YOGA – A REVERSE JOURNEY FROM SPIRITUAL TO PHYSICAL

YOGA – A REVERSE JOURNEY FROM SPIRITUAL TO PHYSICAL WITH TIME

Dr. Yogesh Kumar

Dr. Isht Vibhu

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YOGA – A REVERSE JOURNEY FROM SPIRITUAL TO PHYSICAL

Abstract
YOGA – A REVERSE JOURNEY FROM SPIRITUAL TO PHYSICAL WITH TIME
Yogesh Kumar and Isht Vibhu
Yoga originated in India and the first sign appeared in ancient Shamanism that dates back to

some 3000 B.C. The first step to put this all in printed and codified form was the classic treatise

the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali dating from 200 BC commonly known as ASHTANGA YOGA.

According to traditional texts yoga means “Samyoga yoga ityukto jivatmana parmatmanoh”

means unification of individual self with the higher self is yoga. (Hatha Yoga, Yoga Vasistha,

and astanga yoga of Charandas). These and many other evidences suggest that prime aim of

practicing yoga in those days was purely spiritual and the Yogic exercises were aids to the

spiritual practices.

Now days, modern man who lacks patience and time and is running behind physical and material

pleasure. Because of this mindset, tension, depression, premature aging and various mind-body

disorders have become a part of modern life style and the only treatment offered by modern

medicine is medication through chemicals. So what is the alternative of medication? As a

precautionary measure and also as a part of treatment to all these ailments, the modern health

sciences have introduced physical activities. All these activities have also been presented in the

garb of so-called Yoga. Thus, as today Yoga is being practiced merely for fitness, healthy body

and mind, emotional well-being, it is mere a method of overcoming certain diseases, a preventive

measure and a way of life. Thus it can be concluded that now the aim of Yogic practices has

been confined to physical well being only without any consideration for spiritual dimension,

whereas initially it was started to train body so that it can achieve spiritual goals.

Key-words: Yoga, Patanjali - Yoga Sutras, Āsana, meditation, Pranayama.

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YOGA – A REVERSE JOURNEY FROM SPIRITUAL TO PHYSICAL

YOGA – A REVERSE JOURNEY FROM SPIRITUAL TO PHYSICAL WITH TIME

Yoga originated in India and the first sign appeared in ancient Shamanism (Shamanism

stand for a religion which is based on the belief that the world is controlled by good and evil

spirits, and that these spirits can be directed by people with special powers) that dates back to

some 3000 B.C. Initially, this information was mostly oral and was shared in traditional gurukul

parampara of verbal teaching.

During Vedic period Indian education system was totally based on the Gurukul method

where great yogis used to preach their pupils orally and students have to memorize the

knowledge. There was no written material and it is noteworthy that yoga was the part and parcel

of entire education system in ancient India. And the aim of education was to develop ability for

independent thinking and action with harmonious personality. The idea of education was to

bring more beauty and more happiness for human being, by removing the causes of

misunderstanding, stupid prejudices, unnecessary sufferings, and useless conflicts. That is why

yoga was not only practiced by seers and saints in ancient India, but also it was the part of daily

life of ancient Indian society. Yoga was the training of mind and soul. But all of this knowledge

was passed from one generation to another only orally by its preachers. The first step to put this

all in printed and codified form was the classic treatise of the Yoga Sutras written by Patanjali

dating from 200 BC. His work is commonly known as ASHTANGA YOGA.

We can classify the Indian philosophy into two branches known as Orthodox and

Heterodox. Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali’s is one of the six systems of Orthodox Indian

philosophies – Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Purva Mimamsa and Vedanta. Samkhya

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and Yoga are regarded as twins; Samkhya provides a basic theoretical exposition of human

nature, enumerating and defining its elements, analyzing their manner of co-operation in a state

of bondage and describing their state of separation in release (Moksha), while yoga provides

practical techniques for the gaining of release, or isolation- integration (Kaivalya). Patanjali has

mentioned eight steps of Yoga called Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharna,

Dhyana, and Samadhi. Before discussing current status and utilities of yoga practices in modern

time, first we have to understand the meaning and aim of yoga as per the Patanjali this requires

us to see some more definitions of yoga given in traditional texts. This will make it convenient to

understand current yogic practices and their utilities for the modern men.

