On 21 June, the world celebrates International Yoga Day. Thanks to the efforts of India’s visionary Prime Minister and the blessings of the ancient and modern yogis of Aryavarta, the timeless Indian tradition of Yoga has now gained global recognition.
It is a matter of even greater pride that Pakistan has also officially introduced Yoga classes. News reports suggest that although Pakistan has often distanced itself from its Indian neighbour, it has ultimately accepted the value of Indian Yoga, which is now renowned worldwide for promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This demonstrates the universal significance of India’s ancient knowledge systems.
The great Ayurvedic scholar Acharya Charaka also described Yoga as a means of preventing disease. In the Sharira Sthana of the Charaka Samhita, he mentions the phrase “Tatparata Cha Yoge,” emphasizing the importance of dedication to Yoga.
While the acceptance of Yoga has undoubtedly increased, its arbitrary and unscientific practice has also led to undesirable consequences. Therefore, those who teach and practise Yoga must approach it with seriousness and responsibility.
Several years ago, a senior official associated with a social organization was hospitalized with severe kidney failure. His colleagues remarked that he regularly practised Surya Namaskar and other yogic exercises, yet still developed a serious illness. Similarly, many patients say, “We practise Yoga diligently, yet we still become sick.”
We have also observed many ascetics who are proficient in yogic postures but remain chronically ill and constantly seek medicines. Why does this happen?
Lord Krishna answers this question in the Bhagavad Gita (16.23):
“He who disregards the scriptural injunctions and acts according to his own desires neither attains perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme destination.”
The Lord further instructs Arjuna that whenever there is confusion about what should or should not be done, one should follow the guidance of the scriptures. Acting according to scriptural wisdom leads to success; ignoring it leads to harm.
Yoga According to Patanjali
Maharshi Patanjali composed the first systematic treatise on Yoga, the Yoga Sutras. He defines Yoga simply:
“Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.” (Yoga Sutras 1.2)
Yoga possesses the power to reunite the individual soul with the Supreme Reality. This union is the highest happiness, known as Moksha or liberation.
According to Charaka, only liberation can completely remove all suffering, and Yoga is the path leading to that liberation.
Lord Krishna explains:
“Yoga is the disconnection from union with suffering.” (Bhagavad Gita 6.23)
Thus, Yoga aims to free human beings from all forms of pain and misery.
Yoga is not merely a philosophy promising rewards in some distant future or the next life. It is a practical science that can provide peace, contentment, health, happiness, and progress in this very life when properly understood and practised.
The Gita (5.19) teaches:
“Those whose minds are established in equality have already conquered the world while living.”
Again, in Gita (5.23):
“He who can withstand the urges of desire and anger before leaving the body is a true yogi and a happy person.”
A true yogi is one who gains mastery over desires and emotional disturbances while fulfilling worldly responsibilities.
Why Is Modern Yoga Often Ineffective?
Despite the widespread popularity of Yoga, many practitioners remain anxious, unhappy, and unhealthy.
The truth is that much of what is popularly called Yoga today consists only of physical postures, breathing exercises, and mudras. Even these are often practised without observing the necessary ethical and lifestyle disciplines prescribed by the scriptures.
Therefore, it is essential to understand where mistakes are occurring.
Two Main Streams of Yoga
Yoga primarily consists of two major branches:
- Hatha Yoga
- Raja Yoga
Hatha Yoga prepares the body for higher spiritual practice.
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika states:
“All practices of Hatha Yoga ultimately culminate in Raja Yoga.”
The syllable “Ha” symbolizes the solar energy or prana, while “Tha” represents the lunar energy or apana. Hatha Yoga aims to balance these vital forces.
Ayurveda similarly teaches that maintaining a proper balance of prana and apana is essential for long life and good health.
Purification Before Higher Practice
Hatha Yoga recommends six cleansing practices known as Shatkarmas:
- Dhauti
- Basti
- Neti
- Nauli
- Kapalabhati
- Trataka
These purify the body by reducing excess fat and mucus.
However, these practices are not suitable for everyone and must be performed under expert supervision. Certain medical conditions make some of these techniques unsuitable.
