12 www.rishiculture.in Vol.54 No. 08, August 2023 CULTURING SPIRITUALITY THROUGH YOGA AND NATYAM 1 2 DHIVYA PRIYA BHAVANANI , ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI 3 & DEVASENA BHAVANANI 1. 2nd year, BSc Psychology, SSS Shasun Jain College for Women, Chennai. 2. Professor and Director, ISCM of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry. 3. General Secretary, Yoganjali Natyalayam and ICYER, Pondicherry. Editor's note: We are pleased to share the paper presentation made by Dhivya Priya for the Conference on "Yoga as an Embodied Culture of Bharata'' at Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF), Kerala. Her talk can be viewed at https://youtu.be/oN20AAX1BuM Abstract The origins of both Yoga and Natyam can be traced back millennia from the fertile soil of Bharatavarsha. Both are intrinsic culturing processes that are applicable to everyone striving to live the path of Sanathana Dharma. These are indeed gems of BharatiyaSanskruti passed on down through our benevolent ancestors. Yoga postures (Asana) and movements of Natyam (Adavu) focus on the central axis of the body with relation to gravity, and work on the energy centres (Chakras). Both share ancient Vedic roots and have seminal texts such as Patanjali Yoga Sutras and Natyashastra. Both these art forms mutually enhance each other's benefits more than when practiced alone. The practice of Yoga helps a dancer improve their strength, flexibility, energy, balance and awareness (Javasthiratvam et al). In return, Natyam enables the process of emotional catharsis through Abhinaya (especially the Navarasa) for Yoga practitioners. In addition, it adds up to more agility, coordination and proprioception for the individual at all levels of being. To sum up, we can say that we as Indians are blessed with such treasures bequeathed by our ancestors. It is now our responsibility to live these teachings and share the true message of Indian Culture with the whole world in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Keywords: Sanathana Dharma, culturing process, cultural heritage. Introduction The origins of both Yoga and Natyam can be traced back millennia from the fertile soil of Bharatavarsha. Both are intrinsic culturing processes that are applicable to everyone striving to live the path of Sanathana Dharma. Ultimate goal of both is the complete oneness with the Divine Self through Ishvara Pranidhana