The Science and Art of Yoga
Yoga, meaning union, is a millennial-long concept, I must say, a culture born in India. Patanjali’s ‘Yogasutras,’’ dated 400CE, is the most organized collection of yoga mantras, theory, and yoga practice, but the roots of Yoga go far beyond 3000 BCE. The present-day world identifies Yoga as a form of physical exercise to keep the body healthy. In contrast, the real essence of Yoga lies in the complete well-being of a human, comprising not only physical or mental health but also spiritual health. According to ‘Shrimadbhagwat Geeta,’ being a Yogi is the supreme goal of human life, including knowledge of Karma, Gyana, and Meditation. In the simplest of words, Yoga is the eternal balance of mind and body, and being a Yogi is to master the art of this balance.
With the success of the scientific knowledge-making process and the ever-increasing curiosity of the human mind, Yoga was also objected to. Some claim Yoga is just another form of physical exercise, while others claim it to be an ancient tradition of no use in the modern world. Scientists started studying Yoga as soon as the 19th century. Though the beginning was from a physiological point of view, Yoga has become a scientifically proven way of improving physical and mental health. And now, the whole world has accepted this old Indian tradition and celebrates International Yoga Day every year. Nevertheless, Yoga is now studied in great detail by scientists. As a result, India now has Yoga training schools and Yoga research centers aimed at scientifically investigating this heritage of India.
Although a lot of research is still in progress, the Indian art of Yoga, first introduced to the Western world by Swami Vivekananda Ji, has now become a part of people’s lifestyles across the globe. What matters the most to an individual is the effects the self feels. Some people find Yoga a fast way of relaxation and attaining peace. For others, Yoga doesn’t work. The difference lies in the art of doing it. Like all other art forms like dancing, singing, writing, etc., Yoga has a rhythm. The serenity that ‘Savasana’ can provide requires a proper way of loosening body parts and gradually slipping the mind into quietness. The same applies to other asanas and pranayama. The rhythm of Yoga shouldn’t be disturbed, and discipline should be maintained at all times. Mastering it all is not a child’s play; Yoga requires much practice and patience. That’s where Yoga trainers or Yogagurus, the practice and teaching of the modern form of Yoga, was pioneered by Shri Yogendra Ji, which has evolved into many branches, Iyengar Yoga being one of the famous names. Since then, Yoga has developed as an art form and a viable profession with 1000s of Yogis involved. This art is flourishing at an accelerating rate, and all are now experiencing its charisma.
With the accepted success of Yoga as an exercise to enhance physical and mental well-being, spirituality is also gaining momentum — organizations such as Brahmakumaris and Heartfulness practice yoga to build character and connect to self-being. Yoga is promoted as an effective way of achieving inner peace. Meditation, especially, is highly practiced by everyone, irrespective of differences. Yoga has also brought together people from different walks of life, religions, and races. In its present form, Yoga is the epitome of the principle of ‘Vashudhev Kutumbakam.’
Yoga has a direct impact on the practitioner’s life. In the stressful and busy human life of the 21st century, practicing Yoga gives you minutes of mindfulness and calmness. These few moments of relaxation are enough to shape our meaning in life while providing physical, mental, and social well-being. Knowledge from thousands of years ago is transforming human lives differently. This knowledge is evolving, and now it is time for us to grow into better selves.
