As the world celebrated International Yoga Day on June 21, this author was left wondering if the community of nations really understood what yoga is all about. Unfortunately, there was an aura of deceit and controversy surrounding this event, which offended too many people across the globe.
Firstly, notwithstanding the continuous propaganda of Indian Premier Narendra Modi having fed the idea of observing a yoga day to the global-political leadership, it must be clarified unequivocally that this concept is the brainchild of Portugal-based spiritual-cum-yoga teacher Jagatguru Amrta Suryananda. Suryananda, heading the Yoga Portuguese Confederation, was the first individual to conceive, propose and celebrate such an event — to promote peace and highlight the importance of life and diversity — way back in 2001, long before Modi put forth this proposal at the UN General Assembly and thereafter converted it into a big self-branding exercise.
Sri Sri Ravishankar, founder of “Art of Living” says “yoga has existed like an orphan in its birthplace India” and Modi must be given the credit for making the world acknowledge yoga’s importance. Ironic it is because probity is one of the ethical precepts of yoga. In the words of Swami Sivananda, creator of the five principles on which modern yoga is based, “speaking truth is the most important qualification of a yogin (one who performs yoga).” Truthfulness, according to the cardinal principles of yoga is not just about telling truth but also about knowing one’s inner-self accurately. And to awaken that consciousness of truth within oneself one need to live honestly at all times because making untrue statements causes revulsion in the mind, which goes against the basic yoga objective of calming the inner self.
It is only when one’s thoughts, words and actions are truthful one will have a transcendent feeling of harmonious belonging. Moreover, in complete contrast to today’s materialistic demands of life that Modi patronizes, yoga is all about non-possession, non-stealing, elevated level of self-consciousness, tolerance and acceptance. So, in view of this basic yoga philosophy, how can one expect that the concerted mission to promote health and bring clarity in vision and action of mankind will succeed globally when the entire idea is premised on a completely erroneous concept that has no connect with the true ideals of yoga, preached in India for centuries?
The bitter truth is the international community has been hoodwinked into celebrating a spiritual discipline, which goes far beyond physical postures, in an unspiritual manner. Yoga is indeed a holistic medium of self-discovery, self-education and self-development, but can only be successful when the practitioner stays away from all kinds of publicity because renunciation and meditation is at the core of this form of exercise. Unfortunately, in an era of sinful materialism and lust, yoga has been demeaned by the preachers themselves by converting this spiritual-cum-physical art form into profitable business. Swami Ramdev, a renowned spiritual-yoga teacher and an important figure in Modi’s Deep State, is one such example. His organization now competes with multinational FMCG companies to catch hold of the huge Indian consumer base and, in the words of a ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) insider, “even contemplates spreading the wings beyond India’s shore in a big way with Modi’s tacit help.” There is no doubt whatsoever that the primary underlying objective of organizing yoga day is to promote consumerism and sell yoga as a commodity apart from obtaining a global stamp of approval for BJP’s Hindutva agenda through the backdoor.
That yoga is another tool for communalizing an essentially pluralistic Indian polity is evident from the bitter diatribe launched against Pakistan and Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari by Modi’s Cabinet colleague and an influential Hindutva ideologue on the celebratory day itself. Besides, unmindful commercialization is not only destroying the sanctity of yoga but also putting practitioners at grave risk. In fact, yoga carries the risk of several debilitating injuries if there is lack of concentration or proper supervision. But with an abnormal spike in the number of enthusiastic learners, it is difficult to maintain a healthy teacher-to-learner ratio. Worse still, yoga enthusiasts across the globe do not even know that they are actually mastering a corrupt version of this physical exercise that is rooted in spirituality. Today, an effectively merchandized yoga is all about money and fame, with half-baked spiritual lessons stuffed into crash courses — promising magical quick-fixes to health and psychological issues unethically — to lure modern-day customers.
When the UN asked the world to celebrate yoga day, the authorities actually referred to the physical exercise part that unfortunately cannot prevent “mental confusion or contradiction while making laws.” Above all, many believe that yoga, being an integral part of Hindu religious scriptures and rituals, infringes on the monotheistic system of beliefs and practices. For long, fitness-freaks, worldwide, have been practicing yoga-asana as part of their individual exercise schedule. So where was the need for institutional intervention, which not only violates that private space but also introduces an element of coercion?
