Health and Yoga

Health and Yoga

What is health? It is a state of equilibrium of the three humours of the body, viz., Vata, Pitta and Kapha (wind, bile and phlegm), wherein the mind and all the organs of the body work in harmony and concord, and the man enjoys peace and happiness, and performs his duties of life with comfort and ease. It is that condition in which man has a good digestion and a good appetite, normal breathing and pulse, a good quantity and quality of blood, strong nerves and a calm mind, a sound mind in a sound body, a free movement of bowels, normal state of urine, rosy cheeks, shining face and sparkling eyes. It is that state in which a man jumps, sings, smiles, laughs, whistles and moves about hither and thither with joy and ecstasy. It is that condition in which he can think properly, speak properly and act with alacrity, nimbleness and vigilance.

This desirable state is coveted by all. A life with good health is a great blessing indeed. What is the earthly use of wealth and possession, if a man cannot eat well on account of disease of his stomach, if he cannot walk on account of rheumatism or paralysis, if he cannot see the beautiful scenery, of nature on account of cataract or any defective vision, if he cannot copulate on account of impotency. A great thinker says: “Give me health and a day: I will make the pomp of emperors ridiculous.” Life without good health is a miserable condition, even if one is the Lord of the whole earth.

Man enjoys good health on account of good Karmas done in his previous birth. He who has done meritorious services in his previous incarnation, he who has shared what he had with others, he who has helped the poor and the needy, he who has done worship, meditation, Yogic Kriyas and Pranayama in his previous birth, enjoys sound health in this birth. The law of causation is inexorable and unrelenting.

What is the greatest thing that a man can achieve in this world? It is Self-realisation. What are the advantages or benefits of Self-realisation? Why should we attempt Self-realisation at all? The attainment of Atma Jnana or realisation of the identity of the Jiva (individual soul) and Brahman (supreme soul) can alone put an end to the wheel of birth and death with its concomitant evils of disease, old age, pain, suffering, worries and various other sorts of trouble. It is Atma Jnana alone that can give you unalloyed eternal bliss, supreme peace, highest knowledge and immortality.

The next question is, why should we have good health? We should have good health in order that we may achieve the four kinds of Purushartha-Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha (righteousness, wealth, desires and liberation). If you do virtuous deeds, you will get wealth and you can gratify your worldly desires. Then you can attempt realisation of the Self. Without good health you cannot achieve anything.

Without good health you cannot perform any service of Nishkamya Karma Yoga. Without good health you cannot do Asanas and Pranayama. That is the reason why scriptures declare that this body is a boat to cross the ocean of Samsara, an instrument for doing virtuous deeds and attaining Moksha. That is the reason why, in Charaka Samhita you will find: Dharmartha Kamamokshanam Arogyam moolam uttamam�health is the best thing in this world.

An aspirant should be free from Adhi and Vyadhi (diseases of the mind and the body), if he wants to do Karma Yoga and attain knowledge of the Self. According to the science of Yoga all physical diseases take their origin in the diseases of the mind, from an unhealthy state of mind. The Western psychologists also corroborate this fact. They say that the diseases of the body are attributable to hatred, anger, worry, depression, etc., which corrode the mind and react on the body and bring about various physical diseases by destroying the cells of the body.

A student of Karma Yoga should have an elementary knowledge of Raja Yoga, psychology, Ayurveda, physiology, family medicine, hygiene, Sankhya and Vedanta. Then he will be able to turn out more real work easily. He can have a knowledge of the laws of the mind, also the nature, habits and ways of the mind. He will be in a position to keep a calm and healthy mind always. No one can work smoothly with a ruffled mind. A ruffled mind disturbs the three humours of the body and brings diseases in its turn. This is the theory of Ayurveda which quite tallies with the theory of Raja Yoga and the theory of Western psychologists. He can have an understanding of the laws of the universe and the operation of the world by having a knowledge of the Sankhya philosophy of Kapila Muni. An elementary knowledge of astrology is of immense value. The various Ritus or seasons are brought about by the movement of the earth round the sun. The atmospheric conditions affect the body of man. The planets have an influence on the mind and body of a man. They exercise benign or malevolent influence on him in accordance with their position in the various houses. He who has some knowledge of astrology can ward off the evil effects of unfavourable planets.

At every second various kinds of vibrations from the various kinds of objects of the physical universe outside enter the mind of a man and produce various influences. The body is part of the universe. So is the mind. What is called world is only mind. The mind of a man is affected by the thoughts and opinions of others. There is pressure of thought from outside. All people entertain personal thoughts and the Karma Yogi should have immense strength to act against these outside thoughts. He should have courage. He should have patience and perseverance. Even if he fails twenty times he should stick to his work with determination and leech-like tenacity, adamantine will and asinine patience. Then only will he have perfect success in the end. He will come out of the field with spiritual laurels, Atmic victory and Atmic Svarajya.

Study of Sankhya philosophy will give you a knowledge of the creation of the universe, how the mind is formed, how the organs of action and sensation are formed, what are Tanmatras or rudimentary root elements, what is Mahat-tattva, what is Purusha and Prakriti, what are the three Gunas, how they operate and influence a man, how they affect the health and mentality of a man and how to get knowledge of the Purusha. Sankhya and Yoga of Patanjali are complimentary. Vedanta is only an amplification and fulfilment of Sankhya.

