Practice Yoga For Physical, Mental And Spiritual Well-being part-one hundred Three

Practice Yoga For Physical, Mental And Spiritual Well-being

On December 11, 2014 the United Nations General Assembly declared 21 June as the International Yoga Day, and hence we are celebrating today as the first Yoga Day ever. Ancient India’s contribution to the world of science, technology and medicine is immense, and the immensity of which is being acknowledged increasingly now, in the modern world. Most of this recognition has been very late in coming forth. As a result, for example, we still teach children in India the Fibonacci series named after the 13th century Italian scientist, with no reference to Virahanka (700 AD), Hemachandra (1150 AD) or even the genius Pingala (200 BC) who explained the theory much before! The above being a case in point to show how we value knowledge that we have imported or begin to value what is native when validated by the western world.

But one could say that Yoga is one contribution of ancient India that has been actively acknowledged and adopted by the world at large. So it is but befitting that this comprehensive science to improve one’s ‘standard of life’ be given a platform such as the International Yoga Day and thereby encourage the widespread adoption of its practice. The Asana and Pranayama are just two aspects of Yoga that have become popular for their practical value. So much so that when we speak of Yoga we only refer to these two. But Yoga by itself is a concept that is much deeper.

The word ‘Yoga’ comes from the root word, ‘Yuj’ that means, ‘to yoke or to connect’. So broadly defining it, we can say Yoga means to connect or attach oneself with something. And as one’s inner Divinity is what an aspirant is supposed to be after, Yoga is a means by which one establishes a connect with one’s own Divine Self. Physical health and mental tranquillity are two milestones one crosses in this journey, or akin to two byproducts of this profound pursuit. So it would indeed be fruitful for all of us to understand the essence and recognise the value of this ancient science. And what better way than to hear from Bhagawan.

To commemorate the first International Yoga Day, we present for you excerpts from the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan on 30 May 1993 on ‘The Philosophy of Yoga’. Let us all listen, learn, imbibe and practice in our everyday life the message that Swami gives in this discourse.

In an international university in America, a physiology professor experimented in different ways. He was firm and determined to find the results, and so kept his focus on research. He is Carlton Cane. Just recently he arrived at the results. He discovered and concluded that, through Patanjali Yoga anything could be changed. Later, some other researchers conducted experiments at the university in Hawaii and recognised this truth too. Colleat, Sheaton and Johnson were the researchers and they conducted experiments in diversified ways. Among the three professors Johnson was quite astute.

He didn’t have any inclination or faith in Yogasana, but after the research results, he understood the misconception he developed towards Yoga. It is said in Patanjali Yoga Sutra, ‘Chitta Vritti nirodhakaha’. When the vagaries of the mind are controlled one can accomplish anything in life, one can improve one’s mental and physical abilities – this was also a conclusion they arrived at. They publicised that yoga is a must if one wishes to maintain good health without spending a penny and without going to doctors.

Practice Yoga For Physical – divine guidance for positive living

Practice Yoga For Physical well-being is a meaningful reminder that the body is a sacred instrument given by God. Human life becomes more useful, peaceful, and disciplined when the body is healthy, the mind is calm, and the heart is filled with purity. Yoga is not only exercise; it is a balanced way of living that joins body, breath, mind, and inner awareness.

Many people take care of the body only when illness appears. But wise living means protecting health before problems become serious. The body supports every duty. We need it to serve, work, pray, learn, help others, and fulfill responsibilities. When the body becomes weak through laziness, excess, or carelessness, even good intentions become difficult to practice.

Practice Yoga For Physical strength teaches us the value of regular discipline. Yoga does not demand violence toward the body. It asks for patience, awareness, and steady practice. Simple postures, gentle stretching, proper breathing, and mindful movement can bring flexibility, energy, and balance. The aim is not to show difficult poses, but to make the body healthier and the mind more peaceful.

Yoga also teaches moderation. Too much food, too much sleep, too much work, too much comfort, and too much worry disturb the natural rhythm of life. A yogic lifestyle encourages balance in eating, resting, speaking, thinking, and acting. When moderation becomes natural, the body feels lighter and the mind becomes clearer.

Practice Yoga For Physical health is deeply connected with breath. Breath is life’s silent companion. When the breath is restless, the mind often becomes restless. When the breath becomes calm, thoughts also become calmer. Pranayama and simple breathing awareness help reduce stress, improve focus, and bring freshness into daily life. Breathing with awareness reminds us that every breath is a blessing.

The body and mind are not separate in daily experience. If the mind is filled with anger, fear, jealousy, and constant anxiety, the body also suffers. In the same way, when the body is dull, tired, or inactive, the mind may feel heavy. Yoga helps both. It strengthens the body while also training the mind to remain steady, patient, and aware.

Practice Yoga For Physical wellness should be done with sincerity, not competition. Some people compare their flexibility, strength, or progress with others. This comparison creates ego and frustration. Yoga is a personal journey. Each body has its own capacity, age, condition, and rhythm. The correct attitude is respect for the body, not pride or force.

A healthy body also requires pure food. Yoga encourages simple, fresh, and balanced eating. Food affects not only physical strength, but also thoughts and emotions. Heavy, excessive, or harmful food may create dullness and restlessness. Food taken with gratitude becomes more sacred. When we eat with awareness, we respect the body as a temple of divine life.

Practice Yoga For Physical balance also includes proper rest. Rest is not laziness when it is taken wisely. Sleep refreshes the body, silence refreshes the mind, and prayer refreshes the heart. A person who works without rest becomes exhausted, while a person who rests without purpose becomes dull. Yoga teaches the middle path, where activity and rest support each other.

The deeper beauty of yoga is that it makes us more aware of ourselves. Through regular practice, we begin to notice our habits, tensions, weaknesses, and careless patterns. We learn how often we rush, how deeply we breathe, how much stress we carry, and how quickly the mind reacts. This awareness itself becomes a healing force.

Yoga should also improve character. If a person practices postures but continues harsh speech, anger, selfishness, and dishonesty, the deeper purpose of yoga is missed. True yoga should bring gentleness, discipline, truthfulness, compassion, and self-control. Physical practice becomes sacred when it leads to better living.

Practice Yoga For Physical fitness is most useful when joined with devotion and positive thinking. A few minutes of prayer before or after practice can make yoga more peaceful. Remembering God while caring for the body removes ego and increases gratitude. We understand that health is not only personal achievement, but also divine grace.

In modern life, many people sit for long hours, use screens constantly, and live under pressure. This creates stiffness, tiredness, and mental stress. Yoga offers a simple and natural solution. Even a short daily practice can help the body become active and the mind become relaxed. Regularity is more important than intensity.

The purpose of health is not vanity. A strong and healthy body should be used for noble action. It should help us serve parents, support family, work honestly, help society, and worship God with energy. Health becomes meaningful when it is used for goodness, not only personal comfort.

Practice Yoga For Physical improvement finally teaches that caring for the body is also a spiritual responsibility. The body is temporary, but while we have it, we must use it wisely. We should not neglect it, abuse it, or become overly attached to it. We should keep it clean, active, disciplined, and useful.

When yoga becomes part of daily life, the body gains strength, the breath gains rhythm, the mind gains calmness, and the heart gains gratitude. Physical health then becomes connected with inner peace. A life guided by yoga becomes balanced, purposeful, and blessed with divine harmony.