Yoga Philosophy Research Articles

Development and Validation of Spiritual Well-Being Scale in India: A Yogic Niyama Perspective.

This study developed and validated the niyama-based spiritual well-being scale (NSWBS) using a mixed-method approach. Niyama is one of the eight limbs of ancient Indian Ashtanga yoga philosophy. There are five niyamas: soucha (internal and external cleanliness and hygiene), santosha (happiness and contentment), tapas (austerity and discipline), swadhyaya (self-study, observation and self-introspection) and ishvara-pranidhana (believe and surrender to the God and cosmic power). Both deductive (using existing spiritual well-being scales) and inductive (focus group discussions) approaches were used to generate items. These statements were first subjected to content validity testing and pre-testing, which resulted in seventeen statements. The psychometric properties of generated items were analyzed with the help of three independent studies that utilized various statistical tests like exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Cronbach's alpha, McDonald Omega, Average variance explained, and Fornell and Larcker criterion. The first study examined the factorial structure of the proposed scale. EFA yielded five factors: Internal and external health and purity, Self-discipline and rigour, Self-introspection and observation, Contentment and gratitude, and Belief in God and higher cosmic power. They explained 62.35% of the total variance. The CFA validated the five factorial structure of the scale. The second study established the proposed scale's internal consistency reliability, convergent, divergent, and predictive validities. Lastly, the third study evaluated and concluded the test-retest reliability of the scale. Overall, the niyama-based spiritual well-being scale depicted appreciable psychometric properties.

Customizing Yoga for Global Diversity: A Comparative Study of Eastern and Western Practices for Effective Integration Into Complementary Healthcare.

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine differences in yoga practices to enhance the validity and comparability of yoga research findings. It addresses the "black-box" approach to yoga interventions by highlighting various delivery components that can impact the validity of outcomes. By moving away from the generalization of yoga outcomes, this study provides deeper insights into yoga practices across culturally diverse populations. These insights are crucial for improving the reliability of outcomes and facilitating the integration of yoga into global complementary healthcare. The study included 2,619 participants, with a balanced representation from India (1,296) and the United States (1,323). The participants were diverse, with 47.5% being yoga masters, gurus, therapists, and experts. The study utilized the 14 subscales of the Essential Properties of Yoga Questionnaire (EPYQ) to assess four factors of yoga practice: region (India/United States), sex (male/female), delivery mode (remote/in-person), and participation status (instructor/practitioner). The EPYQ demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.928). The total EPYQ score was higher in India than in the United States. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for the 14 subscales across all four factors: region, sex, delivery mode, and participation status. Notable observations include that, by region, the United States sample scored higher than the Indian sample on the subscales of body awareness and acceptance/compassion (mean differences of -0.06 and -0.03, respectively), while the Indian sample scored higher on the spirituality and social aspects subscales (mean differences of 0.54 and 0.57, respectively). The remote delivery mode scored higher for the subscales of yoga philosophy and health benefits (mean differences of 0.17 and 0.13, respectively), and lower for the subscales of individual attention and active postures (mean differences of -0.17 and -0.04, respectively). By sex, the scores on the subscales of social aspects and yoga philosophy were higher for men than for women (mean differences of -0.26 and -0.24, respectively), whereas women scored higher for the subscales of body awareness and restorative postures (mean differences of 0.19 and 0.17, respectively). By participation status, practitioners showed higher scores for the subscales of physicality and active postures (mean differences of -0.05 and -0.02, respectively), whereas instructors scored higher on the subscales of yoga philosophy and meditation/mindfulness (mean differences of 0.37 and 0.32, respectively). This study emphasizes the importance of recognizing variations in yoga practices and highlights the need for customization to enhance its integration into healthcare. To address the challenges posed by global diversity and practice heterogeneity, the study suggests moving from "black box" evaluations of yoga interventions toward data-driven analysis of macro- and micro-level factors. These insights can guide developers, healthcare providers, and researchers in creating culturally sensitive, user-friendly solutions and inform future cross-cultural research. Further related research will help create robust standards for yoga practices and delivery, applying the same rigor as that applied to conventional healthcare practices.

