ABSTRACT
Yoga aims to achieve perfect union between body and mind and soul by means of practicing ethical discipline, physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation. Bhakti is surrendering to the divine power that leads to a state of egolessness. Yoga and bhakti have been traditionally ingrained in the fabric of Indian cultural life. This chapter highlights the research-based validations of the benefits of practicing yoga and bhakti.
Literature, approaches, contents of social work education and practices in India, especially in the ambit of professional social work, are borrowed concepts from the West that claims to have its origins. This, at times, creates a misfit between social work praxis and practice. National Association of Social Workers, USA, advocates for culturally sensitive social work practice and, therefore, its indigenization is required. For social work to be effective in India, it needs to adopt and adapt those strategies and approaches that have originated through the socio-cultural contours of the Indian society. This chapter draws comparisons between Western philosophy and theories of social work and principles and the approaches of yoga and bhakti in dealing with various social problems and conflicting human relationships. Indigenization of social work through yoga and bhakti has the potential to offer sustainable solutions of social problems.
