Page 2 - Physical Education in Ancient India (1)
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EDUCATION OF THE BODY
India has had a long history of physical education. The heroes that
India gave to herself represent not only great qualities of courage
and valour but also of physical strength and excellence. Examples
include Valmiki’s description of Rama and Vyasa’s descriptions of
Arjuna and Bhima.
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We find many prayers in our scriptures where the aspirant seeks
strength:
बलं धेहि तनूषु नो बलहिन्द्ानळु त्सु नः।
बलं तोकाय तनयाय जीवसे त्वं हि बलदा अहस॥
Equip our body with strength, O lndra, shower strength in our bulls.
Shower strength for life on our progeny. You are verily the bestower
of strength.
(Rigveda, 3.53.18)
बलेन लोकस्तिष्ठहत बलिुपास्स्वेहत ॥
The existence of the world is dependent on strength. Be devoted to strength.
(Chandogya Upanishad 7.8. l )