On Religious and Spiritual Experiences a Comparative Study of John Hick and Yoga Philosophy

On Religious and Spiritual Experiences a Comparative Study of John Hick and Yoga Philosophy

‘Yoga is a way of life’: A qualitative study of the experiences of using yoga as a treatment for substance use: An interpretive phenomenological analysis

AbstractIntroductionYoga is a form of complementary medicine for substance use disorder (SUD). Randomised controlled trials involving yoga for the treatment of SUD have found that yoga practice reduces the risk of relapse and improves mood and well‐being for people undergoing treatment for SUD; however, the lived experience of yoga practice involving the benefits of reducing SUD is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the in‐depth experience of yoga to inform the treatment of SUD.MethodsFive semi‐structured interviews explored experiences of yoga among people with a prior history of substance use. Four out of the five participants reported prior use of alcohol, and one reported the use of ‘GBL’ and methamphetamine. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsThe analysis resulted in three final superordinate themes: (1) growing awareness of the body, mind and emotions; (2) yoga opens a positive way of life; and (3) blending the worlds of yoga and 12‐step recovery. Yoga was reported to enhance awareness of muscle tension, reduce physical stress, increase positive emotions and build tolerance to negative emotions. The integration of the eight‐limb philosophy of yoga, notably withdrawing of the senses, helped combat internal cues and triggers (negative thoughts and emotions) for relapse. Yoga was reported to be compatible with an abstinence‐based lifestyle found in 12‐step mutual aid programmes and helped extend social networks to support long‐term abstinence.ConclusionsThe experience of integrating the eight‐limb philosophy to support abstinence and the asana practice helped participants to reduce cue reactivity. Yoga appeared to enhance interoceptive awareness, which is useful for reducing physical stress related to triggers for relapse, making yogic practice a valuable tool to integrate within mainstream group and individual relapse prevention programmes. Therefore, programmes and health policymakers may want to consider treatments that integrate yogic practices to enhance and support long‐term abstinence for SUD.

Importance application discipline Yāma and Nyāma for yoga trainer in Bali

Background: Application discipline Yāma and Nyāma hold roles crucial for yoga trainers in Bali, good in development personal or professional. Yāma, which includes principles of ethics like ahimsa (without violence), satya (honesty), asteya (no stealing), brahmacharya (control self), and aparigraha (no greedy), purposeful For form moral character and integrity a yoga trainer . On the other hand , Nyāma, which consists from saucha (cleanliness), santosha (satisfaction), tapas (discipline), svadhyaya (study self), and Ishvara pranidhana (surrender to God), focuses on spiritual development and well-being inner. Practicing yoga trainer second principle This in a way consistent. Not only capable of creating an environment practice that is harmonious and conducive, but also plays a role as an example for his students. Method: This qualitative study examines how yoga trainers in Bali apply Yāma and Nyāma. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 25 trainers, participatory observations, and documentation. Thematic analysis was used to identify and interpret key themes related to the application of these principles in teaching and personal development. Findings: Discipline Yāma and Nyāma help coach in controlling emotions, increase concentration, and maintain mental balance, which in turn increase quality yoga teaching. Additionally, implementation​ discipline also supports coaches in undergoing a healthy and sustainable, which is essential in maintaining stamina and energy positive . In Bali, it is known as a spiritual and cultural center, and applications to Yāma and Nyāma become more significant. Culture local rich with spiritual values are in line with the principles of yoga, so it makes it easier to coach For integrate discipline This in life daily. Conclusion: With internalization of Yāma and Nyāma, yoga trainers in Bali can enrich their spiritual experience, enhance professionalism, and deliver a more positive impact to the yoga community. Application discipline This Not only as moral rules, but as road comprehensive, reflective life​ harmony between body, mind, and soul. Novelty/Originality in this Study: This study crosses the line between ancient tradition and modern practice, revealing how the principles of Yama and Nyama translate into the lived realities of yoga instructors in Bali. By investigating the unique intersection of yoga philosophy, Balinese culture, and the global wellness industry, this study provides valuable insights into the adaptation and relevance of spiritual teachings in a contemporary context.

