June 21, 2025 | Celebrating the 11th Yoga Day with the Theme "Yoga for Self and Society"
Celebrated annually on June 21, International Yoga Day was declared by the United Nations in 2014, following a visionary proposal by Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Today, in 2025, we mark the 11th Yoga Day under the inspiring theme "Yoga for Self and Society", highlighting yoga’s transformative power for individual well-being and social harmony.
The Spiritual Essence of Yoga in Hinduism
In Hinduism, yoga is far more than physical exercise—it is a profound spiritual discipline rooted in ancient texts like the Rigveda and Upanishads. Yoga aims to unite the individual soul (Atman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman), guiding practitioners toward spiritual liberation (moksha). As one of the four margas (paths) of Sanatan Dharma—alongside Karma, Jnana, and Bhakti—yoga offers a holistic approach to life.
The Yoga Sutras by Maharshi Patanjali codify Ashtanga Yoga, or the eight limbs of yoga, which serve as a roadmap to spiritual enlightenment through ethical conduct, physical practices, and meditation.
The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
- Yama: Ethical restraints (e.g., non-violence, truthfulness)
- Niyama: Observances (e.g., purity, contentment, devotion)
- Asana: Physical postures to discipline the body
- Pranayama: Breath control to harness life energy (prana)
- Pratyahara: Withdrawal of senses to focus inward
- Dharana: Concentration on a single point
- Dhyana: Meditation, a state of uninterrupted focus
- Samadhi: Enlightenment, union with the divine
The Divine Connection: Adiyogi Shiva and Yogeshwar Krishna
When we speak of yoga, how can we overlook Adiyogi Maheshwar (Lord Shiva) and Yogeshwar Shri Krishna? Lord Shiva, the first yogi, is revered as the source of yoga, while Shri Krishna, described as Yogeshwar in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, imparts timeless wisdom on the path of yoga.
“Wherever there is Shree Krishna, the Lord of all Yoga, and wherever there is Arjun, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be unending opulence, victory, prosperity, and righteousness. Of this, I am certain.”
— Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 18, Shloka 78
The Shiva Mahapurana (Vayaviya Samhita, Chapter 39) elaborates on Shivadhyana Yoga, emphasizing meditation’s role in attaining divine consciousness. The following verses beautifully capture yoga’s essence:
“The noble view that there is no meditation without desire. A series of intellectual vision is called meditation... The purposeful meditation is for the Lord, brilliant as the sun.”
— Shiva Mahapurana, Vayaviya Samhita (2), Chapter 39, Verses 5-13
These verses highlight the transformative power of yoga, from purposeful meditation (Sabija) to formless contemplation (Nirbija), leading to peace (Shanti), illumination (Deepti), and clarity (Prasada).
Embracing yoga for a healthier mind, body, and soul.
A Call to Embrace Yoga
Yoga is a timeless gift of Sanatan Dharma, offering a path to physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual awakening. On this International Yoga Day 2025, let us commit to practicing yoga asanas and pranayama mindfully, nurturing our bodies and souls while fostering harmony in society.