In his first public Satsang at Isha Yoga Center in more than a year, Sadhguru urged people to make Tamil Nadu’s Covid-free by continuing to follow social protocols and acting responsibly. Addressing the gathering in Tamil following cultural performances and traditional Pongal festivities at Isha’s famed Adiyogi, Sadhguru spoke about the significance of the farmer’s festival and said it was time to bring back natural farming practices and traditional variety of crops.
“Rice was once considered Amritam but now doctors are saying it is equivalent to poison,” Sadhguru told the large number of people including farmers and people from surrounding villages who participated in the Mattu Pongal celebrations at the Yoga Center .
He said that earlier, we used to have 2000 varieties of rice, which has now reduced to just 4 or 5 varieties, which don’t contain much nutrients, because the soil doesn’t have the necessary nutrition. Sadhguru added that putting back organic content in the soil was critical to make farming sustainable and the produce nutritious. On his recent visit to Isha Natural Farm which grows one of the most rich and nutritious rice variety – black rice or kavuni – Sadhguru said he found the naturally grown rice stalks exceeded 6 feet in height. He urged farmers to adopt the natural farming model which yields superior quality and quantity.
Sadhguru also spoke about the role of Yoga in enhancing physical and mental wellbeing and called on the people to commit to learning and teaching it to others. He spoke specifically about Surya Shakti that leverages the energy of the Sun to enhance physical and mental health, strengthening the heart and building immunity.
“We have about 7000 teachers for offer this practice to our people. But we need many more. All of you can learn this practice, become physically fit and offer this to at least 100 more people,” he said. Sadhguru revealed that though 4200 people lived at the Isha Yoga Center, not one of them contracted the virus during the entire year.
Various cattle breeds including Kangayam, Ongole, Kongrij, Umbalacheri and Gir, bred in Isha were on display at the venue. The gracefully decorated cattle sported turmeric, sandalwood paste and saffron and seemed to enjoy the attention of visitors.