Понятийные пятерки в текстах философии йоги

The article treats the identification of a fundamental methodological feature peculiar to the classical Indian philosophy and Indian theoretical thinking in general. The example of the tradition of yoga philosophy (yoga-darshana) is used. These are lists of terms, always more than two-membered, that together cover a certain thematical area. The material of the article consists of five five-membered lists. First, three methodological guidelines of the researcher of the yoga tradition are considered, which are thought to be prerequisites of any remarcable success. It is stated that they are mostly ignored. Further, a statement is made based on Nyāya classical author (Paksilalasvāmin) that these lists represent a key feature in the organization of the Indian systematic text. The factor preventing the elaboration and application of such lists in the European tradition of thinking is briefly considered. It comes out to be the distinction between concepts and judgments and an obvious limitation of judgments by the dichotomy of affirmative and negative. Indian thought, on the contrary, elaborated a theory of “mind contents” (jñāna) without any distinction of concepts and judgements. The common field of the two methodological techniques, viz. the concept definition and conceptual enumeration is exemplified. On its basis, five conceptual lists of the yoga tradition are interpreted with the identification of their uniform formal structure: modes of intentionality (citta); events of intentionality (cittavrtti); “afflictions” (kleśa) i.e. unavoidable impediments to the goals of yoga; factors of meditation (dhyāna) and indispensable behavioral self-limitations of a yogin (yama). It is argued that such lists are just an example of the application of a common Indian methodological technique.

YOGA FOR STRESS REDUCTION: A PSYCHOLOGIST'S PERSPECTIVE

In the relentless pace of modern life, stress has become a ubiquitous challenge with profound implications for mental well-being. This article presents a psychologist's perspective on the integration of yoga as a holistic approach to stress reduction. Examining the psychological dimensions of chronic stress, we lay the foundation for understanding the need for innovative interventions beyond conventional methods. Navigating the philosophy of yoga, we explore its inherent mind-body interconnectedness, shedding light on its potential to address the root causes of stress. Supported by scientific evidence, we delve into the physiological and neurological changes associated with yoga practices, emphasizing its relevance in contemporary psychological contexts. By weaving together traditional psychological approaches with yogic principles, we propose a nuanced and effective strategy for stress management. Providing practical recommendations for psychologists, we discuss the incorporation of yoga into therapeutic practices and its potential impact on client outcomes. Nevertheless, we acknowledge considerations and potential contraindications, underscoring the importance of tailored approaches.

Students' Self-Control and Self-Efficacy Through Yoga Practices and Their Influences on Academic Performance

This study explores the influence of yoga practices on self-control, self-efficacy, and academic performance among female college students at Yunnan Vocational and Technical College of Agriculture. A qualitative approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with thirty female students enrolled in yoga courses. The integration of yoga philosophy and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) provided a theoretical framework for examining the potential benefits of yoga practice. Thematic analysis revealed that yoga significantly enhances self-control through mindfulness and self-discipline, improves self-efficacy by fostering a sense of accomplishment and community, and positively impacts academic performance by promoting stress management and focus. These findings suggest that integrating yoga into educational settings can support students' well-being and academic success. However, the study's limitations, including its focus on female participants and potential biases, indicate the need for further research to generalize the results across diverse populations and educational contexts.

Situating ‘Mainstream’ Yoga

Yoga has become a highly visible commodity over recent decades, often promoted through images of sculpted bodies on exotic beaches and perfect Instagram homes. This paper explores the less glamorous everyday yoga class—more village hall than Bali beach—describing exploratory surveys and focus groups with teachers from two major British yoga organizations. These teachers offer widely accessed presentations of modern postural yoga and therefore play an important role in how yoga is conceived and continues to evolve. While boutique studios now account for 20% of class locations, the majority of classes still take place in community centres, gyms, church and village halls, schools and workplaces. This suggests that for the moment yoga in Britain remains deeply embedded in community settings. The paper concludes that despite yoga’s association with secularized health and wellness most teachers attribute a strong spiritual dimension to the practice. However, in the personal ways yoga is imagined, life history and local context appear as important, if not more important, than yoga lineages and yoga philosophy.