According to Patanjali, Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharna,

Dhyana, and Samadhi are eight limbs of Yoga and the ultimate aim of all these limbs or steps is

total integration of oneself with the higher Self. The traditional purpose of yoga practices was to

achieve total integration that leads to liberation. According to traditional texts for liberation one

must has to understand the life and phenomenons associated with it and try to overcome the

three-fold suffering completely. According to ASHTANGA YOGA, to understand the life and

phenomenon associated with it and to overcome three fold suffering, one must has to start

practicing with Yamas, which is called universal code and Niyamas, called binding rules along

with regular practice of Asanas, Pranayama and pratyahara. All these five limbs together called

Bahiranga yoga where as remaining three limbs Dharna, Dhyana, and Samadhi are called

Antaranga yoga.

Yamas, which includes Non-violence, Truthfulness, Non-stealing, Continence and Non-

acquisitiveness known as Mahabrat (great vow), where as Niyamas includes cleanness (internal

as well as external), contentment, austerities, self study (spiritual, idealistic and value based

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literature), and surrender to God (which is called rule of observation or behavior). These two

aspects have to follow throughout the life everywhere. By the practicing of Yamas and Niyamas

one must get mastery over behavioral as well as thoughts level. As far as asana is concerned

Patanjali defines asana as ‘Sthirasukhamasanam’ (PYS II/46) which means that stability of body

and mind is asana i.e. the postures of meditation should embody steadiness and ease. And this

has to be achieved through ‘Prayatnashaithilya’ means effortlessness. Special characteristic of

Patanjali’s asana is ‘prayatnasaithilya-anantasamapattibhyam’ (PYS II/47) which means that

asana has to be performed without effort and through which one can merge ananta i.e. infinite.

The word asana originated from the word “āss” means to sit, which indicates the body

positioning or a particular state on mind. Traditional texts such as Hatha Pradipika describes

only 15 asanas, Gheranda samhita 32, Shiva samhita 4 and Vasishtha samhita has mentioned

only 10 asanas. It is noteworthy here that each texts gives importance to only Padmasana and

Siddhasana for the purpose of yogic practice. Therefore it can be said that asanas was not much

more important in ancient time. Only to meditate for longer time one must has to attain mastery

over Padmasana and Siddhasana and other asanas were also meant to train body in such manner

so that one can meditate for longer duration, not more than that.

Patanjali defines Pranayama as ‘tasmin sati avasa-praavasayor gati-vicchedai

pranayamai ‘(PYS II/ 48) which means that with effort relaxing, the flow of inhalation and

exhalation can be brought to a standstill; this is called breath regulation. Here Patanjali has given

emphasis on silencing the activities of citta by way of prolonging and silencing the process of

breathing activities to stand stiff. As per Hatha yoga prana is a life force or we can call it as

cosmic energy and by expansion of prana i.e. control of prana through control of breathing is

called Pranayama. In Hatha yoga we find the description of eight Kumbhakas as well as, many

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other associated practices. Therefore we can say that in ancient time the practice of Pranayama

was much emphasized compared to asanas to attain the ultimate aim of yoga.

The last step of Bahiranga yoga is Pratyahara. Patanjali states that ‘sva-

viæayasamprayoge cittasya svarupanukara ivendriyanam pratyaharai’ (PYS II/54) i.e.

withdrawal of senses from their respective objects. According to yoga mind gets attached to

worldly pleasures through senses therefore, yoga recommends that we can control the mind

through the control of the sense organs.

