Over 200 personnel from the Air Forces of India, France, Germany and Spain practised yoga at Sadhguru’s Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore on August 11. These personnel are in the city to take part in ‘Tarag Shakti’, India’s largest multilateral air combat exercise, of which the first phase is being held at Sulur Air Base from August 6 to 14.
Earlier, German Air Force chief Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz had visited the yoga centre on August 7.
“The personnel were introduced to simple yet powerful yogic practices, including Yoga Namaskar and Nadi Shuddhi. These practices are specifically designed to help them navigate stressful work situations with greater ease and clarity, enhancing their resilience and performance in high-pressure environments,” the Isha Foundation said in a statement.
It said during their visit the personnel explored consecrated spaces, including a dip in the energized water bodies known as Theerthakunds (Suryakund for men and Chandrakund for women).
The troops also experienced Dhyanalinga and witnessed the Adiyogi Divya Darshanam, a 12-minute video imaging show mapped onto the face of Adiyogi.
"It has been an incredible experience. The culture is entirely different, and it's enriching to visit places like this and experience something so unique. The people treated us with a lot of respect and affection, and we are very pleased," a personnel from the Spanish contingent was quoted as saying by the Foundation.
A German Air Force personnel was quoted as saying, "I was here three times last week, and each visit offered a different experience—from meditation to the temple, the mountains to the light show (Adiyogi Divya Darshanam).”
Meanwhile, as many as 30 countries are participating in ‘Tarag Shakti’ though India had invited forces from 51 countries. Russia and Israel are among the countries which will give the exercise a miss.
The Indian Air Force's LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000, and Rafale will participate in the drill.