not merely the result of the death but is achieved by reaching the peak of success through righteous living. He elaborated that Maharishi Ved Vyas, through the teachings of the Bhagwat Purana, conveyed that all individuals should adhere to the path of dharma. He said that Indian wisdom does not confine religion to mere acts of worship. "Instead, it defines religion in a broader sense, encompassing duty, virtue and moral values as a complete way of life," he said. He emphasised that following a virtuous lifestyle and fulfilling one's duties with integrity also constitute religious practice in the Sanatan tradition. Encouraging the spirit of continuous learning, the CM emphasised that a university or educational institution plays a crucial role in empowering the current generation with new knowledge through creative efforts. He cited the Vedic principle 'Aano Bhadra: Kratavo Yantu Vishwatah', which means 'Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions'. He highlighted that this ancient wisdom encourages keeping all avenues open for learning and knowledge. He said that the international seminar would contribute significantly to breaking the inertia towards knowledge and inspiring innovation. The seminar began with a welcome address by the Vice Chancellor of Mahayogi Gorakhnath University, Dr Surinder Singh, followed by a vote of thanks from Dr Giridhar Vedantam, Principal of Ayurveda College. On this occasion, Yogi released a souvenir of the seminar and two books authored by Dr K Ramachandra Reddy and Dr Shantibhushan Handur. Before his address, he also visited stalls set up by Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers, including Dabur, Vaidyanath, Sridhuta Papeshwar, Aimil, Himalaya, and Vaidyaratnam...////...