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Yoga Day: Beyond Asanas and the Importance of Indian Languages

Swati Banerjee

Jun 8, 2025 • 6 min read

Yoga, an ancient practice rooted in Hindu philosophy, has gained global recognition for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. While many associate yoga with physical postures (Asanas), it is much more than just exercise—it is a way of life that integrates discipline, mindfulness, and inner harmony. International Yoga Day, celebrated on June 21st, highlights this profound tradition, encouraging people worldwide to embrace its holistic approach. But why was this date chosen, and what makes yoga so much more than just stretching? Understanding its deeper dimensions requires exploring its origins, philosophical foundations, and the linguistic nuances often lost in translation.

Why June 21st for Yoga Day?

The United Nations declared June 21st as International Yoga Day in 2014, following a proposal by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. This date holds special significance as it marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolizing light, energy, and transformation. In yogic traditions, the solstice is considered a powerful time for spiritual practices, as the earth’s energy is believed to be at its peak. Additionally, it is believed that Adiyogi (Lord Shiva), the first yogi, began transmitting the knowledge of yoga to the Saptarishis (seven sages) on this day, making it a sacred occasion for yogic wisdom. The choice of this date bridges ancient tradition with modern global observance, reinforcing yoga’s timeless relevance.

Yoga is More Than Just Asanas

Many people equate yoga with physical postures, but Asanas are just one part of the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, as outlined by Maharishi Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. The eight limbs, known as Patanjali’s 8 Limbs of Yoga, provide a structured path to self-realization, encompassing ethical living, mental discipline, and spiritual awakening. These limbs are divided into two categories: "things you do" (active practices) and "things that happen to you" (states of being that arise from practice). Together, they form a comprehensive system for harmonizing body, mind, and soul.

The Eight Limbs Explained

Yamas (यम - Restraints)

The Yamas are ethical guidelines for interacting with the world:

Ahimsa: Non-harming, cultivating compassion.
Satya: Truthfulness in thought, speech, and action.
Asteya: Non-stealing, respecting others' resources.
Brahmacharya: Moderation, often interpreted as mindful use of energy.
Aparigraha: Non-hoarding, embracing simplicity.

Niyamas (नियम - Observances)

The Niyamas are personal disciplines for self-growth:

Soucha: Cleanliness of body and mind.
Santosha: Contentment, finding joy in the present.
Tapas: Zeal for yoga, cultivating discipline.
Svadyaya: Self-study, reflecting on sacred texts.
Ishvarapanidhana: Surrender to a higher power, fostering humility.

Asana (आसन - Physical Postures)

Asanas prepare the body for meditation by building strength, flexibility, and stillness. While modern yoga often focuses here, Patanjali reminds us it’s just one step toward deeper practices.

Pranayama (प्राणायाम - Breath Control)

Regulating the breath (life force) calms the mind and energizes the body. Techniques like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) balance the nervous system.

Pratyahara (प्रत्याहार - Withdrawal of the Senses)

This limb teaches detachment from external distractions, turning attention inward—a crucial step for meditation.

Dharana (धारणा - Focused Concentration)

Here, the practitioner trains the mind to focus on a single point (e.g., breath, mantra), laying the groundwork for deeper meditation.

Dhyana (ध्यान - Meditative Absorption)

Unlike Dharana’s single-pointed focus, Dhyana is a flow of uninterrupted awareness, where the meditator and object merge.

Samadhi (समाधि - Oneness)

The ultimate goal: a state of blissful unity with universal consciousness, beyond the ego.

The Holistic Path

Focusing only on Asanas misses yoga’s true purpose. The Yamas and Niyamas root us in ethical living, while Pranayama and Pratyahara bridge the physical and mental realms. Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi lead to transcendent awareness. By integrating all eight limbs, yoga transforms from exercise into a journey of self-discovery.

Modern practitioners can start small:

Apply Ahimsa by being kind to yourself and others.
Dedicate 5 minutes daily to Pranayama or Dhyana.
Reflect on Svadyaya through journaling or scripture study.

Patanjali’s system is a timeless roadmap, offering tools for inner peace in a chaotic world. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced yogi, embracing the full path unlocks yoga’s profound potential—not just for the body, but for the soul.

