Unit-5: IMPORTANCE OF YOGA
1. Peace of Mind, Consciousness and Soul
This topic explores the deeper, more profound benefits of yoga beyond just physical health.
Peace of Mind
- As defined by Patanjali, yoga is the process of calming the "mind chatter" (chitta vritti nirodhah).
- Practices like Pranayama (breathwork) and Dhyana (meditation) are specifically designed to slow down the relentless stream of thoughts.
- This process reduces stress, anxiety, and mental agitation, leading to a state of inner stillness, clarity, and peace of mind.
Consciousness
- Yoga is a science for expanding consciousness.
- Normally, our consciousness is "extroverted"—focused outward on the world through our senses.
- Practices like Pratyahara (sense withdrawal) and Dharana (concentration) help to turn this consciousness inward.
- This "introversion" of the mind allows us to become aware of the deeper layers of our own being, moving from a state of simple awareness to a higher, more expanded consciousness.
Soul (Atman)
- The ultimate goal of yoga is Self-Realization or Samadhi.
- This is the realization of one's true, essential nature, which in yogic philosophy is the Soul (Atman).
- The "Soul" is seen as the divine, unchanging, and eternal part of us, distinct from our body, thoughts, or ego.
- Yoga is the path that helps to remove the "layers" of illusion (ego, mind, body-consciousness) that cover the Soul, allowing its true nature to be experienced.
2. Self Control (how to control 5 main demons within us) (Healthy Life)
Self-Control and Yoga
A "Healthy Life" is not just about a healthy body; it's about a balanced and controlled mind. Self-control is a central theme in yoga, developed through:
- Yamas and Niyamas: These are the ethical foundation for self-control in our actions and thoughts.
- Tapas (Discipline): The Niyama of "discipline" is the direct practice of self-control.
- Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal): This is the explicit practice of gaining mastery over the senses, so we are not "slaves" to our cravings.
The "5 Main Demons" (The 5 Kleshas/Vices)
Yogic philosophy identifies five main "demons" or "poisons" that are the source of all human suffering and poor health. Controlling these is the key to a healthy life. They are:
- Kama (Lust / Excessive Desire):
- The endless craving for sensory pleasure or possessions.
- Yogic Control: Practicing Santosha (Contentment) and Aparigraha (Non-hoarding).
- Krodha (Anger):
- The emotion of rage, hatred, and frustration.
- Yogic Control: Practicing Ahimsa (Non-violence) and calming Pranayamas (like Sitali or Bhramari) to cool the mind.
- Lobha (Greed):
- The desire to have more and more, an inability to share.
- Yogic Control: Practicing Asteya (Non-stealing) and Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness).
- Moha (Attachment / Delusion):
- An unhealthy attachment to people, things, or ideas, which causes pain when they change or are lost.
- Yogic Control: Practicing Svadhyaya (Self-study) to understand the temporary nature of all things and Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender).
- Ahamkara (Ego / Pride):
- The false sense of "I, me, mine." It is the root of the other four demons.
- Yogic Control: Practicing Bhakti Yoga (devotion) and Karma Yoga (selfless service) to dissolve the ego.
3. Significance of International yoga day
What is it?
- Date: International Day of Yoga (IDY) is celebrated every year on June 21st.
- Origin: It was proposed by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during his speech at the UN General Assembly in 2014. The proposal was adopted by a record 177 member states.
- Why June 21st? This date is the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day of the year. It holds special spiritual significance in many parts of the world.
Significance
- Global Awareness: It has massively increased global awareness of the benefits of yoga, not just as a physical exercise, but as a holistic practice for well-being.
- Promotion of Public Health: It presents yoga as a simple, accessible, and powerful tool for preventing non-communicable diseases (like stress, diabetes, hypertension) and promoting positive mental health.
- Unity and Harmony: Yoga means "union." The day serves as a symbol of global unity, bringing together millions of people across all cultures, religions, and borders to practice together for peace and harmony.
- Cultural Diplomacy: It highlights yoga as one of India's most significant cultural contributions to the world, promoting a message of health and peace.