Universal appeal of yoga

Yoga has attracted adherents from diverse backgrounds. International Yoga Day came into existence in 2014. But long before that people have come to India from many parts of the Globe to learn yoga. Indian yogic masters have also gone to many countries to conduct yoga classes. With time, the demand for yoga classes have increased. Today there is hardly any country or any major city where there is no yoga centre.

For most part in this series, I have focussed on the philosophical aspects of yoga and how there can be multiple approaches to yoga. I have emphasised the spiritual aspects associated with yoga and how multiple spiritual paths are in fact different types of yoga as seen from the broader definition of yoga as a path to self-realisation. It also implies that one can adopt elements of yoga to one’s routine without changing one’s ideological leanings provided the one’s ideological leanings are without any bias and are entrenched in humanistic values.

Practise of yoga offers multiple benefits. Health is one of them. Those who are into yoga for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, need not go deep into its philosophical aspects. They can start practising asana, pranayama and dhyana right away. Most of the yogic asanas and berthing exercises are suitable for any adult without any chronic health issues. Those who have some health issues need expert guidance. But yoga is not a no no for them.  There is something for everyone. It can be customised depending upon the individual needs. Same way, yoga can be customised for different age groups. In fact, many yoga schools offer specialised programs for children and teens.

What increases yoga’s universal appeal is its minimalistic approach. If you are a gym buff you need expensive equipment. If you are into outdoor exercises you need proper field, shoes etc. In Indian cities, per capita public space is decreasing and one is subject to untold pollution when venturing for outdoor activities. Yoga requires a small mat and a space that it occupies. In fact there are times when there are movement restrictions, as it happened in the times of Corona pandemic. So yoga is suitable for all times.

Normal physical exercises do have effect on the mind. But it is an indirect effect. Your mental benefits are by product of your physical activities. However, there are yogic routine to effect the mind directly. Yoga is concerned with holistic health. In jnana yoga there is no emphasis on rigorous physical routines. Yoga gives you wide number of choices. There  is no pre-conditions attached to start yoga.

I think these are the some of the reasons why yoga has appealed to people from diverse backgrounds. In case you find any other reason for the universal appeal of yoga, you are welcome to add the same in the comments..

This post is a part of Blogchatter A2Z Challenge 2026

This year my theme is – Yoga A2Z