The Four Paths of Yoga: A Deeper Exploration

Yoga is not a monolithic practice but a vast spiritual science offering multiple pathways to self-realization. Recognizing that individuals have different temperaments and inclinations, ancient yogic wisdom prescribes four primary paths of yoga—each providing a unique yet equally valid approach to enlightenment. These paths are:

Gyana Yoga (ज्ञानयोग) – The Path of Wisdom

Gyana Yoga is the yoga of knowledge and discernment, ideal for those with an intellectual and analytical nature. Practitioners of this path use self-inquiry (Atma Vichara) and deep contemplation to dissolve illusions (Maya) and realize the ultimate truth (Brahman). Key practices include:

Studying sacred texts like the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita
Reflecting on profound questions like "Who am I?" (as taught by sage Ramana Maharshi)
Distinguishing between the eternal (Self) and the transient (world)

This path requires sharp intellect, detachment, and a burning desire for truth.

Bhakti Yoga (भक्तियोग) – The Path of Devotion

Bhakti Yoga is the yoga of love and surrender, perfect for those with an emotional and devotional temperament. It involves cultivating unconditional love for the Divine, seen as a personal God (Ishvara) or universal consciousness. Practices include:

Kirtan (devotional singing), Japa (mantra repetition)
Ritual worship, prayer, and seeing the Divine in all beings
Chanting sacred names like "Hare Krishna" or "Om Namah Shivaya"

This path transforms emotions into spiritual fuel, replacing ego with divine love.

Karma Yoga (कर्मयोग) – The Path of Selfless Action

Karma Yoga is the yoga of right action without attachment, suited for those who find spirituality in service and daily duties. It teaches that work performed selflessly becomes a form of worship. Key principles:

Acting without expectation of rewards (Nishkama Karma)
Seeing every task as an offering to the Divine
Embracing equality in success and failure

Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath are the living examples of this path, proving that ordinary actions can lead to extraordinary awakening.

Hatha Yoga (हठयोग) – The Path of Physical Mastery

Hatha Yoga is the yoga of physical discipline, preparing the body and mind for higher meditation. It includes:

Asanas (postures) to purify and strengthen the body
Pranayama (breath control) to regulate life force (Prana)
Shatkarmas (cleansing techniques) for internal purification

Modern yoga styles (Vinyasa, Iyengar) stem from Hatha, but its true purpose is to awaken Kundalini energy for spiritual evolution.

Choosing Your Path (Or Blending Them)

While these paths appear distinct, they often overlap:

A Gyana Yogi may use Bhakti (devotion to wisdom) or Karma Yoga (selfless study).
A Karma Yogi might embrace Bhakti (seeing service as worship) or Hatha (maintaining health for service).

The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 6) advises: "Yoga is skill in action." Whether through knowledge, love, action, or discipline, the goal remains the same—union with the Divine.

Each path leads to the same goal—self-realization—but through different means, allowing individuals to choose an approach that resonates with their nature.

Lost in Translation: The Challenge of Sanskrit Terms

Many Sanskrit words used in yoga do not have exact English equivalents, leading to oversimplifications. Words like "Prana" (life force), "Dhyana" (meditation), and "Samadhi" (blissful union) carry deep cultural and philosophical meanings that are often diluted in translation. For example:

"Asana" (आसन) is not just a "pose" but a steady and comfortable posture designed for prolonged meditation.
"Om" (ॐ) is not merely a chant but a cosmic vibration embodying the essence of creation.
"Guru" (गुरू) means "dispeller of darkness," not just a teacher.

This linguistic gap can lead to a superficial understanding of yoga’s true essence, emphasizing the need to study its original language.

A video series on Sanskrit non-translatable words

How Learning an Indian Language Enhances Yoga Practice

Understanding Sanskrit, Hindi, Telugu or other Indian languages can deepen one’s yoga journey because:

Original texts like the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika were written in Sanskrit, and translations into non-Indian languages often miss subtle nuances.
Mantras and chants derive their power from precise pronunciation and vibrational quality, best preserved in their native form.
Subtle concepts like "Chakras" (energy centers) and "Nadis" (energy channels) are better grasped when studied in their linguistic and cultural context.

By learning an Indian language, practitioners can access authentic teachings, avoid misinterpretations, and connect more deeply with yoga’s roots, enriching their practice beyond physical postures.

Conclusion: Yoga as a Way of Life

Yoga is a holistic science that harmonizes the body, mind, and soul, offering tools for self-mastery and inner peace. It is among the best gifts to the world from Hindu heritage. While International Yoga Day helps spread awareness, true yoga goes beyond a single day or physical practice—it is a lifelong journey of growth and self-awareness. By exploring its philosophical depths, embracing its diverse paths, and learning Indian languages, one can experience yoga in its fullest, most transformative form. Whether through movement, meditation, devotion, or knowledge, yoga invites us to awaken our highest potential.

ॐ तत् सत्
(Om Tat Sat – All That Is Truth)