‘Yoga is union with the Divine’

Yoga in reality is not just a concept or philosophy. It is a set of most scientific principles and practical instructions revealed by spiritual masters of Indian origin to experience holistic well being for the entire humanity. Today, we have reduced yoga to a word or cliché for physical exercise. As per yogic science, yoga means ‘union’; finding union with the inner-self ( atman ) and the Supreme self. This is not through magic or rituals but by meticulous self-effort and self-discipline. Knowingly or unknowingly in the name of yoga we only practice asanas and pranayama which are just a part of Patanjali’s ‘Asta Anga Yoga’ to maintain good psychic and physical wellbeing. But even Patanjali Yoga is an eight fold process that involves yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, dharana, dhyana and samadhi . Like Patanjali Yoga, India is the birthplace for 168 different kinds of yoga. Thirumular’s Pariyanga Yoga, Agasthiar’s Sawara Yoga and Vasi Yoga are some of the different forms which still exist to experience oneness with the universe. 

Yoga is actually the process to enlightenment which has to be done in a specific way with no compromise. On this International Yoga Day, let us take the first step with pride towards a great life by understanding what yoga is. Yoga is not mere physical movement or breathing exercises. Yoga involves and demands committed disciplined training by an individual with self-effort to prepare one physically and mentally to attain oneness of body, mind and soul. The state where you effortlessly raise your individual consciousness to Universal consciousness to realise ‘One is the All - All are the One’. Aham Brahasmi!!