Good physical health can be achieved and also maintained by observing rigidly the laws of health and the rules of hygiene, by taking wholesome, light, substantial, easily digestible, nutritious, bland food or Sattvic diet, and by inhaling pure air, by regular exercise, by daily cold bath, by observing moderation in eating, drinking, sexual intercourse, etc. Good mental health can be attained and maintained by Japa, meditation, Brahmacharya, practice of Yama and Niyama and right conduct, right thinking, right speaking and right action, Atma Vichara, change of thought, relaxation of mind by dwelling the mind on pleasant thoughts, mental recreation and the practice of cheerfulness.

May we all work unselfishly with perfect harmony and healthy co-operation for the well-being of the world and for our own uplift! May our limbs and organs grow strong and healthy! May we live to the normal length of our earthly days-a hundred years-doing selfless service, studying the Vedas and developing all Sattvic virtues! May we shine with the knowledge of Brahman, radiating joy, peace, bliss and knowledge to the different corners of the world!

Health and Yoga – Balance, Discipline, and Complete Well-Being

Health and Yoga are closely connected because true health is not only the absence of disease. Real health means harmony of body, mind, emotions, and inner life. A person may look strong physically, but if the mind is restless, emotions are disturbed, and habits are uncontrolled, life cannot be called fully healthy. Yoga gives a complete path to develop physical strength, mental peace, emotional balance, and spiritual awareness.

Modern life often creates imbalance. People eat in a hurry, sleep irregularly, worry constantly, and remain surrounded by distractions. The body becomes tired, the mind becomes tense, and the heart becomes restless. Medicines may help when illness appears, but a healthy lifestyle is also necessary. Yoga teaches prevention, discipline, moderation, and awareness, which protect health at a deeper level.

Health and Yoga begin with the body. The body is the instrument through which a person works, serves, studies, meditates, and performs duties. If the body is weak or neglected, higher life becomes difficult. Yogic postures help improve flexibility, strength, balance, circulation, and relaxation. They remove stiffness and make the body more active and steady. But yoga postures should be practiced with patience, not competition or pride.

Breath is another important link between health and yoga. Breath is connected with both body and mind. When a person is angry, afraid, or anxious, breathing becomes fast or irregular. When the breath becomes slow and steady, the mind naturally becomes calmer. Pranayama, or yogic breathing, helps regulate energy, improve concentration, reduce nervous tension, and prepare the mind for meditation.

Health and Yoga also teach the importance of mental peace. Many physical problems become worse when the mind is full of stress, fear, and worry. A restless mind affects sleep, digestion, immunity, and general energy. Through concentration, meditation, and self-observation, yoga helps reduce mental disturbance. It teaches the person to watch thoughts instead of being controlled by them.

Food plays an important role in yogic health. Yoga recommends purity, moderation, and awareness in eating. Food should be fresh, simple, nourishing, and suitable to one’s body. Overeating, irregular eating, and excessive dependence on stimulating food can disturb both body and mind. A balanced diet supports clarity, strength, and calmness. The purpose of food is not only taste, but nourishment and balance.

Health and Yoga are not limited to exercise. Yoga also includes moral and emotional discipline. Anger, jealousy, greed, fear, and hatred weaken the mind and disturb the body. Truthfulness, kindness, self-control, contentment, and purity create inner harmony. When conduct becomes noble, the mind becomes lighter. A peaceful conscience is itself a great source of health.

Sleep and rest are also part of healthy living. Many people damage their health by ignoring proper rest. Yoga teaches balance between activity and relaxation. After work, the body needs recovery, and the mind needs quietness. Simple relaxation, deep breathing, and meditation can remove fatigue and restore energy. A calm mind sleeps better and wakes with freshness.

Health and Yoga also help in developing self-control. Many illnesses and weaknesses arise from uncontrolled habits. Excessive eating, laziness, overwork, addiction, anger, and sensual indulgence disturb natural balance. Yoga does not ask for harsh suppression, but intelligent discipline. It teaches moderation, awareness, and gradual control over harmful tendencies.

Another great benefit of yoga is emotional balance. Life brings success and failure, pleasure and pain, praise and blame. If a person reacts strongly to every situation, health suffers. Yoga teaches inner steadiness. Through regular practice, the person becomes less disturbed by outer changes. This calmness protects both mind and body.

Health and Yoga also support spiritual growth. A healthy body and calm mind make meditation easier. When the body is painful and the mind is scattered, deeper awareness becomes difficult. Therefore, yogic health is not only for worldly comfort. It prepares the seeker for concentration, self-study, devotion, and realization of the higher self.

Yoga should be practiced regularly and wisely. Sudden force, wrong technique, and egoistic practice can harm the body. A beginner should start gently and increase practice slowly. Clean habits, proper breathing, steady posture, simple food, good company, and positive thoughts support the whole process. Regularity is more important than display.

Health and Yoga finally teach that human well-being is a complete science. The body should be strong, the breath calm, the mind clear, the emotions pure, and the soul awakened. When yoga becomes part of daily life, health becomes natural and balanced. It helps a person live with energy, discipline, peace, and higher purpose. True health is not merely physical comfort; it is harmony with oneself, with others, and with the deeper truth of life.

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