Next three Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi comes under Antarangayoga, in which

Dharana means concentration of mind at one point inside or outside of the body to restraint of

citta so as to have a continuous contact of citta with subject of meditation. Patanjali states in

Vibhuti-padai of Patanjali Yoga Sutra that ‘deaa-bandhaa cittasya dharana’ i.e. Concentration

locks consciousness on a single area. Whereas in Dhyana (meditative absorption), the entire

perceptual flow is aligned with that object. ‘tatra pratyayaika-tanata dhyanam’(PYS III/02) here

Patanjali emphasizes on uninterrupted flow of consciousness at one point particularly inside the

body. Traditionally Dhyana is a process of purification at the level of existential awareness,

whereby the practitioner achieves true insight, by means of the object of meditation, as well as,

transcends existential miseries as mediators move toward absolute joy.

The last stage of yoga journey as per the tradition is Samadhi. Patanjali define this stage

in Vibhuti-padai of Patanjali Yoga Sutra as ‘tad evartha-matra-nirbhasaa svarupa-aunyam iva

samadhii’(PYS III/03) i.e. when only the essential nature of the object shines forth, as formless,

integration has arisen; this means total integration of Triputi (subject/practitioner, meditation and

object of meditation). At this stage a balance harmony is developed between individual

existences with cosmic existence, which leads to infinite serenity. Therefore it can be said that

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the ultimate aim of yoga practice in ancient time as per Patanjali Yoga Sutra was liberation of

the practitioner from the miseries and merging himself with the higher one. Here we would like

to see few more explanation given in traditional texts regarding yoga and its aim. This will be

useful to discover the real meaning of yoga as per Indian tradition.

According to traditional texts yoga means “Samyoga yoga ityukto jivatmana

parmatmanoh” which means that unification of individual self with the higher self is yoga. This

definition of yoga is commonly available in Hatha Yoga, Yoga Vasistha, and ashtanga yoga of

Charandas. Vyasa define yoga as “Yogah samadhih” (Vyasa on P.Y.S. I/1) i.e. the end aspect of

yoga is units with Shiva. “Yogascittavrtti Nirodhah” (P.Y.S. - I/2) means that cessation of all

mental modifications is yoga. “Yogah karmasu kausalam” (Gita 2/50) means that perfection in

action is yoga. Another definition given in Gita is “tam vidyadduhkhasamyoga viyoga yoga

samjnitam” (Gita 6/23) i.e. yoga is that which disassociates from pain or suffering. In Gita

VI/17, lord Krishna state that yoga is “yogah bhavati duhkhaha” means yoga is a method

through which one overcomes all suffering. These and many other evidences suggest that prime

aim of practicing yoga in those days was purely spiritual and the Yogic exercises were aids to the

spiritual practices. Traditional propose of yoga practice was to understand the life and

phenomenon associated with it, to overcome the three-fold suffering completely and to achieve

total integration with the Supreme, which would eventually lead to liberation. It is also

noteworthy that all the practices of yoga aimed to stabilize the mind activities, which leads to

unification of senses from the outer world and integration with the inner self or true self and this

total integration with the absolute power is the synonymous to Samadhi. If we look back to the

history of yoga, yoga have been practiced by the Sages with various name such as Raja Yoga,

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Laya Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Mantra Yoga etc. However,

Patanjali Yoga Sutra encompasses almost all the procedures available in different Yoga school.

To understand how yoga in modern time reverses from spiritual to physical aspect, first

we have to go through different traditional yogic texts such as Patanjali Yoga Sutra,

Darshnopanishad, yogataitariopanishad, Varahopanishad ; all these texts have given eight

components of yoga just as given in Patanjali Yoga Sutra where as in Hatha Pradipika

Svartmarama mentioned only four components of yoga known as Asana, Kumbhaka, Mudra and

Nadanusandhana. It is to be noted that Patanjali Yoga Sutra starts with Yamas where as Hatha

Yoga starts with Asana. But even though both texts are unanimously agree that Pranayama is

more strong then asanas. In Gheranda Samhita, there are seven limbs of yoga known as Kriya,

Asana, Mudra, Pratyahara, Pranayama, Dhyana and last one is Samadhi. Amrtanadopanisad

gives seven components started viz. Pratyahara, Dhyana, Pranayama, Dharana, Tartaka, Dhyana

and Samadhi. Kshurikopanishad, dhyanabindupanishad, Mandalabrahmanopanishad and

Yogachudamanyupanishad start with Asana fallowed by Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana,

Dhyana and Samadhi. Therefore on the basis of above discussion and facts it can be concluded

that the ultimate aim of the yoga was to attain Samadhi and one way or another every texts

follow the Patanjali Yoga Sutra’s Ashtanga yoga.

