International Yoga Guru and Art Of Living Founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says introduction of Yoga has helped refugees from Syria living in countries like Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco deal with the trauma of living in a war zone. The children living in the camps are smiling again and others who were feeling restlessness are able to have a good night's sleep. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar spoke to Awaz the Voice on the popularity of Yoga among Muslims. Excerpts from the interview:

After the introduction of Yoga Day, do you see a trend of Yoga becoming popular among the Muslims?

Yes, certainly. Each year, people in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Abu Dhabi and many gulf countries are participating in Yoga Day celebrations in big numbers.

 
Do only Muslim elite practice Yoga or is it getting traction among the middle and lower class as well?

From what we have seen, in Oman even people from financially weaker sections are practicing Yoga and they have got tremendous benefits. We trained similar groups in Morocco and in Iraq as well. We have worked with the Government of Iraq to bring the wellness of Yoga to hundreds of young persons. Recently, we have completed trauma relief program for 3,000 youth in Morocco.

In the refugee camps of Syria, Jordan and Lebanon, we have organized stress relief camps for those who have experienced tremendous trauma of the conflict. Children were traumatized from excessive exposure to sound of gunshots and violence. Along with children, there were many adults who could not sleep at all. Yoga has tremendously helped them to live normal lives. Many have said that they are smiling now after 4 years of conflict. 

How do you see Yoga becoming popular in the Muslim countries?

Yoga is getting popular because for many reasons. One: It is not in conflict with any religion in any way and two because it helps everyone regain their health and wellness.

With the help of yoga, people find relief from mental tension, anxiety, blood pressure and many other psychosomatic illnesses in no time. They are able to live without medicines after integrating yoga in their lives. Instead of buying medicines they are able to say goodbye to these because of yoga. 

Kindly name the countries with sizeable Muslim population where Art of Living has established its Centres.

We started in Iraq before the war and now we are present in many places in Iraq. We also have centres in Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and many gulf countries with the exception of Saudi Arabia & Qatar. We are also present in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Do you see any similarity between Yoga aasans and namaz?

I cannot comment on this because only an expert who knows about namaz can speak about it. One or two poses of yoga could be similar to what one does in namaz. But only an expert on namaz will be able to tell you about it.