No one can confirm till date when, where and how the practice of yoga originated. Human beings have always desired health, wealth and happiness. But the human body is susceptible to diseases. Sorrow pain and distress eats away mental peace and diminishes the zeal and enthusiasm toward life. The practice of meditation, developed by the rishis, enabled man to attain a healthy body and tranquil mind.
The eight 'limbs' of the ashtanga yoga are yama ( abstention), niyama (observances), asana (seat/ positions), pranayama (suspending breath), pratyahara (abstraction), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and shamadhi (iberation).
Abstention includes non-violence, non-lying, non-covetuousness, non-sensuality, non-possessiveness. This means not to injure or hurt anyone with body, mind or words; to be truthful, to be consistent in words and actions; to not steal from others; to abstain and to not accept any goods from others unnecessarily. The second limb includes purity, contentment, austerity, study and constant God-consciousness.
There are many different asanas such as the padmasana, dhyanasana and sohojason which help maintain a healthy body and tranquil mind. Pranayama is very important part of yoga. It keeps the heart healthy and enhances concentration.
Abstraction is the process of trying to divert the external senses inward. This brings calmness to mind and helps concentrate on the object of worship. Dharana (concentration) is to keep unwavering attention on a desired subject. It takes long practice to affix the attention on a targeted object. Meditation means thinking unwaveringly about the targeted object.
The highest stage of yoga practice is shamadhi or liberation. It is at this stage everything merges together. In meditation the devotee thinks about just one object but in the stage of liberation all thoughts cease of exist. The meditator, the meditation process and the object of meditation- gets merged with each other. This experience is called shamadhi. In short, this is the yoga practice authorized in the ancient yoga scriptures.
There is a profound need for a contemporary version of yoga among the common people. Of the contemporary versions of yoga existing in the 21st century Quantum Method is the most mentionable in the Bangladesh context.
Since my student life I have been very much attracted to the Sree Geeta, the main scripture of the Hindu religion. The noble messages of the book moved me deeply and aroused my curiosity. After entering the teaching profession this curiosity increased even further. On hearing about Quantum Method I thought I would go and see what happens. I attended the Quantum Method Course with an open mind and with an eagerness to learn. Finally I found the long awaited path to fulfill my curiosity. In Indian philosophy the concept of ‘yoga’ comes up again and again. For the first time I had the opportunity to translate theory into practice.
The scientific orientation of Quantum Method is clear from its name. This wonderful mix of anceint yoga and modern science had become an intergral part of modern life. In the light of the knowledge of the theoretical side of the Sanatan (Hindu) religion that I gained as a student and teacher of sanskrit, I can confidently say that Quantum Method is compatible with religious teachings. Meditation can help one practice ones religion more easily and devotedly, whichever religion he may belong to.
In ancient yoga practice, spiritual advancement took precedence over material well-being.“ But "Attano mokhkharthong jagodhitae cha”, the great message by Swami Vivekananda, means that the main goal of a spiritual seekers life should be to attain spiritual salvation and matertial well being at the same time. Ramkrishna Math and the Mission is practicing this philosophy. The activities of Quantum Foundation also reflect this principle. In Quantum one seeks out his own inner strength keeping full faith on the mercy of God and uses it for earthly and divine benefit.
Completing 300 courses in the span of 17 years is a truly exemplary achievement. Thousands of people of all age, sex, occupation, religion and philosophy have enlightened their lives by practicing Quantum Method. Students achieved their desired success. Families got reunited. Professionals got effective guidelines for a successful career. Positive changes in one person’s thoughts, words and actions inspired others to turn to Quantum for a more enlightened life as well.
Along with self development, Quantum is inspiring us to joyfully extend a hand of service to the destitute. Quantum has special trainings for healing oneself and others, a program for voluntary blood donation, a school for educating poverty stricken and helpless children and a host of other humanitarian activities. In many years of teaching I have very observed the young generation very closely. Despite the many elements in the society that can lead one astray, the youth are now able to participate in human service and self-development through the Quantum Foundation. I believe in the future each of them will become unique and extraordinary humanbeings.