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True Yoga: A Union of Body, Mind and Soul

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat
22 June 2025
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True YOGA A Union of Body, Mind and Soul by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat

(Speech by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on International Yoga Day)

Observe that in every country, every human being has certain dharma (duties). Some call it faith, while others may use a different term. However, everyone has certain duties for their own welfare.

In the Hindu religion, the word dharma (duty) is defined as follows:

Duty is defined as one which promotes both the material and spiritual advancement of human beings.

“Material” refers to that which is related to the physical body.

“Spiritual” refers to that which is related to the soul.

We are two. Each of us has a soul within, by whose strength we function – seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling touch, thinking, making decisions, and performing various actions.

Why does the physical body function this way, when it is otherwise lifeless? It is because there is something conscious within it.

What do you say when someone dies?  You say, “Today at 4 PM, Ram Lal departed from this world.”  However, those around him see that he is lying there. They only see his body and not him.

Since we are two, our duties are also two, and both must be advanced as a necessity.

For the advancement of the soul, it is necessary to practise devotion to God.

And for the advancement of the body, Sage Patanjali has left instructions for the practice of yoga, which is composed of five limbs:

Yama (ethical restraints)

Niyama (personal observances)

Asana (steady and comfortable posture)

Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses from external objects)

Pranayama (regulation of breath and life-force)

These are the five limbs of yoga related to the physical body.

For the advancement of the soul, these three steps come:

Dharana (concentration)

Dhyana (meditation)

Samadhi (union with the object of meditation)

Such a beautiful blend and summary of the philosophy of union with God is presented here.

Thus, advancement in both areas is essential.

Those who say that the science of material advancement is meaningless, and those philosophers who claim that the world itself is not real – are all ignorant.

Everyone thinks differently. That is why people’s aims and purposes in life are all different.

However, all their beliefs fall under two categories: Materialism and Spirituality.

We must strive to advance in both these areas.

If we are careless and do not take care of our physical body, or do not consume the appropriate amounts of essential vitamins, proteins, and iron, the body will suffer. Nature will give punishment. Violation of nature’s laws will cause you to suffer, and you will not be able to proceed to the next three steps – dharana, dhyana, and samadhi.

You will be unable to advance spiritually.

Without a healthy body, you cannot do spiritual practice for the welfare of the soul.

Hence, it is essential to keep the body healthy. It is for physical well-being that the practice of asanas, pranayama, etc., has been prescribed.

Those who do not practise them, out of carelessness, will end up visiting doctors regularly and suffer throughout life.

This yoga camp being held here is meant to teach both aspects.

So, take care of your physical body by practising asanas, which we call ‘exercise’ in simple language. At the same time, meditate on God and Guru as per your own faith. 

Then we will be able to achieve our goal.

All glories to Radha Krishna.

All glories to Saint Patanjali.