Yoga: From Ancient Indian Philosophy to a Global Health Movement
By Prof. Colonel Shiv Singh Sarangdevot, Vice Chancellor, Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth (Deemed-to-be University), Udaipur, Rajasthan
Introduction
Among the most ancient and influential lifestyle practices of India is Yoga, a path not just for physical fitness but for the holistic development of mind, body, and spirit. In today’s fast-paced, stress-laden world, yoga has emerged as a soothing and transformative solution. The celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21 is not only a global acknowledgment of Indian culture but also a worldwide movement that inspires humanity toward a balanced, healthy, and joyful life.
Meaning and Definition of Yoga
The word Yoga originates from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning to unite. It symbolizes the union of the individual self with the universal consciousness. According to Patanjali:
“Yogaschitta-vritti-nirodhah”
(Yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the mind.)
Yoga connects a person with their inner consciousness. It is not merely a set of postures but a science encompassing discipline, meditation, moderation, conduct, and internal purification.
History of Yoga
Yoga has a history spanning thousands of years, with references found in the Vedas and Upanishads. Sage Patanjali codified yoga around 200 BCE in the form of the Yoga Sutras. The Bhagavad Gita also elaborates on different paths of yoga such as Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Karma Yoga.
Excavations from the Indus Valley Civilization have unearthed seals depicting yogic postures, highlighting yoga as an intrinsic part of India’s cultural soul.
Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga)
Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga includes eight stages:
Yama – Ethical restraints (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha)
Niyama – Personal disciplines (Shauch, Santosh, Tapas, Svadhyaya, Ishwar Pranidhan)
Asana – Physical postures
Pranayama – Breath regulation
Pratyahara – Withdrawal of senses
Dharana – Concentration
Dhyana – Meditation
Samadhi – Experience of spiritual absorption
Types of Yoga
Various branches of yoga cater to different needs and personalities:
Hatha Yoga – Physical and mental purification
Raja Yoga – Focuses on meditation and samadhi
Karma Yoga – Selfless action
Jnana Yoga – Path of wisdom and self-inquiry
Bhakti Yoga – Devotion and surrender
Kundalini Yoga – Awakening inner energy
Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Power Yoga – Modern styles of yoga
Benefits of Yoga
1. Physical Benefits:
Improves flexibility of muscles and joints
Enhances blood circulation
Strengthens digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems
Boosts immunity
2. Mental Benefits:
Reduces stress and anxiety
Improves concentration
Promotes emotional balance and peace
Helps with insomnia and depression
3. Spiritual Benefits:
Deepens self-awareness
Develops a positive outlook toward life
Leads to inner purification through meditation and discipline
Key Yoga Asanas
Tadasana – Improves height and posture
Vrikshasana – Enhances concentration and balance
Bhujangasana – Benefits the spine
Pavanmuktasana – Aids digestion
Ardha Matsyendrasana – Increases spinal flexibility
Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Naukasana – For digestion and core strength
Sarvangasana, Halasana, Shirshasana – Enhance blood flow to the brain
Pranayama and Meditation
Pranayama is the practice of breath regulation. It balances energy flow in the body. Common techniques include:
Anulom-Vilom
Bhramari
Kapalbhati
Sheetali and Sheetkari
Meditation calms mental waves and leads to self-realization and tranquility.
International Yoga Day
Introduction:
The United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as International Yoga Day on December 11, 2014, following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The first celebration was held on June 21, 2015.
Why June 21?
It is the day of Summer Solstice, representing the transition to Uttarayan (northward movement of the sun), considered spiritually significant.
Objectives:
Raise global awareness about yoga
Encourage stress-free and healthy living
Promote a health-conscious mindset
Showcase India’s cultural heritage on a global platform
Yoga in Modern Life
In a world plagued by stress, insomnia, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, yoga has emerged as a natural and holistic solution.
Yoga in Workplaces:
Many companies now conduct yoga sessions for employees, improving productivity and mental well-being.
Yoga in Schools:
Yoga is encouraged in schools to enhance students’ concentration, memory, discipline, and mental balance.
Yoga in the Digital Age:
With online yoga classes, mobile apps, and YouTube channels, anyone can now practice yoga from the comfort of home.
Yoga for Women
Yoga plays a vital role in maintaining women’s physical and hormonal balance:
Relieves menstrual discomfort
Prenatal yoga supports pregnancy
Helps with thyroid, obesity, and PCOS
Yoga – A Global Movement
Today, yoga enjoys immense popularity in countries like the USA, Australia, Japan, and across Europe. Many foreign universities have incorporated yoga into their curriculum. Becoming a certified yoga instructor is now a respected and sought-after career.
Yoga and Ayurveda
Yoga and Ayurveda are complementary Indian systems of health. While yoga activates and aligns the body, Ayurveda balances the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Together, they offer a holistic approach to wellness.
Conclusion
Yoga is not merely a practice of physical postures but a profound discipline to live a balanced, meaningful life. It transcends religion, language, and nationality – a global legacy dedicated to the welfare of humanity.
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