Now a days, we are all familiar with YOGA. Basically Yogasanas (योगासन) have become a hot topics of the day and being adopted for health reasons. We all know that sound mind exists in a sound body. Soundness of body is pre condition for achievment of samadhi (समाधि) i.e. self actualisation as propounded in Maslow's theory of need hierarchy. In Yoga, stress is given for controlling of desires while as per Maslow's theory, fulfillment of needs is a prime factor.

Now the question arises - how can we define motivation ? Can we force the people for achieving the goal of the Organisation ? This tactice may work but only for a limited period. Fall of Russian Government (Communist) is a glaring example of this. It is a natural for a human mind to react with with the conditions imposed on it. Basically a man does not want to follow any rule and regulation by his nature. Sometimes he follows by compulsions due to his desires, sometimes due to threat for his survival, sometimes for gaining recognition etc. Be taking consideration of essential three elements - effort, needs and organisational goal Maslow advocated his famous Hierarchical need theory.

Basically motivation may be termed as `Self actualisation' i.e. by achieving of one's potential in conjuction with his satisfaction and fulfilment of needs. Primarily it is outcome of reaction between an individual and his environment. Also, level/degree of motivation varies between individuals in different situation in different time. It would sound astonishing but true that motivation plays an importanr role in the success of an individual. Simlarly organisational goal also get fulfilled by motivating employees - to get their willingness to exert high level of effort in conguence of the organisational aim, which is conditioned by satisfaction of individual needs in lieu of their efforts.

A Model of MOTIVATION (as per books)

UNSATIFIED NEEDS

TENSION

DRIVE

SEARCH BEHAVIOUR

SATIFIED NEEDS

REDUCTION OF TENSION

WHAT IS YOGA ?

Yoga may be termed as path leading to knowledge about the self in relation to the nature. Also it has been described in different terms such as:

TO REMAIN SAME IN CONTRADICTORY SITUATIONS ( समत्वं योग उच्चयते २/४८ Srimad Bhagwat Gita )

To control activity of one's mind (योगश्चित्त वृत्ति निरोधः - पंतजलि)

To be expert in one's own job (योगः कर्मसु कौशलं - पंतजलि )

Yoga was a way of life in ancient India. Basically it is the process of getting self acualisation by an individual. It can well be compared by Maslow's theory of need hierarchy. Although this theory got wide acclaimation through out the wirld, could not get support through field studies. Like Yoga it is also related to the feelings generated within the self and actions there after. It is very difficult to measure & quantify such things through studies. Also, experiance of one individual will differ with that of the other.

Similarly in Yoga, no two individual will gain same experience. The adopted path may be same but experience differs a lot. It is very difficult to measure the progress made by an individual during practice.

A COMPARISION BETWEEN MASLOW'S THEORY & YOGA

STEPS IN - - - ----------- STEPS IN

MASLOW'S ---------------------THEORY YOGA

1.PHYSIOLOGICAL----------------------------- i YAMA(यम)

2.SAFETY------------------------------------ii NIYAMA (नियम)

------------------------------------iii ASANA (आसन)

-------------------------------------------------iv. PRANAYAMA (प्राणायाम)

3.LOVE ----------------------------------v.PRATYAHAR (प्रत्याहार)

4.ESTEEM ------------------------------------vi.DHARNA (धारणा)

-----------------------------------------------vii DHYANA (ध्यान)

5. SELF ACTUALISATION -----------------viii SAMADHI(समाधि)

As already known to all, physiological and safety are externally or lower order needs. In similar fashion Yama & Niyama are means to control lower order desires. Asana & Pranayam is basically for better health. It has been included in `safety' as per Maslow. Many of us have already experienced the effect of Asanas & Pranayams and benefitted.

Love, esteem and Self actualisation are related with fulfilment of higher order needs. Pratyahar , Dharna & Dhyana are the process of advancement of an individual to a higher degree. It is basically related to contol of mind and thoughts. Now a days experts are using it as tool for Stress Management. Samadhi is a position of highest degree.