Latest news with #BhagavadGita
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Why your mind wanders during meditation
Authored by: Dr Hansaji Yogendra, The Yoga Institute cañcalaṁ hi manaḥ kṛṣṇa pramāthi balavad dṛḍham tasyāhaṁ nigrahaṁ manye vāyor iva su-duṣkaram ~Bhagwat Gita 6.34 The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Kṛṣṇa, and to subdue it, I think, is more difficult than controlling the wind; so, said Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is a reality every meditator faces: no matter how earnestly you want to sit in silence, the mind wanders. Everything from the morning's conversations, to the grocery list, a past regret, a painful conversation or a future plan fill your mind the moment you sit down to meditate. And for many of you, this wandering feels like failure. But let me assure you, it is not. In fact, to observe the mind's wandering is a sign that meditation has begun. You are no longer lost in thought, but becoming aware of it. The Nature of the Mind: Restless, Moving, Alive In Indian philosophy, the mind (manas) is never described as a static organ. It is dynamic, subtle and ever in motion. Its primary function is to perceive, compare, recall, desire and judge: continuously. The ancient yogis classified the mind's fluctuations as vrittis or waves on the surface of consciousness. Meditation is not about eliminating these waves instantly, but about observing them with clarity and compassion. What Happens to the Mind in Meditation? When you begin meditating you expect instant calmness. But the mind in those early moments can feel quite the opposite. This happens because meditation alters brain activity. As you settle into meditation, the brain begins to move from a state of high-frequency beta waves (associated with active thinking, planning, or stress) to slower alpha and eventually theta waves, which are linked to deep relaxation and inward focus. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But this shift doesn't happen instantly. The space between these waves, especially the transition from beta to alpha, is often where mental 'debris' starts to float up. And that is why your mind wanders, especially in the early stages of mediation. Why Does the Mind Wander During Meditation? So, when you sit to meditate, the world outside becomes quiet but the world within becomes loud. And that is also why your mind wanders. Here are a few other reasons why: 1. The Unprocessed Subconscious During the day, the mind absorbs countless impressions: what you see, hear, feel, and think. These impressions (samskaras) are not always consciously processed. Meditation, being a state of still awareness, allows these stored thoughts to rise to the surface. 2. Habitual Conditioning The modern mind is constantly stimulated by phones, conversations, deadlines and distractions. It becomes addicted to noise. So, when silence is introduced, it feels uncomfortable. The mind, out of habit, begins reaching outward again and you start replaying stories, seeking tasks or constructing imaginary scenarios. 3. Resistance to Change Yogic texts speak of tamasic inertia; the mind's resistance to moving into a higher state. Just as the body resists change, so does the mind. The moment you ask it to be still, it reacts. This is a natural stage of growth. Do not be alarmed. 4. Attachment and Desire Meditation often makes you aware of the attachments you have to people, identities or unfulfilled desires. That is why thoughts or emotions or feelings associated with them keep resurfacing as you begin to meditate. These actually reveal the deeper entanglements of the mind and are an encouragement to let go of them. How to Gently Guide the Wandering Mind 1. Choose a Simple Anchor Use the breath, a mantra or a gentle visualisation, like a diya flame or the rising sun. Let this become your point of focus. Every time your mind wanders, return to it. And don't judge your mind for wandering. Be kind to your mind. 2. Be the Observer, Not the Doer Do not wrestle with your thoughts. Become the sakshi, their silent witness. Observe the thought arise, remain and dissolve. This very witnessing begins to loosen its hold. 3. Short but Regular Practice It is far better to meditate sincerely for 10 minutes every day than to force a long session once in a while. The mind respects rhythm. Over time, this daily practice becomes a habit. Once you finish meditating, take a moment to journal or sit quietly. Often, the thoughts that came up carry emotional weight. Honouring them helps the mind feel heard and eases future restlessness. Do not fear the wandering of your mind. It is a part of the process. As the Yoga Sutras remind us: 'Abhyasa vairagyabhyam tan nirodhah'; through steady practice and gentle detachment, the fluctuations of the mind are quieted.
