Yoga is a holistic and integral science of life dealing with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of the individual and society. It is one of the greatest treasures of our Indian cultural heritage that enhances our understanding of human existence in a panoramic manner. Yogic lifestyle, yogic diet, yogic attitudes and various yogic practices help us strengthen ourselves from within and develop positive health. Through Yoga we can change our perception of stress, optimize our reaction to it and release pent up stress effectively.
According to Maharishi Patanjali, most of our problems stem from the five psycho-physiological afflictions (Pancha Klesha) that are inborn in each and every human being. These Pancha Klesha are misconceptions of reality (Avidya), egoism (Asmita), the survival instinct (Abinivesha) as well as the attraction (Raaga) to external objects and the repulsion (Dwesha) to them. Ignorance (Avidya) is usually the start of most problems along with the ego (Asmita). Then, our sense of needing to survive at any cost (Abhinivesha) compounds it further. Both attraction (Raaga) to external objects and the repulsion (Dwesha) to them need to be destroyed in order to attain tranquillity as well as equanimity of emotions and the mind. Maharishi Patanjali further states that the practice of Kriya Yoga (Yoga of mental purification) consisting of Tapas (disciplined effort), Swadhyaya (self-analysis) and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to the Divine will) is the means to destroy these five mental afflictions and attain to the state of Samadhi or oneness with the Supreme Self or the Divine.
The concept of the Pancha Koshas (the five layered existence of man as elucidated in the Taittiriya Upanishad) helps us to understand that we have more than only the physical existence and also gives us an insight into the role of the mind in causation of our physical problems as well as psychosomatic disorders. All of these concepts help us to look at life with a different perspective (Yoga Drishti) and strive to evolve consciously towards becoming Human Beings.
The regular practice of Yoga Asanas, Kriyas, Mudras, Bandhas and Pranayamas helps to recondition the physical (Annamaya Kosha) and energy (Pranamaya Kosha) bodies. The practice of Pratyahara, Dharana and Dhyana techniques helps to recondition the mind body (Manomaya Kosha) apparatus. All of these Yogic practices help to foster a greater body-mind-spirit understanding and bring about the union of these components of who we truly are.
Yoga helps us cultivate the appropriate attitude towards our problems and thus tackle them in an effective manner. Patanjali advises us to cultivate the following attitudes for right living. These attitudes are friendliness towards those who are happy (Maitri – Sukha), compassion towards those who are miserable (Karuna – Dukha), cheerfulness towards the virtuous (Mudhita – Punya) and indifference towards the wicked (Upeksha – Apunya).
An attitude of letting go of the worries, the problems and a greater understanding of our mental process helps to create a harmony in our body, and mind whose disharmony is the main cause of ‘Aadi – Vyadhi‘ or psychosomatic disorders. The Yogi wishes peace and happiness not only for themself, but also for all beings on all the different planes of existence. They are not individualists seeking salvation just for themselves but are on the contrary “universalists” seeking to live in a mindful manner with care and concern for human brethren.