A purified and balanced body becomes capable of entering Raja Yoga.
Raja Yoga: The Path of Mental Mastery
Hatha Yoga develops physical fitness and balance.
Raja Yoga develops mental and spiritual mastery.
A person who conquers the mind gains mastery over life itself, while slavery to the mind leads to suffering.
Patanjali identifies thirteen obstacles to Yoga, including disease, doubt, laziness, carelessness, restlessness, sorrow, depression, false perceptions, and disturbed breathing.
To overcome these obstacles, he recommends cultivating four attitudes:
- Friendship toward all.
- Compassion for the suffering.
- Joy in the success of others.
- Equanimity toward wrongdoing.
These qualities promote mental peace and support spiritual growth.
The Importance of Guru and Disciple
Successful Yoga requires:
- A worthy and disciplined student.
- Proper diet and lifestyle.
- Enthusiasm and sincerity.
- Guidance from a competent teacher.
A true Guru elevates the disciple beyond worldly distractions and directs them toward divine realization.
Regular, uninterrupted practice, combined with detachment and devotion, gradually purifies the body, mind, intellect, and soul.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
Patanjali outlines eight sequential steps:
- Yama
- Niyama
- Asana
- Pranayama
- Pratyahara
- Dharana
- Dhyana
- Samadhi
Yama
The ethical restraints are:
- Non-violence
- Truthfulness
- Non-stealing
- Self-control
- Non-possessiveness
Niyama
The observances are:
- Purity
- Contentment
- Austerity
- Self-study
- Surrender to God
Without these foundations, higher Yogic practices cannot yield their full benefits.
Asana
Patanjali defines Asana as:
“A posture that is steady and comfortable.”
Asanas contribute to physical and mental stability and can support the management of various health conditions when practised appropriately.
Pranayama
Pranayama involves the regulation of breath through inhalation, retention, and exhalation.
Traditional texts emphasize that purification of the energy channels (Nadi Shodhana) should precede advanced Pranayama.
Practitioners should:
- Eat moderate, wholesome food.
- Avoid overeating and fasting.
- Maintain cleanliness.
- Practise in a calm, well-ventilated place.
- Receive proper instruction from a qualified teacher.
Improper diet and reckless practice can diminish the benefits of Pranayama.
Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi
Pratyahara is the withdrawal of the senses from external distractions.
Dharana is the concentration of the mind upon a chosen object.
Dhyana is uninterrupted meditation.
Samadhi is complete absorption, where the distinction between meditator and object disappears.
Together, these culminate in profound spiritual realization.
The True Goal of Yoga
According to the ancient texts, advanced Yogic practice can awaken extraordinary mental and spiritual capacities. However, these are secondary to the primary objective of Yoga:
- Freedom from suffering.
- Mastery over the mind.
- Inner peace.
- Union with the Divine.
A Warning for Modern Practitioners
Much of contemporary Yoga focuses exclusively on physical postures and bodily flexibility.
According to the classical tradition, this approach is incomplete.
Asanas should follow the cultivation of ethical discipline, purity, self-restraint, contentment, devotion, and proper lifestyle.
Similarly, advanced Pranayama should not be practised without prior preparation and purification.
Ignoring these foundational principles may reduce the benefits of Yoga and, in some cases, contribute to adverse outcomes.
Conclusion
The classical Yoga tradition presents a complete science of human transformation. It encompasses ethical living, proper diet, disciplined conduct, physical health, breath regulation, mental mastery, meditation, and spiritual realization.
Yoga is not merely an exercise. It is a holistic way of life aimed at removing suffering and leading human beings toward health, happiness, wisdom, and ultimately, union with the Supreme.
By understanding and practising Yoga according to its authentic scriptural principles, under proper guidance and with disciplined living, one can experience its profound physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
Text by HH Paramguruji, revered globally as an enlightened being and spiritual teacher, he is recognized as the only living Guru to have studied within the sacred lineage of 13 ancient universities, part of the 51 great centers of learning that flourished across India more than 2,500 years ago.
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