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Yoga as a mass campaign to build a healthier India
India, the birthplace of yoga, continues to uphold this ancient wisdom, not just as physical exercises but as a holistic philosophy for the nurturing of the human mind, body, and spirit. The phrase from the Bhagavad Gita, yogah karmasu kaushalam (yoga is skill in action), points to yoga's transformative potential, particularly in empowering women and nurturing children. Yoga has gained global recognition as a channel for wellness and social transformation. The UN's 2014 decision to declare June 21 as International Day of Yoga was the world's recognition of India's great spiritual and civilisational heritage. Yoga must be seen not just as a practice, but as a participatory movement — a jan andolan for health and wellness. (AP) This year's Yoga Day theme is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. As the nation marches towards Viksit Bharat, it is necessary to integrate yoga into the lives of women and children, who constitute two-thirds of the country's population and are more vulnerable and exposed to health issues than other sections. From improving mental health and hormonal balance to strengthening the muscular and skeletal system, yoga is uniquely suited to meet the health needs of women across age groups. Adopting yoga before and after pregnancy empowers women to effectively manage related health challenges. Prenatal yoga, with its targeted postures and meditative techniques, alleviates pregnancy discomforts, supports pain management, and boosts energy. It prepares expectant mothers for childbirth physically and emotionally. Postnatal yoga helps lactating mothers in their recovery, emotional well-being, enhancing breastfeeding, and strengthening the mother-child bond. We have leveraged the network of over 25 lakh anganwadi workers to inform, educate, and assist women and children in adopting yoga as a necessary habit in their daily lives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has constantly advocated for women-led development. The World Bank also argued that increased female labour force participation can boost the manufacturing output by 9% and help us achieve a high-income developed nation status by 2047. All this can only be achieved when we have a physically and emotionally healthy women workforce. Coming to children, lifestyle disorders, screen dependence, and academic pressures have all become major health afflictions. Yoga offers a response to these challenges, by enhancing concentration, memory, emotional regulation, sleep quality, and stress management. Through Mission Saksham, Anganwadi, and Poshan 2.0, my ministry is embedding yoga into early childhood care and development, laying the foundation for lifelong wellness habits. The ministry houses various flagship programmes and schemes for the well-being, health, and nutrient intake of women and children. While delivering these benefits, anganwadi centres, one-stop centres, and child care institutions, among others, educate, influence, and facilitate beneficiaries in including specially designed yoga modules in their lives. From IT to space and from policymaking to strategic defence, women are the new frontline warriors. Hence, women must keep working towards unlocking their potential, with yoga playing a key role. By actively incorporating yoga into our women and child welfare policies, we are asserting our cultural sovereignty while simultaneously enhancing grassroots health and well-being. Yoga must be seen not just as a practice, but as a participatory movement — a jan andolan for health and wellness. Let us unite in embracing yoga as a social and personal commitment to build a healthier India and reach new heights. Annpurna Devi is Union minister of women and child development. The views expressed are personal.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
More than instructors: How Times Health+ built a yoga legacy with real mentors
Incepted in a digital world that waters down wellness to a mere Instagram hashtag and impersonal snippets, Times Health+ is a platform that garners depth and structure to yoga by curating its platforms around the expertise of real and certified yoga practitioners. The skeleton of the platform isn't an FYP magnet but a thoughtfully created group of professionals who have come together, bringing a distinctive teaching approach, philosophy, and sense of presence. These are dedicated mentors who reshape yoga into a personal experience for them is Shynee Narang , a certified yoga teacher, NLP coach, and sound healer with 15+ years in wellness, trained under the traditional Guru-shishya Parampara since 2008. She is known to combine ancient yogic practices with modern science to help people reconnect with their inner calm and energy. She has orchestrated sessions for top and renowned industry names like Airtel , TEDx, Cisco, and Delhi Police and has taught hundreds through her blends of kriyas, asana, pranayam, and sound therapy. She leaps into the yoga industry, changing lives with a wholesome motto, which is to bring yoga and well-being to 1 billion to Shynee on the golden pedestal stands Apurva Tilwani , a certified Hatha yoga instructor from Rishikesh, having assimilated years of experience and having built a community of 500K followers. She stepped onto the pedestal while struggling from ailments that resulted in her being unfit and underweight; now she sits on the throne, strong and graceful. Apurva, with her expertise in dancing and calisthenics, aims to blend movement and mindfulness to help users build both physical and inner the diamond-encrusted crown, reflecting the position of the platform's Chief Spiritual Mentor, stands Yogacharya Surakshit Goswami , a renowned figure in yoga and spirituality known for his deep commitment to the practice since 1979. He is a gold medalist and an author of six insightful pieces of literature on yoga. He has devoted his life to spreading yogic wisdom and healing. Hailing from the sacred ghats of Haridwar, Dr. Goswami's journey began as young and innocent as 12 years old, earning him the title of 'Yoga Kumar.' Today he has an institution of his own, widely respected for his dedication to Yog Sadhna. He is known to be the first in India to have earned both a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in Yoga from Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Goswami has conducted over 6,200 workshops globally, covering yogic philosophy and sacred texts. He has published over 3,200 articles and translated the Bhagavad Gita into simplified Hindi for younger generations. Apart from that, he has also made appearances on numerous TV shows and radio programs since 1993, imparting his wisdom to is a mentor who has carved a pathway to harmonize the mind, the body, and the soul in today's rest-omitting investing in expert-led content over automated or generic solutions, Times Health+ curates an environment where users can move forward at their pace and deepen their understanding. Times Health+ is creating a space that nurtures a relationship with one's body, breath, and overall well-being through the wisdom of teachers who lead with care and these actions, the platform has redefined the digital yoga experience, transforming online sessions into meaningful journeys filled with learning, reflection, and transformation, making luxury guidance accessible beyond borders or boundaries.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
