Yoga, nay Raj Yoga, for ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and holistic wellbeing

Prof. Dr. Jayadeba Sahoo

(jayadeba.sahoo@rgu.ac.in, drjayadeb12@gmail.com)

Centuries ago, one of the most popular Sanskrit poets, Bhartrhari, while highlighting the specialty of Yoga, said: Meaning that ‘by regularly practising Yoga, a person can imbibe some very good qualities like courage, which protects like a father, forgiveness as possessed by a mother, and mental peace, which becomes a permanent friend. Through regular practise of yoga, truth becomes our child, mercy our sister, self-control our brother, the earth becomes our bed, and knowledge satiates our hunger.’

“Health is the supreme foundation of virtue, wealth, enjoyment, and salvation.

Diseases are destroyers of health, of good life, and even of life itself”.

This statement was made by Charaka, one of the oldest physicians in India, about 2500 years ago, and it rings true for all time. Extending the concept of health, he observed significantly, “Life is spoken of as the union of the body, mind, and spirit that support animation, flux, and the link between the past and the future”. This entails an emphasis on Yoga for a healthy and Happy Life. The philosophy of Yoga is based on the axiomatic assumption that life must be viewed and understood in its totality.

The International Day of Yoga is celebrated on June 21. Adopted under the agenda of ‘Global Health and Foreign Policy,’ UN resolution 69/131 recognises that yoga “provides a holistic approach to health and well-being” and that a wider dissemination of information about its benefits would be beneficial for the health of the world population.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated during his address to the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment, harmony between man and nature, and a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but about discovering a sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change.” The theme for International Yoga Day 2019 was Climate Action.

The essence of yoga is balance—not just balance within the body or that between the mind and the body, but also balance in the human relationship with the world. Yoga emphasises the values of mindfulness, moderation, discipline, and perseverance. When applied to communities and societies, Yoga offers a path for sustainable living.

International

Yoga Day 2023 Theme

Yoga can be an important instrument in the collective quest of humanity to promote a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with planet Earth. In keeping with this spirit, International Yoga Day 2023 is being celebrated on the official theme, “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which also represents our shared desire of the G20 as “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” This theme emphasises the healthy well-being of every individual, irrespective of any discrimination, through the regular practice of Yoga.

“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is a Sanskrit phrase that can be translated as “the world is one family” or “the whole world is one single family.” It is derived from ancient Indian scriptures known as the Maha Upanishads. This principle reflects the idea that all human beings are interconnected and that they should live in harmony and cooperation with one another, transcending boundaries of nationality, religion, race, or any other form of division.

The most popular concepts about yoga at present are asanas, physical stretches, breathing exercises (Pranayam), and techniques to relax and focus the mind. There are many kinds of such yoga: Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Sankhya Yoga, Raja Yoga (of Patanjali), Tantra Yoga, Tattwa Yoga, and many others. Today, yoga is practised mostly to attain physical fitness, stamina, and weight loss. But yoga as a holistic practice was seen as a tool to facilitate inner peace, Self-realisation, and mental purification or cleansing. Yoga isn’t just exercise; it’s a state of mind. All over the world, those who consider yoga to be a set of bodily and breathing exercises aiming at body-mind well-being are more numerous than those who consider yoga to be a spiritual journey. The health benefits of yoga are manifold. However, all these systems of yoga mentioned above involve physical stretches, postures, and bending and flexing of the body, which cannot be practised regularly by the elderly, the unwell, or those with physical challenges. To be of benefit, it requires plenty of time and motivation to practise regularly.

The term “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root “Yuj” meaning yoke, “to join”, “to yoke”, “to unite”, or “to connect or union or communion,” symbolizing the unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between human and nature; and a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is the union of our ‘will’ with nature and the Supernatural. It is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition and has emerged as one of the most trusted means to boost physical and mental well-being. It is the yoking of all the powers of the body, mind, and soul, thus disciplining the intellect, the mind, the emotions, and the will. It is the experience of oneself with one’s inner being. ‘Yoga’ is a communion of the Jvtman (human soul) with the Paramtman (Supreme Soul). Such a spiritual union empowers a human to overcome all weaknesses, viz., lust, anger, ego, etc., and live a virtuous life with spiritual awareness and compassion. According to the Bhagavad Gita, “Tranquilly of Mind is Yoga—Samatvam Yogamutchyate”.

To attain this communion, Maharshi Patanjali provided eight steps for Yoga called Asthang Yoga. Hatha Yoga (Asana and Prnyma) with Yama, Niyama, and Pratyahara is a mean to Rja Yoga (Dhrana, Dhyna, Samdhi).

In the present Kali Yuga (Conflicting Dark era), most people are leading a “bhogi” (indulgence) life. A bhogi chases peace and happiness in possessions, roles, status, and all outer achievements that gratify his sense of ‘I’ and ‘mine’. He engages himself endlessly in competing for space, position, and material resources. His actions gradually entangle him in a web of greed, ego, and attachment. A ‘bhogi’ ultimately becomes a ‘rogi’ (diseased)—physically, mentally, morally, socially, and spiritually unhealthy.

Health is not just the absence of disease but a state of wellness in which a person enjoys physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. Most diseases today are psychosomatic, caused by negative emotions. The negative ‘Sanskars (Propensities)’ of the soul adversely influence the individual’s attitude, outlook, dietary habits, relationships, and behaviour. As a consequence, norms of physical and mental health are violated. When the body’s tolerance limit is crossed by repeated violations, disease sets in.

Yoga is a way of life. It involves a satvik diet, positive thinking, spiritual study, healthy relationships, silent meditation, and selfless service. A yogic lifestyle does not mean renunciation or shedding family responsibilities. A yogi maintains his mental equilibrium even in adverse situations. He is naturally free from addictions and unhealthy habits. A yogi celebrates the spirit of love through a very deep and authentic spiritual connection with each other.

The basis of Raja Yoga is soul-consciousness, which means considering one’s true Self as an immortal soul having an eternal relationship with the Supreme Soul. The disciplines of a yogic lifestyle are clearly described in the Gita. The Gita describes the essence of Raja Yoga as “mental communion with Supreme Almighty God”: man-mana bhava; sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja.

Raja Yoga is easy to practise. Everyone in a family, including elders and children, can practise this. The aim of this union with the Supreme is to become like Him in His qualities. As souls, we have similar attributes to God. As God’s children, we human souls are innately good and pure; peace, truth, love, and bliss are our innate nature.

By enhancing the ability to cope effectively with rapid change, RajYoga Meditation can open up a whole new understanding of purpose and potential. It positively influences all areas of our spirit, mind, body, and community.