Yogalebrities: The postfeminist, fashionable construction of ‘psychic life’ on social media

The appeal and impact of social media influencers within contemporary consumer culture has been a much-explored topic in fashion and media research. However, there are limited studies of yogalebrities – celebrity yoga practitioners who gain global visibility and following through branded product endorsements and modelling contracts – despite their leading role within the culturally and economically significant wellness industry. Furthermore, while the existing scholarship considers the intersections between consumer culture and spirituality, it is yet to grant due recognition to the active production and consumption of fashionable spiritual feminine identities produced on and through prevalent social media. Drawing on the combined insights from media, fashion and feminist studies, we discuss how yogalebrities represent and perpetuate normative ideals about femininity and its spiritual dimensions. We ground the discussion in the analysis of two different cases of yogalebrities: celebrity influencer Sjana Elise and micro-influencer Jessamyn Stanley. We demonstrate how they fold entrepreneurial opportunities into self-actualizing, self-branded intimate narratives to seek legitimacy and commercial success, and how their audience engagement capitalizes on, commodifies and stylizes spiritual values that underpin western yoga philosophy. By documenting these complex tactics, we contribute to fashion studies’ and feminist media studies’ understanding of the mediatized and increasingly fashionable psychic life of women.

Review on Role of Yoga in Chittodvega w.s.r. to Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Mental health disorders are mentioned as 3rd health burden in India according to WHO survey. Generalized anxiety disorders are a chronic anxiety disorder characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry and anxiety about everyday life events and situations. In Ayurveda many psychological disorders are mentioned in Samhitas. Terms like Asvastha Chitta, Chittavimbhramsa, Chittodvega etc. seems similar to Generalized anxiety disorder, however Chittodvega seems to be nearest correlation for this disease entity. Acharya Charaka has listed Chittodvega as Manas Dosha Vikara. People with symptoms of Generalized anxiety disorder always tend to expect failure and can't stop worrying, Clinical trials have shown that anxiolytic drugs alone have limited long-term efficacy. Moreover, they often have adverse side effects including dependency, drowsiness, impaired cognition and memory and sexual dysfunction. Being an alarming disease GAD needs an effective management. Nowadays Yoga is considered as a popular approach to improve emotional health. Yoga, a form of holistic mind–body medicine, that includes the use of physical postures (Asanas), breathing practices (Pranayamas), meditations, relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes based on ancient yogic philosophy. Pranayama should be practiced to remove the blockages and to lift you out of the Tamasik and Rajasik states. Asanas empathizes physical strength and helps to maintain balance between mind and body. Yoga helps to restraint unnecessary mental fluctuations and thus helps in stabilizing and calming the mind. Thus it might be an effective and safe intervention for individuals with GAD.

The Potentials of Yoga Nidra for Addressing Pediatric Behavioral Concerns: A Comprehensive Review.

Pediatric behavioral concerns, encompassing anxiety, hyperactivity, and emotional dysregulation, pose significant challenges for children, families, and health-care professionals. Traditional interventions often rely on behavioral modification or medication, with varying degrees of success and potential side effects. In recent years, nonpharmacological approaches, particularly those grounded in mind-body practices, have gained traction. Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation technique rooted in yoga philosophy, offers a promising approach for promoting emotional well-being and positive behavioral change in children. This comprehensive review explores the potential of Yoga Nidra in addressing pediatric behavioral concerns. This review examined the potential mechanisms underlying Yoga Nidra's effects and existing research on its psychological impact, including stress reduction, emotional regulation, self-awareness, and sleep quality. Parallels were also drawn with hypnosis, another established mind-body technique. Finally, the research on Yoga Nidra's effectiveness in specific behavioral issues was reviewed and advocated for further investigation as a noninvasive intervention for promoting positive child development.

