For eons, yoga has been primarily perceived to be synonymous to spirituality and is often allied to religion as well. Perhaps because all the popular yog gurus are equally popular spiritual leaders. But the reality is lot farther from this very impression. Yoga is principally a path to health and relaxation, browsed with a concoction of physical, mental and spiritual practices. On one hand, it is a technique of physical movements to improve health, and adding spiritual aspect can help to better connect with the body. “In general, it is observed that Yoga is just a physical movement and easy cure of ailments, and yes it does cure but takes time and consistency. Perhaps it is more of a preventive measure than a cure and it is more than just physical movements.” states Susheel Jain, Yoga Teacher. Therefore, yoga is not just about meditation or stretching or poses but earnestly it is a complete package in itself having sub-sections that wholesomely facilitates healthy and blissful life. Authentically yoga makes one more vivid with magnified vibrancy and its union with mediation can get one closer to the inner being.
Since its origination in ancient India, yoga has evolved manifold. From asanas and postures, chants and meditation to the modern form of hatha yoga, even Power yoga which is yet another progression discovered in America. However, associated doubts like it is not for old people, expensive to pursue, requires flexibility and other inadequate information continues to grow. Unfortunately, the varied versions available for one to refer to has made it all the more baffling.
Various forms of yoga like Bhakti Yoga, Gyaan Yoga, Dhyan Yoga and Karma Yoga to name a few facilitates the ultimate union of body, mind and environment. And almost every yoga practitioner subscribes to the fact that living in this union should be one’s lifestyle making it simple and effortless, and letting things fall in place. “The core of yoga is always physical, mental and emotional wellbeing along with the 8 limbs of yoga as defined by Patanjali. This core is unchangeable and the ethics of yoga make yoga itself a lifestyle” affirms Susheel Jain
Like any other craft yoga also requires a master to get a hang of it. But another popular belief is that all paths like yoga if believed to be spiritual, are sheer scandals. Few bad examples have further amplified the fear. But from an individual to an institution there is a large count that is ethical and authentic. “It is good to learn from a master to avoid injury and overcome the misconceptions about yoga. Humans usually don’t value things that comes for free and even quality comes with a price. When westerners and corporate can make money from yoga than why can’t the Indian Charitable organization ?” says Susheel Jain
Masses on the other hand are also traumatized by multiple thoughts of themselves being incapable and unsure, which further ruins the experience. Procrastination is another disorder to keep one away from Yoga. But people tend to forget that being centered and contented, which are the fruits of practicing yoga, can itself eliminate all the contaminants and sets the foundation of achieving anything in life. “One can pay thousands on a meal but will be hesitant in paying to learn a yog kriya, or people will have seamless excuses of being swamped with work or being unwell, without accepting the truth that all of this will remain as is, and its yoga that can guide one to deal with the same.” confirms Anuranjan Parihar, Airline Pilot & Art of Living Faculty.
It’s been very recently, specifically during Covid 19 that yoga has gained greater acknowledgement than ever before. Maybe it was the fear of losing the breath that made everyone realize the importance breath, mostly ignored but key element of our very being. It was during this time that every single individual young and old, in India or abroad, did practiced breathing exercises, typically termed as ‘Pranayam’ which is one of the key practices in yoga. Interestingly, yoga was also able to find its way to collaborate with other workout options making collective existence all the more popular than isolation. Where yoga brings endurance, flexibility and balance, other workouts provide strength. “One can relax one’s mind with meditation and then the workout becomes more focused and easier delivering far better results. With a disturbed mind one can’t even lift a dumbbell.” adds Anuranjan Parihar
We are all aware of the fact that a child practices stretches and yoga postures naturally and also breaths in the precise rhythm but as we grow older, we lose the skill under the influence of negative and stressful forces, and start to encounter the imbalances. It is said that humans are different from animals just because they have brains and if they do than yoga can’t be missed as a tool to attain rest with awareness, bringing it back to its natural being.
Yoga even after being primeval, finds its relevance in today’s technology driven world. It is actually like a mobile. The way mobile need to be charged at regular intervals, should have a sim card and should have a network. Similarly, yoga at large induces faith in oneself, faith in goodness of society and faith in higher power, charging us to last not just for a day but for a lifetime. “Although yoga is not technology dependent but refinement in terms of knowledge about anatomy and science is something which has evolved with time” adds Susheel Jain
All things considered, yoga is a mindset and if maintained assertively than can become a style of living, holistically integrating body, mind and soul. Its not just about sticking to it but also about doing it right, reiterating that technology is just a tool and we ourselves can be the leading edge of it.