Sunday, June 7, 2026

International Yoga Day in Ramakrishna Mission, Colombo -16-06-2026.



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International Yoga Day - 2024 in Ramakrishna Mission Colombo 16-06-2024





Swami Vivekananda acknowledged Hatha Yoga for its ability to promote extraordinary physical health and longevity, but he cautioned against prioritizing it over spiritual growth. He viewed it primarily as a gymnastics system, asserting that true spiritual liberation requires higher mental and contemplative practices.

His specific perspectives on the practice include:

Physical Longevity vs. Spirituality: He noted that the primary goal of the Hatha Yogi is to make the body extremely strong and immune to sickness, allowing them to live for over a century. However, he argued that this merely makes the physical body a strong machine and does not necessarily lead to spiritual enlightenment.
 
Useful for Preparation: While he discouraged making physical exercises the ultimate goal, he did not entirely reject them. He acknowledged that light Hatha yogic practices can be helpful to maintain a healthy body, keep away disease, and make daily life easier, which in turn supports meditation.
 
Emphasis on Raja Yoga: Vivekananda heavily emphasized Raja Yoga (the yoga of mental control and meditation) over Hatha Yoga. He viewed the physical and breath-control steps in Raja Yoga strictly as stepping stones to gain control over the mind, rather than as ends in themselves.
 
The Danger of Attachment: He warned that an excessive focus on the physical body can create deep attachment and distract practitioners from the ultimate goal of yoga, which is union with the Divine.

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