Swami Mukundananda answers some interesting questions on benefits of yoga and explains its true essence.
Question: What is the science behind the effectiveness of the Yogasans?
Swami Mukundananda: The art of healthy living must incorporate all aspects of the personality: the physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. While the central theme of Yog remains the highest goal of the spiritual path, physical yogic practices enshrined in it give direct and tangible benefits to everyone regardless of their spiritual aims.
Yogasans harmonize the body, mind and emotions. For example, at the physical level, organs, muscles and nerves may not be functioning properly. Asans bring the different bodily functions into perfect coordination so that they work for the good of the whole body.
At the mental level, people harbor poisonous thoughts and emotions within. Muscular knots can occur anywhere in the body – in the neck as cervical spondylitis, in the face as neuralgia, etc. Every mental knot has a corresponding physical, muscular knot and vice versa.
The aim of asans is to release these knots. For full benefit, these asans should be performed along with the meditation. Meditational exercises cleanse the mind, to bring a feeling of peace and contentment within.
Proper asans, Pranayam, subtle body relaxation, meditation, tackle these knots both at the physical and mental levels. As a result of the release of dormant energy, the body becomes full of vitality and strength, the mind becomes light and creative, joyful and balanced.
Yogasans have succeeded as an alternative therapy in diseases such as asthma, diabetes, blood pressure, arthritis, digestive disorders and many ailments of a chronic and constitutional nature, where modern medical science has failed.
Q: What is the difference between Yogasans and exercises?
SM: Exercises impose a beneficial stress on the body. Without them, the muscles waste, the bones become weak, the capacity to absorb oxygen decreases, and the ability to meet demands of sudden physical activity is lost.
However, exercises work only on the muscles. They cause catabolism, or break down of cells. Asans work on the organs, nerves and glands, and alter the electro-chemical activity in the nervous system. They increase the oxygen in the blood, lower the bodily temperature, and slow down metabolic rates.
Q: Why do many people, who flock to Yoga studios, yearn for something more substantial than the physical exercises of Yoga, which will satisfy their inner yearning for spirituality?
SM: The word “Yoga” does not exist in the Sanskrit language or in the Vedic scriptures. The proper word is “Yog”, which means “to unite.” In this context, it means to unite the individual soul with the Supreme soul.
The Shreemad Bhagavatam states:
Etavan yog adishto… (Bhagavatam)
“True Yog means removing the mind from all the material objects of attachment, and fixing it completely on God.”
Many institutions have not endeavored to highlight the mental and spiritual aspects of Yog. Without emphasis on the purification of the mind, the hunger of the soul remains unaddressed. The scriptures state: Man ev manushyanam karanam bandha mokshayoh (Panchadashi)
“The mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation.” If the mind is neglected, then any science for the nourishment and evolution of the personality will be incomplete and only partially effective. Those people who have deeper spiritual sanskars yearn for a genuine Divine experience.
Swami Mukundananda is a world-renowned Spiritual teacher and a best-selling author who earned his degrees from the prestigious IIT Delhi and IIM Kolkata. He worked with a multinational firm for a short period before renouncing his promising career to enter Monkhood at the age of 23. For four decades he has been sharing his vast knowledge through his books and discourses. His lectures on social media platforms are followed by millions. He has deeply affected the lives of millions of people who have been drawn by his profound integrity, charismatic personality, and his passion to serve. Swamiji divides his time between India and the USA.
Swami Mukundananda ji will be having program in Houston from July 18 through July 29, 2026, from 7pm-9pm. The program details are below –
- Sri Sharadamba Temple, 10315 Clodine Road, Richmond, TX on Saturday, July 18th, Monday, July 20th through Friday, July 24th
- Vadtal Dham, 10825 Clodine Road, Richmond, TX on Sunday, July 19th
- India House, 8888 West Bellfort Avenue, Houston, TX from Saturday, July 25th through Wednesday,29th.
- All Programs are free & dinner prasad is served daily.
- For FREE Registration visit JKYog.org/Houston
For more details text or phone 281-630-5982 or 281-780-4877.
