Every human being, in this world, aspires for peace and happiness. Happiness and peace have, in fact, less to do with objects: they refer more to state of mind. Moreover, there is another kind of experience, which is the highest and is independent of worldly objects and senses. It is called ‘bliss’. It is the one thing for which a person should understand the importance of yoga for mental health.
Mental health issues have long been ignored in Indian society, but with the advent of global connectivity and exposure to deeper research and data, the taboos around mental health is slowly fading. Such issues may develop in anyone of any age group and are not necessarily only related to ageing.
Sure, with age, our cognitive abilities start to decline and humans become slow in response, thinking and overall will to deal with life’s problems in a courageous way. But we must always remember that the complexities of life may affect each individual differently and there must be ways to deal with it at your own pace, alongside clinical therapy and diagnosis.
Yoga brings about behavioural transformations of a human being without any therapy.
1. Positive virtues are implanted in place of negative traits. This brings out an overall enhancement in their personality.
2. Yoga enables a person to control their mind and to have an economy of thoughts.
3. Practice of yoga makes an individual broad minded as well. One may also receive the power of decision and clarity of thinking through yoga. Greater connection between the body and mind allows one to acquire the power to distinguish between right and wrong, just as an experienced teacher can easily distinguish between times when a pupil lies or hides the truth.
4. Yoga also develops endurance and tolerance in humans which helps pass through hardships relatively easier than those who do not practise it.
5. A true yogi develops in himself the spirit of cooperation. This is a great achievement because if everyone gives a little finger, the society could lift great mountains. Evidently, these powers are not only of personal benefit but are necessary for building a good society.
Raja yoga is a practice which takes a practitioner to new realms of experience. It enables the soul to have contact with a higher power (spiritual) and to reach the highest peak of purity, peace, bliss, virtue and spiritual power. It enables humans to lead personal, family and social life in a much elevated way.
The word ‘yoga’ means stabilizing the mind in the consciousness of a supreme power, or having a mental link with your perceived God. Based on psychological principles, yoga develops the power of toleration, confrontation, endurance, and even the strength to withdraw when needed.
A yogi tolerates all verbal attacks and does good even to those who offer brickbats, just as trees offer fruits to those who pelt stones at them. It is said, adversities, like the death of those on whom one depends, may come and high storms may rage strongly yet his flame of equanimity does not get extinguished.
Evidently, these powers are not only of personal benefit but are necessary for building a good society in general. These qualities help build better relations with all, help in one’s profession, in the sphere of home and in enabling man to be at peace with himself.