Yoga guru, Swami Ramdev, has suggested that his techniques of pranayama, popularly known as breathing exercises, could help in healing many ailments, including swine flu and cancer.
"I want to promote and propagate ancient Indian heritage of yoga around the globe. My aim is to turn Toronto into a peace haven," Swami Ramdev told thousands of yoga fans, who gathered at the Pearson Convention Centre at Toronto, yesterday.
He claimed yoga could prevent diseases like swine flu, cancer and AIDS, and argued that his teachings were based on science.
Swami Ramdev said: "Yoga is the universal and scientific philosophy of self-realisation and healing. Our personal life should also be full of austerity and self-control and a complete sense of denunciation."
He also demonstrated yoga and other meditation techniques.
Gagan Bhalla, spokesperson of the function, said the Canadian government must recognise Yoga's benefits and provide encouragement to the Patanjali Yog Peeth Canada, to promote and propagate yoga in the country.
The Yog Peeth has proposed to set up yoga and Ayurvedic research centre in Toronto on the model of Pathanjali Yog Peeth in Hardwar, Bhalla added.
Senior politicians and diplomats were among those who attended the function.
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