Yoga in the Society: Harmony or Discord?

When Maharishi Patanjali composed his timeless treatise, the Yoga Sutras, he could hardly have imagined that, centuries later, his profound work would become the source of discord in a 21st-century housing society.

I first came across Patanjali’s teachings through a remarkable book by another yoga master, BKS Ayengar. It introduced me to a deeply spiritual interpretation of yoga — not merely as physical exercise, but as a journey towards union with God, with the self, with others, and with nature. According to Patanjali, this union is not easily achieved. It unfolds through “eight fold path“or the eight limbs of yoga: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and finally, Samadhi.

Though I’ve had a long-standing interest in yoga understanding its value as an important pillar of life — both in its physical and spiritual dimensions — my personal journey has been uneven. At times, it has felt deeply elevating, but more often, it has failed to bring about lasting changes in my inner self. Regrettably, I remain more attached to the physical world than I would like to admit.

Over time, yoga has transcended borders. Renowned gurus, aided by their celebrity disciples starting with George Harrison, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, Britney Spears, Halley Berry, Madonna and many more from the entertainment world, have taken yoga global. With the declaration of June 21st as International Yoga Day, its popularity has reached new heights.

Yoga has become fashionable — a buzzword in wellness circles and a marketing tool for corporations. Many brands now align their strategies and products with the language and aesthetics of yoga, often more in spirit than in substance.

BKS Iyengar also mentioned “A true yogi must pass through every stage with sincere effort and discipline. Anyone who jumps straight to performing asanas without mastering the foundational stages is merely an acrobat.”

Perhaps that explains why the world is now full of half-baked yoga instructors and self-styled gurus — many driven more by fame or profit than by a desire to guide others toward true physical and mental well-being. India is no exception. Here, too, yoga is taught and practised by just about anyone.

In my own housing society, multiple groups practise yoga under various local instructors. Some of them are genuinely committed and have been rendering selfless service. Notable among them are Ravinder Sharma and his wife — who have become pillars of our community’s wellness efforts.

Recently, a group of my friends and I decided to get serious about our health. After an hour-long morning walk, we now follow it up with a 30-minute yoga session, ending with a short meditation. It’s become a refreshing part of our daily routine.

Since the inception of Yoga Day, our society has celebrated it enthusiastically, with active support from the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) and coordination among the various yoga groups. But this year, something changed.

The RWA decided to corporatise the event, partnering with Max Hospital as a sponsor. This did not sit well with many members of the regular yoga community. They felt sidelined and chose to continue their daily routine instead of joining the official event.

On 21st June, the scene on the central lawn was quite telling. While most people knew where they stood — either with the sponsored event or with the familiar grassroots group — a few wandered between the two, visibly unsure.

Both gatherings drew healthy participation. The “official” event, powered by resources, loud music, and the lure of return gifts, attracted its own crowd. The “regular” group, quiet but consistent, stayed loyal to its daily discipline.

In the end, both groups claimed success. Perhaps they both had reasons to celebrate.

But one wonders: what would Maharishi Patanjali have thought?

Would he be heartened that so many people are embracing yoga, even if in fragmented forms? Or would he be saddened to see yoga — a path meant to unite the body, mind, and spirit — now dividing people, even while celebrating Yoga Day?