Yog Etle Shu?

What is Yoga?

Every year, the 21st of June is celebrated as the International Day of Yoga. Bharat initiated this movement, and the entire world has responded with tremendous enthusiasm. Because of its physical, mental, and health-related benefits, the world appears to have embraced Yoga.

On Yoga Day, we make it a point to organize some programme or the other. Once, we conducted a programme titled "Yoga For All. Yoga For Ever." The reading and reflection done in preparation for that event — let us share a little of it with you. Gamtano kariye Gulal — when something delights us, let us celebrate it like scattering festive colours by sharing!

The question arises: What is Yoga? Who is a Yogi?

At the root of the word "Yoga" lies Yuj — meaning "to join." To unite with something greater, to achieve oneness with the supreme reality. Our joining with Bhagwan — that is Yoga. But if one must join with something great, one naturally must let go of the trivial, the petty, the worldly. You cannot begin a journey without leaving the station. No matter how fine, comfortable, grand, or beloved the starting station or the lounge may be — if you wish to reach another destination, you must leave it behind.

In the same way, to unite with Vasudev, one must let go of the attachments to sense objects. The clinging to pleasures, the craving for more — these must be released. Let go of the small, the trivial, the insignificant, and take hold of the Supreme. That is what Yoga means.

Yoga is a Vrutti (inner disposition) — not a Vesh (outward appearance). The one with a long beard, matted hair, and saffron robes is not necessarily a Yogi. Yoga is not sold in malls or shops. No Doctor, Vaid or Hakim can prescribe Yoga in pill form — swallow one pill each morning and evening and become a Yogi! Yoga does not mean merely performing Asanas. Rather, it is the practice of the five Yamas and five Niyamas in one's life, the effort to connect with Bhagwan and Bhagwan's ideals. External dress, dietary habits, or other outward observances become secondary. The car may move slowly or quickly, but the direction must not be lost. You must board the train heading toward the station where you wish to arrive.

This journey of the Yoga path is also an inner journey. A Yogi is not someone helpless, pitiable, or weak. The Gita calls the Yogi a Rajputra — a Prince. And in the treasury of this princely Yogi, the first asset is a sharp Buddhi (intellect). A Yogi or a Bhakta is never a fool. Not cunning or scheming, but certainly astute. The one who is not Vibhakta (separated) is a true Bhakta. The twelfth chapter of the Gita describes the qualities of the wise Bhakta who is dear to Bhagwan.

Second, a Yogi is never dry or devoid of feelings. For Bhagwan's design — this world — and for Bhagwan's finest creation — humanity — a Yogi carries genuine Bhav (feeling), Lagni (affection), and Sam-Vedana (empathy).

Third, a Yogi's willpower — Ichha-Shakti — is strong.

And fourth, a Yogi's capacity for action — Karya-Shakti — is at its peak. A Yogi is never lazy, idle, or without purpose, but is always engaged in positive work with Asha (hope) and Utsaha (enthusiasm).

If you ever meet a person with a radiant face, eyes full of Bhav, a voice of strength, a life filled with vigour, a spirit overflowing with self-confidence and industriousness, a mind at peace — and yet, despite all this, someone who maintains heartfelt Atmiyata (intimacy) with everyone around them — know for certain that this person is well advanced on the path of Yoga. Connect yourself with such a person and draw inspiration to become like him.

May Bhagwan shower His blessings upon the Yoga-Abhyas of us all — this is the Prarthana of this Adhik Maas.