Mindful Living Series: Conversations on Family, Being & Belonging
A Dialogue with Shri. Subodh Tiwari, CEO of Kaivalyadhama
- Part II: Family, Conflict, and the Search for Balance
- Q. How can yoga support families recovering from trauma, such as displacement due to wars or natural disasters?
- Q. How does yoga help address the challenges of climate change, both emotionally and practically?
- Q. How do you think yoga helps families cope with the emotional toll of global conflicts and wars, particularly for young children and younger adults?
- Q. How do you make children understand yogic principles?
- Q. In today's "hustle culture" where 14-hour workdays are glorified, how can yoga help redefine success?
- Q: With increasing disconnection and loneliness, especially among younger generations, how can yoga help rebuild community bonds?
Part II: Family, Conflict, and the Search for Balance
Continuing our exploration with Shri. Subodh Tiwari, we delve into questions about collective healing, environmental consciousness, and finding equilibrium in our fast-paced world. The conversation moves from personal healing to global concerns, while maintaining focus on practical applications of yogic wisdom.
Q. How can yoga support families recovering from trauma, such as displacement due to wars or natural disasters?
“There was a very good experiment in the Eastern Europe countries including part of Russia, and now in places like Manipur,” Shri. Subodh Tiwari began, describing how yoga practices helped people deal with displacement and mental trauma. The key, he explained, lies in practices like Stitapragynatha that bring people from future or past to the present moment. Philosophy may not make any dent for someone who has lost their families, loved ones or been displaced.
“Trauma is reminiscing your past and anxiety of future,” he noted. Rather than philosophical explanations, he emphasized how simple practices – few asanas, pranayamas, meditation – can anchor someone in the present, even if just for 5-10 minutes initially. Over time, this builds capacity for healing.
Q. How does yoga help address the challenges of climate change, both emotionally and practically?
Shri. Subodh Tiwari traced environmental degradation to its root in human desire, particularly the shift from need to greed, which can be justified in 10 ways. He emphasized how yoga principles like aparigraha – be happy with what you have, and awareness can help address environmental challenges. Through examples ranging from tribal wisdom to modern environmental movements, he illustrated how awareness and balance are key.
In discussing humanity’s relationship with the environment, Shri. Subodh Tiwari invoked the concept of Kleshas—the five root causes of suffering described in yogic philosophy. At the heart of environmental destruction, he explained, lies Avidya—ignorance or misperception.
“Avidya is not merely a lack of knowledge,” he said, “but a fundamental misunderstanding of our connection with nature. When we see ourselves as separate from the environment, we act as though we can take from it endlessly without consequence.” He described how Asmita (egoism) fuels consumerism, how Raga (attachment) and Dvesha (aversion) drive excessive consumption and waste, and how Abhinivesha (fear of change) keeps societies locked into unsustainable habits. “The environmental crisis,” he said, “is not just about resources—it is about mindset. And mindsets can be transformed.”
He urged a shift from desire-driven consumption to mindful stewardship. “When you see the earth as an extension of yourself, you will care for it as you care for your own body.”
He explained this with the example from the regions of Panchgani and Wai. He spoke of how certain areas remain ecologically balanced due to historical wisdom, particularly in places where land ownership comes with strict preservation mandates. “In Wai and Panchgani, there are lands that, once bought, cannot be sold outside the community,” he explained. “This ensures that the land remains in the hands of those who respect and nurture it rather than being exploited for commercial gain. When greed is limited by tradition, balance is preserved.”
Q. How do you think yoga helps families cope with the emotional toll of global conflicts and wars, particularly for young children and younger adults?
Shri. Subodh Tiwari introduced the principle of pratyahaar – the ability to remain unaffected by external stimulus at will, like a turtle withdrawing into its shell. However, he emphasized this isn’t about helplessness but about conscious choice. “It’s not helplessness. That is the ability of pratyahaar,” he explained.
He also stressed the importance of responding rather than reacting, connecting this to the concept of chitta (consciousness) and its vrittis (modifications). Through these principles, families can maintain harmony and synthesis whether dealing with local, national, or global conflicts.
Q: How do you make children understand yogic principles?
Shri. Subodh Tiwari emphasized that teaching children requires a different approach than adults. “Children have higher energy,” he explained. Rather than philosophical explanations, he advocated for experiential learning through stories and practical experiences. “The philosophy they will not understand. The stories they will understand.”
He shared how traditional teaching methods often involved creating practical experiences rather than direct instruction. For instance, he recalled his own childhood experiences of being sent on multiple small errands throughout the day – a practice that naturally instilled discipline and awareness. “Morning go and get milk. After one hour go and get ice. After one hour go and get curds,” he remembered, explaining how these simple tasks helped build character and understanding.
Q. In today's "hustle culture" where 14-hour workdays are glorified, how can yoga help redefine success?
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Shri. Subodh Tiwari emphasized the importance of recognizing individual prakruti (nature) while maintaining balance. “We have to acknowledge and understand the individuality,” he explained. Referring to himself, he said, “I am rajas, I have to work hard or else it could go bonkers.” Similarly its different for others. But its important to note that being busy doesn’t necessarily indicate internal turmoil. The key lies in awareness and finding one’s own synthesis of work and well-being.
Shri. Subodh Tiwari linked this to Avidya, explaining that ignorance is not merely a lack of information but an inability to integrate truth into one’s lived experience – “A smoker knows smoking is harmful. A person who is overweight knows that they should change their eating habits. But this knowledge has not yet reached their conscious level… Often, it is only when faced with a terminal illness that realization fully takes hold.”
He introduced the concept of samyama (balance) and how it helps individuals find their own equilibrium without comparing themselves to others.
Q. With increasing disconnection and loneliness, especially among younger generations, how can yoga help rebuild community bonds?
Shri. Subodh Tiwari distinguished between aloneness and loneliness, introducing the concept of ‘pranti darsha’ (false perception). He emphasized how yoga practices can help break the cycle of virtual connections that often deepen isolation. The solution, he suggested, lies in practical engagement through community work, seva (service), and sports – activities that create real connections.
He stressed the importance of family and community culture in addressing isolation: “It’s not the individual who is also responsible here. A setup of the family and peer matter around.” The practice of yoga, he explained, helps develop the discipline and awareness needed to maintain healthy boundaries with technology while fostering genuine human connections.
With this wisdom, the conversation with Shri. Subodh Tiwari came full circle. The challenges of the modern world—conflict, ambition, trauma, isolation—are not separate from us. They are within us. And so, too, is the capacity to meet them with clarity, strength, and grace.
~ Interviewed by Ritika S
Methods
- Part II: Family, Conflict, and the Search for Balance
- Q. How can yoga support families recovering from trauma, such as displacement due to wars or natural disasters?
- Q. How does yoga help address the challenges of climate change, both emotionally and practically?
- Q. How do you think yoga helps families cope with the emotional toll of global conflicts and wars, particularly for young children and younger adults?
- Q. How do you make children understand yogic principles?
- Q. In today's "hustle culture" where 14-hour workdays are glorified, how can yoga help redefine success?
- Q: With increasing disconnection and loneliness, especially among younger generations, how can yoga help rebuild community bonds?