Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal
Among the myriad contributions that Indian civilization has offered to the world, the system of yoga stands out as one of the most profound, enduring, and transformative. Rooted in ancient wisdom, yoga is far more than a series of physical postures-it is a holistic science of the body, mind, and spirit. Despite being marginalized and misrepresented during colonial rule, yoga endured, quietly passed down through generations, preserving its essence until the world was ready to rediscover it.
A turning point in yoga’s global recognition came on September 27, 2014, when India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the United Nations General Assembly. In his speech, he described yoga as an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition-one that embodies the unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment, and harmony between humans and nature. His compelling vision resonated globally, culminating in a historic moment: the adoption of June 21 as International Yoga Day through a unanimous UN resolution co-sponsored by 177 nations. The selection of June 21-the summer solstice and the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere-was symbolic, representing renewal, balance, and the cyclical nature of life, all of which are central to the philosophy of yoga.
This moment was more than a diplomatic achievement-it was a profound act of reclaiming and honouring India’s rich civilizational legacy. It signalled a global recognition of yoga not merely as a physical or wellness practice, but as a living expression of India’s ancient knowledge systems. At its heart, yoga stands as a testament to the intellectual and spiritual depth of Indian thought, which has long viewed the human being as an interconnected whole-body, mind, and spirit-not as isolated parts.
The world’s growing appreciation for yoga reflects something even deeper: a renewed interest in the broader wisdom of Indian epistemologies-systems of knowledge. What is important is that it sets in motion the vital process of decolonizing our past, restoring dignity to indigenous thought systems, and reaffirming their relevance in shaping a more conscious and compassionate future.
The origins of yoga trace back thousands of years to ancient India, where its principles were laid out in sacred texts such as the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These foundational works illuminate the purpose and practice of yoga in ways that remain deeply relevant today.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, compiled around 400 BC, defines yoga in its essence as “Yogas chitta vritti nirodha”- “Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.” This succinct yet profound aphorism underscores yoga’s primary aim: achieving inner stillness and mental clarity. Patanjali’s eightfold path (Ashtanga Yoga)-comprising ethical disciplines (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditative absorption (dhyana)-offers a structured, integrative approach to personal transformation.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna, “Perform your duty equipoised, O Arjuna, abandoning all attachment to success or failure. Such equanimity is called yoga” (Chapter 2, Verse 48). This teaching highlights yoga as a path of balance and detachment-a spiritual compass for navigating life’s challenges with grace and purpose.
The Upanishads take this even further, describing yoga as a path to self-realization. The Katha Upanishad states: “When the five senses, along with the mind, remain still and the intellect is not active, that is known as the highest state” (2.3.10). This aspiration for inner silence and communion with the divine find’s echoes in today’s mindfulness practices.
In the centuries following Patanjali, yoga evolved into diverse yet interrelated traditions, each shaped by shifting spiritual and cultural contexts yet united by a common pursuit of inner harmony. Hatha Yoga emphasized bodily purification and energetic balance as a gateway to meditative stillness; Bhakti Yoga cultivated emotional devotion and surrender to the divine; Karma Yoga, rooted in the Bhagavad Gita, taught action without attachment; Jnana Yoga, articulated by Adi Shankaracharya, pursued self-realization through inquiry and non-dual awareness; Tantra Yoga introduced esoteric practices to awaken latent energies, later informing Kundalini Yoga, which was popularized in the modern era by Yogi Bhajan. Meanwhile, Raja Yoga, aligned with Patanjali’s system, was reframed by Swami Vivekananda as a rigorous path of meditative mind control.
Despite their differences, these traditions are bound by a shared vision of the human being as an integrated unity-body, mind, and consciousness in constant interplay. Whether through posture, breath, devotion, service, or contemplation, each path seeks to dissolve fragmentation and restore balance. Even modern adaptations-from dynamic Vinyasa to contemplative Yin-reflect this enduring aspiration toward wholeness, where the body becomes a disciplined vessel, the mind a tranquil mirror, and the self a luminous center of awareness. Ultimately, the multiplicity of yoga traditions converges in a single aim: the harmonious integration of life’s dimensions as the ground for liberation.
Today, yoga remains a dynamic continuum-rooted in Indian epistemologies yet continually evolving to meet the global search for harmony, health, and transcendence. In the face of rising global challenges-from mental health crises to environmental degradation-its holistic approach continue to offer offers practical, evidence-based solutions.
Modern life, with its relentless pace and digital overload, has given rise to widespread stress and anxiety. Yoga’s emphasis on mindfulness, breath control, and meditation-especially through pranayama and dhyana-provides powerful tools for calming the nervous system. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that yoga significantly alleviated depressive symptoms in individuals with major depressive disorder, validating its role in mental health therapy.
Sedentary lifestyles have become the norm, contributing to chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Yoga’s physical postures (asanas) enhance strength, flexibility, and posture, counteracting the harmful effects of prolonged sitting. Asanas like Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) promote spinal alignment and muscular balance, making yoga a natural antidote to modern physical ailments.
Beyond the individual, yoga’s ethical tenets-such as ahimsa (non-violence), santosha (contentment), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness)-promote compassionate, sustainable living. In an era marked by environmental degradation and social discord, these principles foster a mindset of responsibility, harmony, and interconnectedness. Many International Yoga Day events incorporate eco-friendly practices and community engagement, echoing the Gita’s call to live in balance with nature.
One of yoga’s greatest strengths is its adaptability. Modified postures, chair yoga, and guided meditation have made the practice accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The proliferation of online platforms has further democratized yoga, enabling participation across geographies and cultures. This inclusivity aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of yoga as “a means to unite the world,” transcending boundaries and fostering global solidarity. International Yoga Day is more than a symbolic date on the calendar-it is a global celebration of inner peace, outer vitality, and collective harmony. It reminds us that the ancient insights of Patanjali, Krishna, and the sages of the Upanishads are not relics of the past, but guiding lights for the present and future.
In a world grappling with unprecedented stress, division, and ecological imbalance, yoga offers not just physical well-being but a roadmap to a more conscious, connected, and compassionate existence. By embracing this timeless tradition, individuals can cultivate clarity of mind, resilience of body, and a profound sense of unity-with themselves, with others, and with the planet.
Yoga is not merely an Indian heritage-it is a universal legacy. And in celebrating it, the world affirms a shared aspiration: to live in balance, in harmony, and in peace.
(The author is Senior Consultant IIM, Jammu)