Performing yoga postures in an environmental education course: The potential of creating pedagogical places of contemplation for the empowerment of ecological consciousness

The present study attempts to answer if yoga practice belongs to environmental education and how it can contribute to the development of ecological consciousness in the framework of a holistic pedagogical paradigm. Twenty-three post-graduate students participated in an environmental education activity based on performing yoga postures inspired by nonhuman creatures and entities. The participants reflected on their experiences by recording their ideas and feelings. The results of the survey revealed that the participants experienced embodied environmental learning, highlighted a healing dimension of the educational process, and experienced a connection with creatures and entities of nonhuman nature at different levels. Yoga philosophy and practice as a contemplative learning method deserve to be explored more widely in the field of environmental education, and especially regarding the development of ecological consciousness.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SELFLESSNESS IN VEDIC AND YOGIC LITERATURE

The statement "Vedas are apaurusheya" makes it clear that these scriptures are beyond any worldly creation. However, the reality is that these texts encompass all the knowledge needed to lead a life in the world. Simultaneously, these scriptures also elucidate the path to attain that ultimate state which liberates one from the worldly cycle. Nevertheless, Vedas have often been perceived as emphasizing predominantly ritualistic worship and prescribing actions with desires. Consequently, the real knowledge present in them has been consistently overlooked. In contrast, Yoga philosophy has been accepted by people as a path to liberation, even though it is commonly used by many in society for physical and mental well-being. Therefore, it becomes imperative to understand the facts by comparing the concept of selfless deeds (Nishkamta) in Yoga and Vedic literature, which talk about liberation. Hence, this article aims to present a comparative analysis of the notions of selfless deeds in Yoga and Vedic literature.

Human Development Model Based on Yogic Wisdom for Well-being and Self-actualization: A Conceptual Framework

Ancient Indian philosophies consider self-realization as a fundamental concept and aim of human life, which appears theoretically similar to the self-actualization concept of the West. This article compares and contrasts the self-actualization concept with the views of ancient Indian wisdom to create a model. Both ideas strive for a more elevated Self, unleashing our potential or the realization/actualization of the true Self. From the Indian Vedanta philosophy emerged the Panchakosha theory of personality, which provides a structural framework for human states of consciousness leading to higher development and transcendental identity. According to the scriptures, any form of stress is due to an underdeveloped state of consciousness at these levels or due to disconnection from the true Self; once an individual comes in contact with the ‘true Self’, the problems of life are eliminated. Yoga is a systematic process and way of human development, and applying the principles of Yoga philosophy in life will help in transcending one from the lower Self to the higher Self, awakening human potential, and becoming self-actualized. Yogis, who practice Yoga, could be responsible for a positive shift towards sustainable communities or transformative environments through enhanced mindfulness, self-actualization, and social capital demonstrated by enhanced moral values, trust, engagement, and acceptance. This theoretical model from classical Indian thought has the potential to provide the needed guidelines to create more self-actualized people. The dimension of well-being and prescriptions on how to reach this state of highest well-being is the essence of Indian philosophy.

The Influence of Bhagavad Gita on the Literary Works of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh

This article examines the influence of the Bhagavad Gita on Sri Aurobindo Ghosh's literary and philosophical works. The Gita's teachings on karma, bhakti, and jnana shaped Aurobindo's philosophy of Integral Yoga, emphasizing spiritual growth through the integration of life’s physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. His writings, especially Savitri and Essays on the Gita, reflect the Gita’s themes of selfless action, divine will, and spiritual struggle. By reinterpreting the Gita's message as a call for spiritual activism, Aurobindo created a modern path for seekers, extending the text’s relevance to contemporary spiritual and social transformation.

