Blindness and Yoga

Abstract

Evidence is presented to highlight two aspects of blindness; namely, physical inactivity leading to poor physical fitness and the state of anxiety which accompanies unguided blind mobility. Evidence is further presented to show that physical fitness may be achieved painlessly by means of Hatha Yoga and that anxiety may be reduced and the lasting effects of anxiety moderated by the practice of meditation. It is the author's suggestion that, given these two findings, it would be appropriate to encourage blind people in Yogic practices. An attempt is made, on behalf of the blind population, to extract from the vast storehouse of Yogic knowledge those aspects which are likely to be beneficial; an unashamed application of pragmatic eclecticism.