Yoga is a word that everyone is familiar with in today’s time, but most people don’t understand the concept of Yoga beyond its surface, let alone practice it. The word “Yog” is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” which means “to join” or “to unite.” Western and Global influence turned the word ‘yog’ into ‘Yoga’, thus changing the meaning altogether. ‘Yog’ signifies the union of the individual consciousness with the universe, often referred to as self-realization or enlightenment. The fundamental philosophy mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita is simple. It talks about how- mind, body, and soul, are all one and cannot be separated. As Paramahansa had pointed out, “Reform yourself and you will reform thousands.”

The ancient practice of Yoga can be traced back to more than 3000 years and has remerged in the modern world in the 20th century as a lifestyle practice rather than a philosophy, with universal reach and practical benefits. Throughout the globe, Yoga is pushed forward, prompting flexibility and health benefits. Modern-day Yoga is linked to de-mystifying old paradigms and instead offers pragmatic and science-based solutions for various health-related problems. People have incorporated Yoga as part of their lifestyle, but Yoga is not just about the physical health benefits but, more importantly, the spiritual significance. The Sun salutation or Surya Namaskar, plays a significant role in the practice of Yoga (Ekam Yoga). The Surya Namaskar provides energy and health to all life on Earth. It is derived from ancient Vedic tradition and consists of twelve postures. Combined with asanas, breath control, and mindfulness, Surya Namaskar unites the mind, body, and soul.

Tracing Historical and Philosophical Roots

Yoga is an undeniable part of Indian knowledge tradition that traces its roots to the Shad Darshan of Upanishads, deeply rooted in philosophy and spirituality. Over the period, Yoga has been appropriated and interpreted in so many ways by the West and throughout the globe that the original meaning of Yoga is diluted. Texts like Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita, and Vedantic texts have dealt with the concept of Yoga and its attributes like Yam, Niyam, Dharan, Aasan, Pranayam, etc. There are a multitude of philosophical ideas that help explore the deeper dimensions of the body, mind, and spirit. Understanding this perspective allows individuals to see the metaphysical and ontological aspects of their existence with the Universe, and help them navigate the relation between the self and the supreme being. Also, Yoga is a way to strike a harmonious balance between the Purusha and the Prakriti. 

In Yoga, the ultimate state of pure awareness is known as samadhi. Yoga involves transcending the mind to discover one’s “true self” or “highest self.” The fundamental essence is this feeling of pure consciousness. All intellectual and philosophical ideas dissolve in this sense of release and ultimately come to an end.  Such spiritual ideas and energies of Prana flowing via the Naadis and the awakening of Chakras are also incorporated into Yoga philosophy.

Yoga and its Commercialization

The practice of Yoga has gained popularity across the globe, but not in its truest essence. The consumerist practices of Western and European countries are highly influenced by the capitalistic mode of production and tend to be more individualistic. Yoga has helped improve many mental and psychological ailments caused by the consumerist and hustle culture prevalent in many parts of the world.

Breathing exercises and mindfulness-based interventions have helped people in Western countries to cope with their fast-paced lives. This has further facilitated the people in these countries to reap the benefits of Yoga, albeit half-heartedly. Yoga is merely seen as a lifestyle practice that is linked to Health and Welfare. But in this process, the deeper aspects of spirituality and philosophy are completely lost. Since the West is preoccupied with the materialistic and tangible aspects of the yogic practice, the actual significance that Yoga holds in its cultural realm is replaced by the cultural appropriation of Yoga by Western and European countries. 

The commercialization of Yoga has reinforced the development of businesses that are springing up to capitalize on the growing Yoga market. With such a potent market, it includes Yoga studios, clothing companies, retreat workshops, and even apps that provide Yoga services and promote Yoga practices. Social media impacts every sphere of our lives and increasingly impacts the content we consume and how we perceive things. Yoga is no different. Social media also plays an active role in commercializing Yoga; for instance, lifestyle influencers post  “Yoga selfies” on social media every day, showing their audience how consistent they are with their health goals. This also pushes and encourages their audience to pursue Yoga. 

Some also say that the rise of corporate Yoga chains and the increasing focus on “Yoga as exercise” is leading to a commodification of the practice, turning it into just another way for companies to make a profit. “According to a 2016 report from the Yoga Journal and Alliance, the Yoga industry in the United States generated $16 billion in revenue that year, with nearly 37 million people practicing Yoga.”. This “Yoga phenomenon” in America led to increased acceptance and greater popularity in other countries and also led to cultural appropriation. Moreover, the “consumption space” is being transformed as a large number of international economic, cultural, and technological flows connect consumers and businesses from all over the world” [Danielle, 2019]. 

Other countries now see Yoga as promoted and backed by scientific facts. Even though, this is not wrong,. But it’s crucial to note that Yoga in its actuality was neither created nor intended as a rigid scientific approach but instead as a philosophical ideology that allowed practitioners and laymen to focus not just on the physical aspects of the Yoga practice but also engage with Yoga in a deeper philosophical understanding of spirituality. Cultural appropriation has many negative consequences. This sort of re-invention of Yoga  has given it a “stamp of approval.” Despite being an example of cultural appropriation by Western culture, Yoga has paradoxically become more fashionable and well-liked among middle-class urban Indian customers as a result of its acceptance and adoption in the West. The modern consumer now finds Yoga more enticing due to this remarketing. Although the popularization of practices like Yoga in different countries means that this helped promote Indian cultures and increase awareness regarding the unique culture of India. 

Need to come back to the original meaning

Due to the greater influence of Western and European countries in the practice of Yoga, many people in India are adopting the European model of Yoga rather than the Indian traditions of Yoga. Yoga is thus not just a lifestyle as appropriated by other countries. Yoga goes beyond postures and exercise. According to the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga means purifying our actions, controlling the mind and senses, and uniting oneself with the divine with devotion. Yoga is about gaining control over the body and mind through self-discipline. All in all, Yoga is a way of life, that nourishes all aspects, including the mind, body, and soul, and is meant for spiritual and mental enrichment.

One has to understand how we can maximize the benefits without neglecting its philosophical underpinnings. It might be useful to look at the historical origin of ‘Yog’ and the actual deeper philosophical meaning that is attached to Yoga.  It would be valuable to look at Yoga beyond just the health benefits that are used to sell in the market and look at the deeper significance that Yoga holds and its cultural importance. More crucially, Yoga also gives a new perspective to individuals and helps them live a better life.

As we celebrate International Yoga Day on the 21st of June, this day was chosen because it was the longest day of the year in the northern part of the hemisphere, called the summer solstice. This day specifically holds importance in many parts of the world and is also considered auspicious in Yogic traditions. The idea of Yoga getting recognized in the international space was introduced by Narendra Modi in 2014 at the UNGA. The UN proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga to educate and people aware of Yoga and its benefits. Further, WHO also urged people to reduce physical inactivity, which is also one of the top 10 leading causes worldwide. The theme of 2024 is “Yoga for self and society.”