J. Clement Vaz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
J. Clement Vaz
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Vaz at Teen Murti Bhavan in 1959
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| Born | c. 1915 |
| Died | 2006 (aged 90–91) Santacruz, Maharashtra, India
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| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | English studies |
| Alma mater | University of Bombay (Ph.D) |
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| Spouse(s) | Maria Correia Afonso Vaz |
| Children | 1 |
| Writing career | |
| Language | English |
| Period | 1971–1997 |
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| Notable work |
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J. Clement Vaz (born around 1915 – died around 2006) was an Indian author, scholar, writer, and yogi. A yogi is someone who practices Yoga, a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices. Vaz was famous for his books like "Yoga Today" (1971) and "Profiles of Eminent Goans, Past and Present" (1997). He also held important roles in groups that promoted peace and understanding between different religions.
Contents
About J. Clement Vaz
J. Clement Vaz was born in Goa, which was then part of Portuguese India, around 1915. He studied at the University of Bombay and earned his Ph.D. there. His special study was about how Eastern spiritual ideas connect with Christian Ethics. He also learned a lot about classical yoga.
Vaz married Maria Correia Afonso Vaz, and they had a son named Frederick. After leaving Goa, he lived in Santacruz, Bombay. However, he always made sure to visit his hometown regularly. He passed away around 2006, when he was about 90 or 91 years old.
His Early Life and Studies
When J. Clement Vaz was about 18, in the early 1930s, he left Goa. He moved to study English studies at university. As a young student, he greatly admired India's top leaders. These leaders included Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Vaz was even among the many people who gathered at the Belgaum Congress Session in 1924. After Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in 1948, Vaz visited places important to Gandhi. These included Sabarmati Ashram and Sevagram. He also visited Nehru when he was held in prison by the British. This happened during India's freedom struggle.
His Books and Writings
J. Clement Vaz first worked on a book called "Yoga Today" in 1971. He helped write and edit it with Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra. His next book was "Maranatha Oriental Methods of Prayer and Meditation". This book connected classical yoga with christian spirituality. It was first published in 1990.
Later, in 1997, he published "Profiles of Eminent Goans, Past and Present". This book was about important people from Goa. A new version of this book was released after he passed away in 2016. Vaz's writings also appeared in other publications. These included Role of Religions in National Integration and Your Health.
Working for Peace and Understanding
Vaz taught many courses in India, Italy, Germany, and Portugal. He showed people how "conscious controlled breathing" could help them feel closer to God. For ten years, from 1975 to 1985, he worked to help different religions understand each other better. He did this in Bombay and other places.
He was also the Secretary of the 'Bombay Chapter of World Conference of Religions and Peace'. This group had offices in New Delhi and New York City. Vaz was also a Director at the 'Centre for Indian and Inter-Religious Studies' (CIIS) in Rome. He also led 'Satsangam', a group that helped young Indians keep their moral and spiritual values. Lastly, he was the Secretary of the 'International Board of Yoga'.
Images for kids
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Vaz (on the far right) with friends and Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959.
