Whenever people hear about yoga, what do they think?

They automatically visualize vibrant yoga mats, stretching workouts, fitness centers, and breathing techniques. Although these activities are part of keeping fit and calming the brain, they comprise a small fraction of the notion of yoga. According to the ancient Vedic texts, yoga is not just seen as a physical exercise, but rather a whole discipline that brings together the soul of an individual with God. The term yoga in Sanskrit is derived from the word yuj which means 'to connect'. "Yoga is that which connects" says the old saying "Yujati iti yoga". According to the Bhagavad Gita, the basic goal of yoga is to concentrate the mind on Krishna, and then gradually learn how to think of the Supreme without losing focus. As the mind can be either our greatest asset or our worst enemy on the path of spirituality, the true practice of yoga starts with mastering one’s mind.

More Than Physical Fitness

In recent years, yoga has gained immense popularity among people around the world due to its various health advantages. Regular practicing of yoga can help improve one's posture, increase flexibility, improve balance, and improve overall health. In addition, breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques play an important role in reducing stress and improving concentration. Nevertheless, while all of these advantages are beneficial, the Vedic tradition teaches that these benefits are secondary. The main purpose of yoga is to achieve spiritual awakening.

Lord Krishna explains in the Bhagavad Gita, several forms of yoga, including Karma Yoga (selfless action), Jnana Yoga (acquiring spiritual knowledge), Dhyana Yoga (meditation), and Bhakti Yoga (the form of yoga based on loving devotion and service). Krishna explains that Bhakti Yoga is the most important form as it involves a direct connection with the Absolute.

As Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita (6.47):

"Of all yogis, the one who always abides in Me with great faith, worshipping Me in loving devotion, is the highest of all."

This verse beautifully illustrates that yoga reaches its perfection when it culminates in loving remembrance of God.

Understanding Mindfulness Through Bhakti

The practice of mindfulness has become quite popular throughout the globe. Mindfulness teaches individuals to live in the moment without getting distracted or being judgmental. Even though mindfulness can help individuals alleviate stress and increase emotional well-being, ISKCON believes that mindfulness will fulfill its greatest purpose when transformed into Krishna consciousness. Bhakti Yoga does not only give the idea of watching the mind and being aware of the thoughts flowing through it, it shows how to channel that mind in the direction of Krishna. Rather than trying to keep the mind empty, we have to keep it busy in a positive way by listening to Krishna, chanting His names, thinking of Him, and doing devotional service.

This positive engagement gradually develops a higher spiritual taste (param dṛṣṭvā nivartate), which naturally purifies the mind and helps one attain lasting and eternal peace through a loving relationship with Krishna.

Yoga in the Midst of a Busy Life

A lot of people are convinced that living spiritually means withdrawing from society or passing the hours in meditation. Srila Prabhupada often explained that we don’t have to go to the forest to practice yoga. The same activities that we are otherwise doing become yoga when they are performed for Krishna’s pleasure. The teachings indicate that yoga practices can be practiced in daily life. For example, anyone preparing for the exams may chant a mantra in the morning before getting down to studying. A businessperson can listen to bhajan or kirtan on their way to work. Parents can pray or chant a mantra at home with their family members. Taking a few minutes to remember Krishna can help somebody feel better at day. Bhakti means not running from duties but acting spiritually.

Once we remember Krishna while performing our duties, they turn into acts of devotion.

Beyond Temporary Happiness

Modern day existence revolves around the idea of success, characterized by good academic performance, advancement in careers, financial stability, recognition, and ownership. While attaining these successes may lead to ephemeral enjoyment, they fail to give people a sense of satisfaction, as they keep looking for deeper fulfillment. According to the Bhagavad Gita, the source of eternal happiness cannot be found in it because our real self is spiritual. As watering the root makes the entire tree healthy, reconnecting with Krishna ensures the holistic well-being of our daily life. Bhakti Yoga is the way through which self-satisfaction is gradually reached.

Yoga as a Way of Life

Yoga, in the context of Vedic culture, is much more than working out at the gym or following an exercise regimen. Yoga is also about thinking, listening, speaking, eating, working, and interacting with other people. Yoga includes simple things like expressing gratitude before a meal, reading a verse of the Bhagavad-gita daily, chanting japa beads, serving people with compassion, and spending time with people with spiritual ambition. Eventually, spiritual consciousness starts to influence our daily decision-making process. Instead of making a distinction between "spiritual time" and "normal life," Bhakti Yogis understand that every moment of existence is a chance to recall Krishna.

A Universal Invitation

Lastly, the universality of Bhakti Yoga is one of its wonderful features. It is independent of ethnicity, age, job, and prior experience of spirituality. Anyone can partake of it. No matter whether a person approaches Krishna with eagerness, questions, thankfulness, or devotion, he or she simply should take a step.

In the Bhagavad Gita (9.26), we learn: "If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept that." This verse reminds us of the fact that Krishna appreciates the purity of our intention much more than the greatness of our offering. It is an inner fulfilment that arises naturally from reconnecting with our true spiritual nature.

Perhaps yoga was never meant to end when we rolled up the mat. Perhaps its real journey begins when we carry that spirit of connection into every moment of our lives.