Uploaded January 2017 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Suzanne Newcombe (Inform, LSE):
"Human Hibernation and 185-year-old Sadhus - Claims of life extension and aspirations for immortality in the modern period"
AyurYog Workshop: Rejuvenation, Longevity and Immortality
Perspectives on Rasāyana, Kāyakalpa and Bcud Len Practices
21 - 22 October 2016
University of Vienna, an ERC-funded Project.
Abstract:
In the modern period, the potentials for human life extension and techniques for the rejuvenation of the physical body have seen a keen and continuing interest. This discussion explore some of the historically documented cases where Indian techniques for longevity and ‘life suspension’ including the well-known Shriman Tapasviji (died in 1955) and Devraha Baba (died 1990). Through comparative context, I will consider the meaning of immortality and extreme life claims in hagiography and explore the methods claimed for how life extension was achieved. I will argue that language and practices relating to immortality may emphasize a transformation of consciousness in which a sense of timelessness and ego-less-ness is dominant and where the idea of a mortal “I” becomes irrelevant. Also relevant in this context are claims of the transcendence of pain, and ability of yogis to suspend life-functions at will as evidence of spiritual attainment. It will be suggested that this interpretive framework, analogous to ‘healing’ as opposed to ‘cure’ that has been discussed in other contexts. This kind of framework may be helpful in understanding Swami Ramdev (amongst others) when he says ‘with utmost sincerity, experience and scientific inferences we wish to state that for 99% of diseases, we have a permanent and perfect solution in Ayurveda’ (2012, p. i).
Bibliography:
Chakraborty, C. 2006. "Ramdev and Somatic Nationalism: Embodying the Nation, Desiring the Global.“
Economic and Political Weekly 41 (5): 387-390.
--- 2007. "The Hindu Ascetic as Fitness Instructor: Reviving Faith in Yoga.“ The International Journal of the
History of Sport 24 (9): 1172-1186.
Nanda, M. 2006. "How Modern Are We? Cultural Contradictions of India’s Modernity.“ Economic & Political
Weekly 41 (6): 491-496.
NDTV. 2011. Ramdev vs. Government Escalates, Both Say Trust Betrayed. Updated 04 June. Accessed 4 May 2012. ndtv.com/article/india/ramdev-vsgovernmentescalates-both-say-trust-betrayed- 110158.
--- 2012. Ramlila Crackdown: Supreme Court Slams Govt, Delhi Police; also Pulls Up Ramdev. Updated 23 February. Accessed 26 March 2012. ndtv.com/article/india/ramlila-crackdown-supreme- court-slamsgovtdelhi-police-also-pulls-up-ramdev-179184.
Suzanne Newcombe (Inform, LSE):
"Human Hibernation and 185-year-old Sadhus - Claims of life extension and aspirations for immortality in the modern period"
AyurYog Workshop: Rejuvenation, Longevity and Immortality
Perspectives on Rasāyana, Kāyakalpa and Bcud Len Practices
21 - 22 October 2016
University of Vienna, an ERC-funded Project.
Abstract:
In the modern period, the potentials for human life extension and techniques for the rejuvenation of the physical body have seen a keen and continuing interest. This discussion explore some of the historically documented cases where Indian techniques for longevity and ‘life suspension’ including the well-known Shriman Tapasviji (died in 1955) and Devraha Baba (died 1990). Through comparative context, I will consider the meaning of immortality and extreme life claims in hagiography and explore the methods claimed for how life extension was achieved. I will argue that language and practices relating to immortality may emphasize a transformation of consciousness in which a sense of timelessness and ego-less-ness is dominant and where the idea of a mortal “I” becomes irrelevant. Also relevant in this context are claims of the transcendence of pain, and ability of yogis to suspend life-functions at will as evidence of spiritual attainment. It will be suggested that this interpretive framework, analogous to ‘healing’ as opposed to ‘cure’ that has been discussed in other contexts. This kind of framework may be helpful in understanding Swami Ramdev (amongst others) when he says ‘with utmost sincerity, experience and scientific inferences we wish to state that for 99% of diseases, we have a permanent and perfect solution in Ayurveda’ (2012, p. i).
Bibliography:
Chakraborty, C. 2006. "Ramdev and Somatic Nationalism: Embodying the Nation, Desiring the Global.“
Economic and Political Weekly 41 (5): 387-390.
--- 2007. "The Hindu Ascetic as Fitness Instructor: Reviving Faith in Yoga.“ The International Journal of the
History of Sport 24 (9): 1172-1186.
Nanda, M. 2006. "How Modern Are We? Cultural Contradictions of India’s Modernity.“ Economic & Political
Weekly 41 (6): 491-496.
NDTV. 2011. Ramdev vs. Government Escalates, Both Say Trust Betrayed. Updated 04 June. Accessed 4 May 2012. ndtv.com/article/india/ramdev-vsgovernmentescalates-both-say-trust-betrayed- 110158.
--- 2012. Ramlila Crackdown: Supreme Court Slams Govt, Delhi Police; also Pulls Up Ramdev. Updated 23 February. Accessed 26 March 2012. ndtv.com/article/india/ramlila-crackdown-supreme- court-slamsgovtdelhi-police-also-pulls-up-ramdev-179184.
