Yoga Beyond Asanas: Reclaiming Bharat's Philosophical Blueprint for Rashtra Nirman and Global Harmony
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62656/Keywords:
Spiritual Awakening, Inner Consciousness, Ethical Governance, Nation Building and National IdentityAbstract
In the current era, which is marked by global challenges like mental health disorders, climate change, and technological advancements, Yoga is becoming more and more popular worldwide not only as a traditional practice but also as a philosophical path that bridges the gap between rational enquiry, spiritual awakening, and environmentally conscious living. Yoga is deeply rooted in Bharat's civilisational ideals and is codified in our sacred spiritual granthas. The Yoga Sutra of Maharishi Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita of Maharishi Vedvyas, the Yoga Vashishtha of Maharishi Valmiki, and the Upanishads offer a synergistic framework of inner soul coherence with outward conduct.
The Yoga Sutra defines it as "Yogas Chitta Vrittii Nirodaha" which means that Yoga is nothing but limiting the Chitta(inner consciousness) from various Vrittis(manifesting in several ways). This process itself is finding the very reason of our existence in this materialistic world.The Bhagvad Geeta defines it as "Yogaha Karmasu Kausalam" which means Yoga is executing responsibilities with precision thereby aligning Prayas(effort) with Pragya(inner wisdom) and Chetna(consciousness).The core idea in all elaborations of Yoga is liberation from agony and affliction by which one can experience the core in themselves.
By incorporating Yoga into governance frameworks-for example, by establishing the Ministry of AYUSH, the Fit India Campaign, and the annual International Day of Yoga celebration-Bharat highlights a global leadership paradigm that combines traditional knowledge with modern statecraft. The paper further positions Yoga as an instrument of soft power and cultural diplomacy, capable of fostering global cooperation and ethical governance in geopolitics.
From this perspective, Yoga evolves as a civilisational gift from Bharat to the world; a direction toward Aatmabodh (self-realization), Niyamita Jeevan (disciplined living), Samrashta (social harmony) and Lokmangal (collective well-being) as a foundation for Rashtra Nirmaan(national building) .
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