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For Hansaji Yogendra, being born into a family where yoga was a daily practice was simply a part of her destiny. Her passion for the practice grew even stronger when she met her husband, Dr Jayadeva Yogendra, a renowned yogi and an exemplary scholar. This is also when, for the first time, she started to understand yoga "in its deepest sense.”
Now, as the director of The Yoga Institute, the world's first yoga centre established in 1918 by her father-in-law, Shri Yogendra Ji, she continues to propagate its teachings and yogic traditions. Under her leadership, the Institute has expanded its reach with technological advancements, offering contemporary solutions for life's challenges and promoting holistic wellness worldwide.
In this very first exclusive interaction of our OMHSpotlight series, yoga guru, author, educator, and visionary Dr Hansaji Yogendra takes centre stage, where she shares her transformative journey into the world of yoga, unveiling its hidden advantages for everyone!
Also Read: Brain Health: Yoga Mudras To Improve Focus And Concentration
The Path To Yoga And Wellness
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Hansaji's journey with yoga has been deeply personal and life-altering. Although practising yoga was a part of her daily routine, she says, "A spiritual awakening happened under Shri Yogendra Ji and Dr Jayadeva, who initiated me into going deep within to master the subconscious self and different layers of the mind."
"This enlightening experience is now guiding millions who follow The Yoga Institute, imparting values and purpose in everyone's life," she adds.
Revisiting her childhood, Hansaji talks about her struggles with asthma, a chronic lung disease that leads to difficulty breathing. But rather than being bitter about it, she believes that it all happened for a reason. She says that she felt the struggle and the need to overcome it, and it was then that, through dedicated yoga practice, she was able to overcome the condition in her early days.
This experience solidified her faith in the potential of yoga and kick-started her lifelong path in the practice. With even greater dedication, she reminisces.
‘Age Can Never Be A Factor To Slow You Down’
Hansaji exemplifies how yoga holds the key to physical, mental, and spiritual strength. The 76-year-old believes that age can never be a factor in slowing one down. Instead, it is passion and purpose that keep a person going.
She says, “I don't keep my age in mind; I just keep the work in my mind.” “That's what is keeping me going,” she emphasises.
When asked how she manages to maintain excellent health and energy levels at her age, she responds, “One thing that I specifically follow throughout the day is discipline. Yes, discipline is a practice. Every act has discipline involved in it; you just have to follow it to be efficient in every moment of your life. In other words, I can say it is Dharma. I follow Dharma every moment of my day. From morning to night, I do my Dharma. I do everything that is needed for my body, mind, and people: asana, pranayama, and kriya practice every day for the body; living with a sense of purpose and gratitude for the mind; and giving the best help and service to people for a better world.”
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Uncovering The Lesser-Known Benefits Of Yoga
Yoga, as we all know, is an ancient practice deeply rooted in Indian philosophy. It is a discipline that focuses on achieving harmony between the mind and body, a principle increasingly recognised by people worldwide.
Several studies have shown that yoga can not only help reduce the risk of health problems, but it can also alleviate stress and promote long-term mental wellness.
In a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, researchers highlighted the physical benefits of doing yoga, suggesting that it can help minimise the risk factors that contribute to heart disease. These include cholesterol, blood pressure, and obesity.
Another study published recently in the journal Translational Psychiatry suggested that yoga could improve memory and thinking in older women with risk factors for dementia.
The researchers compared Kundalini Yoga to a memory training program (MET), in which participants of both groups met weekly for 12 weeks and practised daily at home. After 24 weeks, women who performed yoga reported greater improvement in their memory and thinking compared to those who did MET. Additionally, yoga seemed to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, which may be linked to improved cognitive function.
But while the physical benefits of yoga are widely known and recognised, Hansaji highlights numerous other lesser-known advantages that come from practising yoga.
“At The Yoga Institute, we have a unique approach—we practise yoga by including the four bhavas, or attitudes, which enrich the practice further.
“Dharma Bhava cultivates a sense of duty and righteousness; Jnana Bhava brings wisdom and knowledge; Vairagya Bhava promotes detachment and self-control; and Aishwarya Bhava enhances a sense of empowerment and capability,” she explains.
According to the yoga guru, these bhavas have deepened her self-awareness and personally helped her live a balanced, harmonious life.
“This holistic approach to yoga significantly impacts all aspects of our existence, making it a very powerful practice for general wellness,” she adds.
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Yoga For Mental Wellness
Many researchers have recognised the advantages of doing yoga for mental health. As per a study published in the International Journal of Yoga, regularly practising yoga, at least for three months, was linked to a decrease in cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress and heightened anxiety.
In today’s fast-paced world, often characterised by a pervasive hustle culture among young people and sedentary lifestyles among many, yoga stands out as an effective remedy. Not only does it offer an escape from the pressures of modern life, but it also helps with physical and mental rejuvenation.
Watch the video to know how young people can their manage stress:
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For individuals with sedentary lifestyles or high-stress jobs, Hansaji recommends including pranayama and meditation into their daily routine. “These practices help to calm one’s mind, reduce stress, and improve concentration,” she says.
Furthermore, she highlights the effectiveness of all yoga asanas, mudras, and kriyas, or cleansing techniques, that have their own specific benefits for not only the body but also for the mind.
Also Read: Yoga For Health: How Does Yoga Help Senior Citizens In Managing Their Health
Takeaways For The Young
When it comes to encouraging young people to incorporate yoga into their daily routine, Hansaji emphasises the need to change with the times and to make the practice more engaging and relevant to their lives.
She says, “We have found success in incorporating yoga into school curriculums and offering youth-centric programs that focus on stress management, concentration, and physical fitness. Using digital platforms, social media, and developing an app—Nispand—to share yoga content also helps reach a younger demographic. By highlighting how yoga can improve their academic performance, sports abilities, and general good health, we make it more appealing to them."
For someone new to yoga, she advises starting slowly and practising regularly.
“Focus on learning the basics well and gradually building up your practice. Listen to your body and respect its limits. Include both physical postures and breathing exercises to create a balanced routine,” she recommends, adding that finding a good teacher or joining a beginner's class can be beneficial.
Most importantly, be patient with yourself and practise with discipline, reverence, and dedication, she concludes.