International Yoga Day 2025: Wishes, quotes, messages, images, and greetings to share with your loved ones
International Yoga Day , observed on June 21 each year, promotes the practice of yoga as a tool for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It highlights yoga's global relevance and ancient Indian origins, serving as a reminder to integrate mindfulness and wellness into daily life. This year's theme—'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'—stresses harmony between humans, the environment, and overall wellness. The 2025 celebrations emphasise yoga's unifying role in balancing personal health with planetary health. International Yoga Day 2025 Wishes Wishing you harmony and health on International Yoga Day 2025! Let yoga inspire your life and uplift your soul. May the light of yoga guide you towards wellness and inner peace. Happy Yoga Day! Here's to balance, breathing, and a blissful life. Have a peaceful Yoga Day 2025! Wishing you a day filled with mindful movements and peaceful moments. Happy Yoga Day! On this day of mindfulness, may yoga help you align your body, mind, and spirit. May you discover the strength in stillness and the power of breath. Happy International Yoga Day! Celebrate health, flexibility, and serenity—Happy Yoga Day to you and your family! Yoga is a gift of India to the world. May you unwrap its blessings today and always! Let every breath be a reminder of your inner power. Happy Yoga Day 2025! May your life be as balanced as a perfect tree pose. Wishing you a joyful Yoga Day! International Yoga Day Messages Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured. Yoga is not just an exercise, it's a lifestyle—a way to connect with your higher self. This International Yoga Day, let's stretch our limits and inhale positive change. Yoga isn't about the shape of your body, it's about the shape of your life. Yoga is the art of awareness on the canvas of body, mind, and soul. Yoga adds years to your life and life to your years. Celebrate it today and always. Find peace in every pose. Embrace calm with every breath. Happy Yoga Day. Yoga unites, heals, and empowers. May it bring calm to your chaos. On this Yoga Day, let us promise to make wellness a daily habit. Yoga is a mirror to look at ourselves from within. Reflect, realign, and rejoice. International Yoga Day Quotes 'Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.' – Bhagavad Gita 'Yoga is not about touching your toes. It's about unlocking your ideas of what you want.' – Cyndi Lee 'The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.' – B.K.S. Iyengar 'You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside.' – Wayne Dyer 'Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are.' – Jason Crandell 'True yoga is not about the shape of your body but the shape of your life.' – Aadil Palkhivala 'In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.' – Deepak Chopra 'Yoga is 99% practice and 1% theory.' – K. Pattabhi Jois 'Yoga means addition – addition of energy, strength, and beauty to body, mind, and soul.' – Amit Ray 'Balance is not something you find. It's something you create.' – Jana Kingsford Greetings for Friends, Colleagues & Everyone Wishing you a happy and healthy International Yoga Day—breathe deep, stretch far, and shine bright! To a wonderful friend: May yoga bring you peace in your heart and clarity in your mind. Happy Yoga Day! Let's take a moment to breathe, stretch, and be thankful. To all the wellness warriors at work—here's to mindful breaks and healthy habits. Happy Yoga Day! Celebrate this day with stillness in your body and serenity in your soul. Happy International Yoga Day! To my fellow yoga lover: May today's poses bring tomorrow's peace. Wishing your life flows with grace and strength like a perfect yoga sequence. Let's unite in the spirit of wellness and gratitude. Happy Yoga Day 2025! Namaste to new beginnings, mindful moments, and positive vibes. Sending you strength, stillness, and smiles on this beautiful International Day of Yoga. International Yoga Day Images iStock iStock iStock iStock Live Events
Time of India
12 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Lady Shri Ram College launches online course on Bhagavad Gita and Psychological insights
Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) held an inaugural session for its second short-term certificate course titled, 'Timeless Lessons – Gita & Psychological Insights'. Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) held the inaugural session of its second short-term certificate course titled 'Timeless Lessons – Gita & Psychological Insights'. This 10-day online course is part of LSR's Summer School 2025 programme, 'Virasaat: Tapestries of Indian Culture', and aims to promote self-awareness and mental well-being through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Chief Guest Pavan Kumar Varma and Guest of Honour Professor Urmi Nanda Biswas and Acting Principal Dr Kanika Ahuja. The session began with a welcome and a token of appreciation to Chief Guest Pavan Kumar Varma and Guest of Honour Professor Urmi Nanda Biswas, presented by Acting Principal Dr Kanika Ahuja. Dr Ahuja spoke about the relevance of the Gita in modern life, especially in the context of recent global events. She said the Gita offers psychological support in uncertain times, encouraging strength and reflection. Varma, author and former diplomat, highlighted the importance of cultural identity and called for the younger generation to reconnect with India's intellectual heritage. He said ancient texts like the Gita offer guidance for both personal and professional challenges. 'The Gita's lessons on identity and detachment are not just spiritual—they are also psychological tools,' he said. The learning objectives of the course are to develop an appreciation of the need for culturally informed systems of knowledge within our education system, an understanding of the linkages of psychology with Indian texts, and understanding how the lessons of the Bhagavad Gita can help to enhance psychology's acceptance in India. Professor Urmi Nanda Biswas, Head of Psychology at the University of Delhi, connected the Gita with positive psychology. She emphasised that its teachings can help regulate emotions and reduce material anxiety. The course is open to students and early career scholars. It covers Indian psychology, dharma, meditation, and the Gita's application in daily life.
