Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /home/yogavan/public_html/wp-content/plugins/unyson/framework/helpers/general.php on line 1275
Yoga is about personal growth - Yogavani from Indian Yoga Association

Practice of the Month

Headlines

Celebrating World Meditation Day with the Indian Yoga Association 

On World Meditation Day, the Associate Centres and Member Institutes of the Indian Yoga Association came together to honour the profound practice of meditation. Across various locations, our community gathered to reflect, connect, and deepen their meditation journeys, fostering a sense of unity and inner…

Celebrating 6 Years of Excellence:Indian Yoga Association Gujarat Chapter Foundation Day 

The Indian Yoga Association, Gujarat Chapter, virtually celebrated its 6th Foundation Day on 29th December with the theme Yoga for Lifestyle Management. The program began with a prayer, followed by Mauli Baviskar introducing all dignitaries. The event emphasized yoga’s role in promoting holistic well-being, inspiring…

Geetham Institute of Alternative Medicine hosts transformative sessions 

In December, Geetham Institute of Alternative Medicine, Associate Centre of Indian Yoga Association hosted a series of transformative sessions centered on Varma therapy, which plays a significant role in enhancing physical, mental, and emotional health. The month-long series was conducted by experienced practitioners, each focusing…

Indian ancient Siddhars and the science of longevity: A remarkable discovery byAttangaogam Peedam 

Recent research, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), sheds light on the ancient practice of Attangaogam, Associate Centre of Indian Yoga Association, and its impact on longevity. The study, titled “Effect of Yoga-Pranayamam on Telomere Length in Medical Students,” revealed ground breaking…

Tamil Nadu SCC meets to discuss way forward 

The Tamil Nadu State Chapter Committee meeting was held in World Community Service Centre, Chennai on December 28, 2024, at 10:30am. The meeting commenced with a prayer and meditation session, creating a serene atmosphere for the discussions that followed. Shri Rajeshwari Prabhakaran, Senior Vice-Chairman of…

Enriching programs at Sri Aurobindo Society, Hyderabad 

Throughout December, the Sri Aurobindo Society, Hyderabad, hosted a series of insightful talks and satsangs, focusing on various elements of yoga and spiritual growth. The month began with Elements of Yoga 1 by Smt. Suneetha Sekhar on 1st December, followed by Smt. Harshitha’s session on…

Vedic Kaya Sadhana celebrates convocation ceremony 

The Vedic Kaya Sadhana, Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association, recently held its convocation ceremony, marking a significant milestone for its graduating students. The event celebrated the culmination of rigorous training and dedication, with graduates receiving certifications that recognize their comprehensive understanding and expertise…

SSIYRC Students Set World Record inArdha Matsyendrasana 

In a remarkable achievement, 105 students from the Sri Shankari Institute of Yoga and Research Center, Gummudipoondi (SSIYRC), Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association, sustained the Ardha Matsyendrasana pose for an impressive 10 minutes, earning them a place in the Worldwide Book of Records….

Sree Bala Yoga Studio reflects on a year of remarkable achievements in 2024 

Sree Bala Yoga Studio, Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association, celebrated a year of significant milestones in 2024, underscoring its commitment to yoga education and community wellness. The studio conducted two sessions of its 200-hour Certificate Course in Yoga and a 500-hour Advanced Certificate…

Ananda Chaitanya Meditation Center launches in Coimbatore 

The Ananda Chaitanya Meditation Center in Kurumbapalayam, Coimbatore, Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association was inaugurated with grandeur on December 20, 2024. The event began with the traditional lighting of the kuthuvilakku by renowned writer Jeyamohan, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination…



Book your PRINT copies

12 Feb 2025

Yogavani

Yoga is about personal growth
Articles

Yoga is about personal growth 

by Dr. Pardeep Agnihotri,

General Secretary, IYA, Chandigarh UT Chapter

Yoga is about personal growth and self-discovery rather than competition. While some events showcase yoga skills, the essence of yoga lies in individual practice and self-acceptance. Competing can detract from the core principles of mindfulnesst, connection, and inner peace that yoga embodies.

Yoga includes physical postures and movements, its primary goal is personal growth and self-awareness rather than competition. It is often viewed as a holistic practice rather than a competitive sport. It focuses on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, emphasizing mindfulness, breath control, and flexibility.

A yoga practitioner typically engages in yoga for physical health, stress relief, or personal growth. In contrast, a yoga sadhak is someone who dedicates themselves to deeper spiritual practices, often incorporating meditation, self-discipline, and a commitment to a holistic lifestyle. The term “sadhak” emphasizes a more profound, disciplined approach to yoga as a path to self-realization and spiritual awakening.

Absolutely, Yoga promotes a disciplined lifestyle by encouraging regular practice, mindfulness, and self-reflection. It fosters a balance between body and mind, helping individuals cultivate habits that support physical health, mental clarity, and emotional stability. This disciplined approach can extend beyond the mat into daily life, influencing how one approaches challenges and interactions.

Philosophical Perspective: At its core, yoga is a spiritual and physical practice aimed at promoting wellness, self-awareness, and inner peace. Many practitioners view it as a way of life rather than a commercial enterprise.

Community Building: Some see yoga as a means of building community and fostering connections among people who share similar values around health and wellness.

In modern society, yoga has evolved into a popular industry. Many studios, instructors, and brands operate commercially to provide classes, workshops, and products related to yoga. This commercialization can lead to debates about the authenticity of the practice.

While it does include physical postures (asanas), yoga integrates physical, mental, and spiritual elements. It encompasses breath control (pranayama), meditation, ethical principles, and lifestyle practices aimed at achieving greater balance, mindfulness, and well-being. Many practitioners view yoga as a way to cultivate self-awareness, inner peace, and a deeper connection to oneself.

Yoga aims to unite the individual self (atman) with the universal consciousness or super soul (Paramatma). The philosophy underpinning yoga emphasizes self-awareness, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner peace, ultimately leading to a deeper connection with the divine or higher consciousness.

In many traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, yoga is seen as a path to enlightenment and spiritual awakening. Through various practices such as meditation, breath control (pranayama), postures (asanas), and ethical guidelines (yamas and niyamas), practitioners seek to transcend the ego and realize their oneness with the universe.

The journey of yoga is not just physical; it is a holistic approach that incorporates body, mind, and spirit. By cultivating a sense of presence and awareness, individuals can quiet the mind and attune themselves to a higher level of consciousness, fostering a profound connection to the super soul.

To conclude, Yoga serves as a powerful tool for spiritual growth, helping individuals discover their true nature and unite with the universal energy that connects all beings.

Related posts