CONSPIRITUALITY CAPITALISM: YOGA, AUTHENTICITY, AND WHITENESS ON A STREAMING VIDEO PLATFORM

Entering “best online yoga classes,” into Google Search returns lists from fitness websites like VeryWell Fit, Yogi Times, Prevention, Self, and Shape—most of these sites will include Gaia.com, a subscription-based streaming video platform, in their recommendation lists, labeling it variously as “best for the whole family,” “best intermediate/advanced,” and, most notably, “best for delving into yogic philosophy.” None of the blurbs written about Gaia in these articles mention its thousands of videos about conspiracy theories. These articles also fail to mention the connection between Gaia and Gaiam, one of the largest global yoga equipment brands. Formerly GaiamTV, Gaia.com offers videos and articles about yoga alongside videos and articles about UFOs, extraterrestrials, alternative archaeology, and universal consciousness, among a variety of other topics related to conspiracy theories, the paranormal, and new age spirituality. This paper examines Gaia, Inc., as a case study in conspirituality capitalism. The blatant obfuscation of the connection between Gaiam yoga equipment and the Gaia media empire functions to strengthen the mechanisms of conspirituality capitalism: not only are supporters of conspiratorial and alternative content financially contributing to its production through subscriptions to Gaia, but yoga practitioners who purchase Gaiam equipment may be unknowingly supporting Gaia’s conspiritual content. Using qualitative, grounded-theory-informed content analysis of video and textual content hosted on the site, as well as participant observation at two Gaia conferences held at the GaiaSphere Event Center outside Denver, Colorado, this paper, which is exploratory in nature, will introduce the term conspirituality capitalism and examine Gaia as a case study in it.

“Physically this universe is one”: Universal Unity in Swami Vivekananda’s Raja Yoga

Swami Vivekananda’s Raja Yoga (1896), the focus of this article, is usually credited with starting the yoga renaissance in the late nineteenth century. The text marks a watershed moment in yoga history when Vivekananda translated and popularised the ancient Indian Yoga Sutras by the sage Patanjali as part of anti-colonial intercultural exchanges between east and west in the fin de siècle. The book’s transnational discourse drew from contemporary new physics and neo-Vedantic philosophy as well as Indian nationalism, pre-Freudian psychology, Western occultism, and modern ideas about physical health, and it issued a radical alternative to the binary oppositions on which imperialist and materialist ideologies rely. Vivekananda elucidates Patanjali’s yogic philosophy but, significantly, he also outlines a practical methodology for achieving Raja yoga’s goal of universal unity. He sets out a praxis that gradually breaks down the boundaries between mind and body, matter and energy, subject and object, and thereby transforms the individual in powerful and positive ways. It was an idealistic goal that appealed to various groups of unconventional heterodox thinkers at the fin de siècle, and it arguably contributed to the spiritual and political revolution that spread in subcultural forms, across Europe and America from the second half of the nineteenth century onward (Gandhi 2006: 121).

A Practical Approach to the Eight Limbs of Yoga

An overview of yogic philosophy can be found in the Yoga Sutras. Patanjali penned them in the middle Ages, 500 BC. These sutras outline the eight limbs of yoga, or the many ways to practise yoga on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. Ashtanga refers to the eight limbs of the yoga practise described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra. Following these eight rules will help you live a life that matters. They teach us about right and wrong conduct and the value of self-control, which can help us, avoid harm and preserve our health.

Sri Aurobindo Ghosh: A Visionary Philosopher and Spiritual Luminary

Sri Aurobindo Ghosh emerges as a multifaceted luminary whose life's narrative transcends conventional categorizations. Rooted in Calcutta, his journey evolves from a passionate political activist and freedom fighter to an introspective philosopher and yogi. This metamorphosis is threaded by a seamless fusion of spirituality and practicality, culminating in the articulation of his Integral Yoga philosophy – a synthesis of Eastern mysticism and Western thought. His writings, including "The Life Divine" and "Savitri," weave an intricate tapestry of existence's interconnectedness. This journey is embodied in the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where he collaborated with The Mother to nurture a community devoted to spiritual evolution. This legacy continues to inspire seekers, embodying the infinite possibilities when spirituality and materiality converge. Sri Aurobindo's life resonates as a testament to the transformative power of a life committed to bridging the spiritual and the material.