Dr Chandra Shekhar Bhatt , a black belt in karate and an authority in Yoga has developed a unique system for fitness combining Yoga and Karate known as Vajramukti.
Dr Chandra Shekhar Bhatt has borrowed the term Vajra from the legend of Vajrayudha in which the great sage Dadhichi gives up his body to enable Indra to make a weapon to fight the asuras. Vajra is the name of one of the major nadi directly connected to the genitourinary system. Once consciously controlled it can make the body very powerful.
When the body of martial artist is like Vajra or diamond or thunderbolt, he becomes physically excellent and this enables him to pursue higher metaphysical endeavours.
One has therefore, to be prepared to train the body in such a way as to fullfill the desires, to become a wholesome human being, perfect in all respects,with complete control over the anatomy. Vajrayudha, the weapon for the ultimate achievement is the body and what one does with the weapon is the choice of an individual. Hence while Vajramukti makes the practitioner aware of his physique, it also strives to make him aware of the higher values of life.
This system helps a practitioner physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and also helps in prevention and rehabilitation of many diseases. Vajramukti can cure a number of ailments like varicose veins, blood pressure ,diabetes, chronic constipation, excessive fats and stress related diseases arising from day- to -day life.
Says Dr Bhatt " the benefits of Vajramukti are manifold. Besides helping in metaphysical endeavours, the technique help contain many diseases and even have sexual benefits".
Dr Chandra Shekhar has named this art Vajramukti which means action to liberation---action in terms of using the techniques of Yoga and Karate---that are means to an end---that of controlling mind and body, enhancing discpline and non-violence. This fusion of Karate and the mystic Indian discipline Yoga has a common objective i.e. having a higher level of awareness in life even while searching for absolute truth.
The fundamental idea of Vajramukti is to help a human being exist in total awareness, rid of all conditionings. Its central idea revolves around living from moment to moment because life is to be lived in the present. Our minds are generally preoccupied with the past and future . This prevents us from living in the present, prevents us from appreciating what is. This lack of consciousness robs us of the capacity to enjoy happiness and peace in everyday life.
According to Dr Bhatt, the aim of martial arts and yoga are not very different. Both move in the same direction. Both help in creating more awareness and both ultimately strive for inner realisation. Many Chinese martial artists believe that the systematic approach to fighting began in China early in the 6th century AD. Their belief is based on the legend of the Indian monk Bodhidharma who came to Sanghsheen in China and taught a more direct approach to Buddhism which consist of long hours of static meditation.
To help them withstand long hours of meditation, he taught them certain special breathing techniques. He also stipulated certain exercises to help them develop both strength and ability to defend themselves in the remote mountainous areas where they lived.
Many Chinese and Japanese martial arts are thought to have evolved from this tradition according to some Chinese martial art masters. It was Bodhidharma who introduced the concept of wu te or martial virtue in China which encompasses restraint, discipline, humility and respect.
Prior to Bodhidharma's arrival, Chinese martial arts were trained primarily to fight and were prone to bully weaker people. But wu te enjoined that the martial arts were really meant to promote health and spiritual development.
Dr Bhatt echoes similar ideas in his book on Vajramukti. He says that a martial art is for the co-ordination of mind and body and not for street fighting. A roadside thug can teach anyone the basics of street fighting but it is only a real master who can teach martial arts. “When we are angry, we start clinging to anger and some chemicals are released into the bloodstream. We have created a situation where we will either fight or escape .If this anger is creatively used, we can work miracles,” he points out.
The body follows the dictates of the mind and the mind interprets someone as friend or foe. When there is no friend or enemy, a higher path opens before us. Such a mind works from a space of total awareness committed to non-violence and love. It is only when one is calm and tranquil that one can observe life as it is.
Vajramukti refines body and mind. Through Vajramukti one becomes aware of even cells, muscles and tendons. It also increases the endurance capacity of the practitioner.
Dr Bhatt's students vary from young boys and girls to working ladies, house wives and film directors. The beauty of this system is that it can be practiced even by the children and the aged.
Even an asthmatic can practice Vajramukti. The only pre-requisite is the dedication and eagerness to learn.
Vajramukti 'brings inner tranquility to the practitioner which relieves him from the stress-related diseases of modern life.
A book on Vajramukti was published at Garware Club House , Mumbai in 1995. The book was rewritten and published in Germany in July, 2012 by the title “Vajramukti ,Tao of holistic healing for ageless body timeless mind”. It is available at www.amazon.com and other leading international sites and book stalls.