In the beginning of the twenty century, yoga was not accessible for common men as lots

of mysteries were in the society about it., we can call the period from 11th century to 20th century

as dark period from the point of view of yoga, During this period it disappeared from the daily

life of Indian culture and it became mystery for laymen in modern era. In the 20th century, thanks

to great yoga gurus such as Swami Vivekananda, Swami krishnamacharya , Sri K. Pattabhi Jois,

Sri Aurobindo, Swami Kuvalayananda, Swami Sivananda Saraswati, Swami Chidananda

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Saraswati, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Sri Ravi Shankar etc unveiled

the mystery and brought yoga for the common men specially modern man who was suffering

from various mental and physical disorders. At present people are crazy about yoga practice

throughout the world. Yoga has gained remarkable popularity during the last few years, and

today millions of people practice yoga on a regular basis. In last year on 21st June 2015 was

celebrated as YOGA DAY. But this big celebration brings some questions whether it is yoga,

which was practiced earlier in India to get synchronization between thought, words and action

and leads to a person towards absolute joy or just a bouquet of physical exercises in the garb of

yoga. B. K. S. Iyengar and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois were two prominent personalities in India who

attracted Westerner towards yoga, both emphasised on asanas as compared to other limbs of

yoga. Thousand of asanas and series of asanas have been developed by these two modern yoga

gurus. Now a day’s thousands of people from Europe and USA visit Bangalore or Mysore for the

practice of yogasanas on the name of yoga,

At present Yoga guru Swami Ramdev is the live icon of yoga throughout world and more

than 80% of performance demonstrated by him are directly related to physical aspect of yoga.

He is popular all over the world by demonstrating modern physical exercise of yoga. There are

some other reasons also, why people are practicing only asana and some breathing technique on

the name of yoga practice. As far as Pranayama is concerned, modern men is doing only some

breathing out and in exercises in the name of Pranayama whereas according to traditional texts

Pranayama means Kumbhaka i.e. retention of breath outside or inside after inhalation or

exhalation People are practicing only inhalation and exhalation simply. It is a different issue

whether it is good or bad but people are practicing now a day several forms of Yoga such as

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weight reduction yoga, abs yoga, hot yoga, diabetics yoga and so on is going on, on the name of

yogic practice in modern time.

In present era yoga has become as a common tool of exercises to keep the people fit in

less cost and time. According to Ankita Mehta (2011), “Yoga is a way of life for good living and

for the benefit of the body. Yoga is the only way through which the body will be fit and fine

without any trainer, without equipment and medicine. Modern yogis claims that yogic exercises

cure various diseases like obesity, diabetics, dislocation of disc, respiratory problems, arthritis of

various types and various spine problems, high blood pressure besides stress and even

cholesterol problems and heart diseases. Parents who have learnt yogic exercise are motivating

their children by teaching them yoga exercise to make them conscious about their health. Even

people’s attitude toward health has changed dramatically due to yoga, as they tend to look for

answers for their everyday problems. It is observed that many old persons or senior citizens are

meticulously learning and performing some exercise after the live discourse of Swami Ramdev

on popular TV channels”.(Cited from Ankita Mehta article published in Business Times U.S.)

The above article shows the real picture of yoga in modern time; people are practicing

only Asanas to get physical as well as mental benefits. And the reason behind this is that in

modern world our environment is fighting for survival and we humans suffer from more and

more physical and psychological stress, therefore we cannot always control them but can learn

how to face them and to this end Yoga is as good an invention it has ever been.

