Yoga – From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Practices
The eighth edition of the Indian Yoga Association’s (IYA) monthly lecture series Manthan unfolded on June 30, 2025, with yet another captivating session that stirred minds and invoked deep philosophical contemplation. Held at Anuvrat Bhavan, ITO, in a hybrid format, the session was themed “Yoga – From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Practices.”
The speaker for the day, Dr. Shivam Mishra, Director of SKM Yoga International and Vice President, GLG Yoga, Vietnam, brought a refreshing and introspective perspective on how Yoga—rooted in ancient spiritual traditions—continues to find relevance and resonance in today’s modern, dynamic world.
Manthan, an initiative of the Indian Yoga Association in collaboration with its Delhi State Chapter Committee, is a monthly lecture series that aims to churn deep reflections and dialogue on Yoga’s role in modern life. With each session, it seeks to inspire Yoga professionals and seekers to integrate traditional wisdom with contemporary realities, thereby enriching both individual practice and collective consciousness.
Stay connected with IYA for more such thought-provoking sessions that illuminate the path of Yoga in all its dimensions.
Idealism vs Realism: A Yogic Dilemma
In a powerfully delivered oration, Dr. Mishra challenged the audience to introspect on a critical philosophical question:
Are we as Yoga practitioners idealists or realists?
Through captivating anecdotes from mythology and philosophy, he explored the duality between Adarshvaad (Idealism) and Yatharthvaad (Realism). He painted vivid contrasts between Lord Shiva—embodying acceptance and spontaneity—and Lord Vishnu—upholding order and ideals, to illustrate how these divine archetypes reflect the dual paths a Yoga teacher or practitioner must navigate.
He reminded the audience that Yoga is not confined to the rigidity of tradition, but is a living, breathing philosophy that must evolve alongside human consciousness.
Tradition in Transition: Accepting Change as Yogic
Dr. Shivam Mishra’s words echoed with conviction as he questioned the dogmatic rigidity sometimes seen in the Yoga world, urging teachers and seekers alike to honor the roots but welcome evolution.
He took examples from the transformation of practices like Kapalabhati, once classified strictly under Shatkarmas, now widely accepted as a pranayama. He emphasized that this adaptability is not dilution but deepening—a necessary shift to make ancient wisdom accessible and effective in modern contexts.
The Modern Yoga Teacher: Wearing Many Hats
Dr. Mishra delved into the psychological and social expectations from contemporary Yoga teachers. Should a Yoga teacher always appear calm, composed, and saintly? Or can they enjoy a burger at the mall without being judged?
This rhetorical reflection exposed the unrealistic standards often imposed on Yoga professionals. According to him, today’s Yoga teacher is both idealist and realist—anchored in tradition but responsive to modern-day challenges. He urged practitioners to embrace their humanness, while continuing to uphold yogic values.
Arjuna or Hanuman? The Power of Questioning
Highlighting the spiritual courage of Arjuna, Dr. Mishra explained how asking questions, even to the Divine, is a deeply yogic quality. He contrasted Hanuman’s obedient devotion with Arjuna’s relentless inquiry in the Bhagavad Gita, stating:
“It was Arjuna’s questions that gave birth to Krishna’s answers.”
This, he said, is the core of yogic evolution—not blind following, but conscious questioning.
Reinterpreting the Scriptures
Quoting from various yogic texts—Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Shiva Samhita, Gheranda Samhita, and the Mahabhashya—Dr. Mishra revealed how each generation reinterprets the same wisdom through its own lens. He asserted that we are not merely carriers of tradition, but contributors to its continuation, and we must own our philosophical agency.
Yoga for the Contemporary World
In his concluding thoughts, Dr. Shivam Mishra called upon the Yoga community to be bold, authentic, and responsible torchbearers of this ancient science. The bridge between timeless truths and modern needs is not a contradiction—it is Yoga itself.
“Yoga is not static. It is a dynamic process of becoming. To preserve it, we must allow it to transform.”
