Practice of the Month
Yogavani in Hands, Yoga in Hearts: Moments of Distribution 
In a landmark moment for the Indian Yoga Association, Yogavani was released in its first-ever physical print edition with the February 2025 issue. This tangible expression of our yogic heritage was warmly received as members of IYA enthusiastically distributed copies to esteemed personalities, institutions, and...
Formation of the new committee for the Nagaland SCC 
In alignment with the Indian Yoga Association’s vision to strengthen and streamline its operations across the North-East, a decision was taken during the Executive Council Meeting held on January 28, 2025 under the leadership of the Maa Dr. Hansa Ji Yogendra, President, IYA, to reform...
IYA’s Gujarat State Chapter Committee reforms 
This report outlines the reformation of the Gujarat State Chapter Committee of the Indian Yoga Association, carried out through a Circular Resolution process in response to recent developments and to ensure continued and effective functioning of the Chapter. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the...
Reconstitution of Uttar Pradesh State Chapter Committee 
To strengthen the presence and outreach of the Indian Yoga Association in Uttar Pradesh, a Circular Resolution was passed for the reformation of the State Chapter Committee. The objective is to bring together dedicated yoga professionals and institutional representatives to promote IYA’s vision and facilitate...
New committee appointed for Puducherry State Chapter 
In a virtual meeting held on February 23, 2025, in the presence of IYA Joint Secretary Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, it was unanimously decided to reform the Puducherry State Chapter Committee to enhance the activities of the Indian Yoga Association in the region. Nominations were...
Indian Yoga Association reconstitutes West Bengal State Chapter Committee 
In the Executive Council meeting held on January 28, 2025 under the leadership of Maa Dr. Hansa Ji Yogendra, President, IYA a resolution was passed to reform the West Bengal State Chapter Committee (WBSCC). Nominations were subsequently invited from Life Members, Associate Centres, and Member...
Ananda Chaitanya Foundation’s transformative journey: Empowering minds and uplifting society 
In February 2025, Ananda Chaitanya Foundation (ACF) hosted a series of transformative events that blended ancient yogic wisdom with modern practical applications, touching the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The month kicked off with the Focus – Meditation Intensive Program, a two-day immersive event...
Vedic Kaya Sadhana organises certificate distribution ceremony 
Vedic Kaya Sadhana recently held a certificate distribution ceremony to honor students for their dedicated participation and successful completion of yoga training programs. The event celebrated their progress and commitment to the path of traditional and therapeutic yoga.
A Milestone for the Indian Yoga Association – Chhattisgarh Chapter 
In a significant moment for the Indian Yoga Association (IYA), the Dr. Mritunjay RathoreSecretary, IYA Chhattisgarh State Chapter had the honor of meeting Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, Chairman of IYA. The delegation sought his blessings and shared the chapter’s ongoing activities and key...
Aerial Yoga Workshop by Krish Yoga Vidhyaalaya and TMS Yoga Studio, Chennai 
Krish Yoga Vidhyaalaya, an Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association, in collaboration with TMS Yoga Studio, Chennai, successfully hosted a one-day Aerial Yoga Workshop on 15th March 2025. The session was led by Dr. C. Kamatchi, Founder of Krish Yoga Vidhyaalaya, who shared insightful...



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28 Apr 2025

Blog

Transforming Ourselves From Within
Editorial

Transforming Ourselves From Within 

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.

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