Dr Bijlani (2011) explained how our lifestyle has changed with time. He said, "In recent

years modern medicine has made spectacular advances in the prevention and management of

infectious diseases, endocrine disorders and nutritional deficiencies. Surgery has become more

safe and painless. Hence doctors rely on the investigating tests done by modern devices before

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prescribing medicines for his disease. But yet, people are not getting completely cured. The

reason is that the love and faith bond between the doctor and patient is missing somewhere. For

good results patient's positive response is equally important. Our body is blessed with the best

natural system that generates useful fluid in our endocrine glands and it controls the digestion of

food and balances the thoughts. Medicines and pills work temporarily. For permanent results one

has to do regular yoga and eat natural food. It also controls depression." (As Cited in Dr Asha

Mandpe article published in The times of India on Feb. 03, 2011)

Dr Asha Mandpe (2011) states, "Modern lifestyle has lost the harmony in mind-body

relationship which has caused several stress based diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart

diseases and cancer. The attempt to prevent and treat these diseases triggered a search for better

lifestyles and better strategies that converged on the rediscovery of ancient disciplines such as

Yoga combined lifestyles with potent infallible prescriptions for lasting mental peace which

confirmed by clinical studies”.

Shubhra, (2009) says “Modern Yoga practice brings the following benefits: Physical

benefits: There are many health benefits from yoga, studies have shown that yoga can relieve

many common and life threatening illness such as arthritis, chronic fatigue, diabities, AIDS,

asthma, high blood pressure ,back pain, obesity ,common cold , constipation ,epilepsy ,skin

problems  and respiration problems. Yoga also helps in rehabilitation of new and old injuries.

Psychological benefits: Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness, increase

body awareness, relives stress patterns, relaxes the minds and sharpens concentration. Yoga

provides tools through which one can cope which the pain and helps counter with the feeling of

helplessness and depression. Yogic breathing and stretching exercises have been seen to result in

better mental and physical energy and improved mood. The mental performance also increases

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with yoga and doctors suggest that yoga can enhance cognitive performance. Today yoga is

thoroughly globalised phenomenon; yoga has taken the world by storm and is gaining popularity

day by day”.

Now days, modern man who lacks patience and time and is running behind physical and

material pleasure. Because of this mindset, tension, depression, premature aging and various

mind-body disorders have become a part of modern life style and the only treatment offered by

modern medicine is medication through chemicals. So what is the alternative of medication? As

a precautionary measure and also as a part of treatment to all these ailments, the modern health

sciences have introduced physical activities. All these activities have also been presented in the

garb of so-called Yoga. Yoga has gained tremendous popularity in the last few years; it is the

most rapidly growing health movement despite it was developed thousands of years ago. Age,

religion, caste, sex is no bar for breathing and meditation techniques. There are many types of

yoga and it may be hard for the beginners which yoga type he or she wants to do. The most

important benefit of yoga is the physical and mental therapy, the very essence of yoga lies in

attaining mental peace, improved concentration power and a relaxed state of living. There are

several studies which show the positive effect of practicing asana and Pranayama on health,

spinal pain and gaining mindfulness(Bauman, A., 2007, Bhavanani, A. B., Udupa, K.,

Madanmohan & Ravindra, P. N., 2011, Boehde, D. and Porcari J., 2005, Crow, E. M., Jeannot,

E., & Trehela, A., 2015).

Thus, as today Yoga is being practiced merely for fitness, healthy body and mind,

emotional well-being, it is mere a method of overcoming certain diseases, a preventive measure

and a way of life. Therefore it has come out that only asanas, Pranayama and meditational

techniques of Yoga are of interest and significance for the modern man. And modern scientist

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find nothing wrong in it as yogasanas bring fitness and vigour to physical body, but also harness

our will and emotions to improve our power of analysis, insight and vision. They give gentle

exercise to the body as a whole including individual organs. The simplicity of technique, lack of

fatigue and non-requirement of any accessories are great advantages of yogic exercises. Thus it

can be concluded that now the aim of Yogic practices has been confined to physical well being

only without any consideration for spiritual dimension, whereas initially it had started to train

body so that it can achieve spiritual goals.

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