Overview:

The theme of International Day of Yoga 2026 is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”. Scientific studies have shown the impact that yoga has on ageing, something that yogis have intuitively known for a long time.

As the world prepares to celebrate International Day of Yoga 2026 on Sunday, June 21, Mandayam Osuri Thirunarayanan asked Swami Jyotirmayananda, founder of the Yoga Research Foundation, a few questions to explore the essence of this ancient practice.

MT: What is Yoga in its simplest form? 

SWAMIJI: “Yoga is Union with God. It is the goal of all religions.”

SWAMIJI: “The practice of Yoga in its integral form removes the root disease referred to as ignorance or avidya, which is a lack of awareness of one’s essential spiritual nature, as well as all its effects on the entire human personality.

Integral Yoga consists of a blend of Hatha Yoga (physical exercises), Dhyana or Raja Yoga (mental concentration, meditation, and samadhi—super-conscious experience), Bhakti Yoga (nourishing divine love), and Jnana Yoga (profound inquiry into “Who am I?” and the nature of the illusory ego). The existence of all the sages and saints gives proof of these benefits.”

MT: How should one practice Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga, Raja yoga, and Jnana yoga?

SWAMIJI: For the practice of Karma Yoga, convert your day-to-day activity into a process of spiritual unfoldment and personality integration. Discover your abundant source of divine strength through ego-effacement and humility. Adopt the devotional attitude, “I am a mere instrument in the divine hands,” and the Vedantic attitude, “I am the non-doer Self”. Seek mental integration and not any outward gain through your actions. Feel that you are working for the divine self in all.”

For Bhakti Yoga, perform every action with the spirit of worshipping God, surrendering the ego-self in the ocean of God. Allow your feelings and sentiments to flow towards God with wholehearted devotion. Key practices in Bhakti Yoga include prayer, worship, meditation, chanting, constant remembrance of the divine, reverence, and selfless service.”

Raja Yoga is a practical approach to building steady states of concentration, meditation and control of mind, aided by yoga exercises, pranayama, and attention to the yamas (ethical restraints) and niyamas (ethical observances).”

Jnana yoga is to develop the art of enquiring into “Who am I?”, listening to scriptures and reflecting on their meanings, and meditating upon the great utterances such as Aham Brahmasmi—I am Brahman, the absolute self. Such patient and persistent practice leads to the realization that the “reality in me is the reality behind all that exists.”

MT: According to Yogic philosophy, what is the purpose of life?

SWAMIJI: “Enlightenment, or the revelation of one’s essential identity as the divine self.”

MT: How can one attain self-realization through yogic practice?

SWAMIJI: “One attains self-realization through a disciplined and integrated yogic life. This requires constant watchfulness, detachment, inner enquiry, and sustained focus on the goal. A practical yogic routine includes meditation, yoga exercises, mantra repetition, scripture study, and selfless action—converting every action of yours into a means for the purification of the mind.”

MT: Can anyone practice Yoga?

SWAMIJI: “Everyone who wants to be healthy and happy needs to practice Yoga, just as everyone needs to take healthy tonics.”

MT: What are the major activities of the Yoga Research Foundation?

SWAMIJI: “All projects that bring peace, harmony and Vishwa Kalyan (universal welfare) to this world are within the purview of the Yoga Research Foundation. These include daily lectures at the Miami Ashram, online podcasts, the monthly International Yoga Guide magazine, the many books and audio-visual resources available through the Foundation, and the newly opened Integral Yoga Center that offers classes in Hatha Yoga, Ayurveda, spiritual philosophy, and diverse healing arts for people of all ages.”

MT:  What advice do you have for beginners to Yoga? 

SWAMIJI: “Be guided by satsanga—studying with an authentic guru or other inspiring spiritual influence.” (NOTE: The Sanskrit word satsanga refers to a gathering of people seeking knowledge and spiritual growth, under the guidance of a knowledgeable guru.)

Scientific research on the benefits of yoga

The theme of International Day of Yoga 2026 is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” Scientific studies have shown the impact that yoga has on ageing, something that yogis have intuitively known for a long time. The benefits of practicing yoga, which originated in ancient India, have been proven by modern scientific studies.

Based on the results of her comprehensive review of selected studies related to the practice of yoga, Catherine Woodyard (2011) states:

“Results from this study show that yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.”

According to a paper published by Purnima Madhivanan, Karl Krupp, Randall Waechter, and Rahu Shidhaye (2021), “Multiple, well-designed studies provide data showing that yoga practice has positive effects on cellular ageing, mobility, balance, mental health, and prevention of cognitive decline—all areas of concern for older adults.”

Biographical sketch of Swami Jyotirmayananda

Swami Jyotirmayananda was born on February 3, 1931, in Bihar, India.  In 1953, Sri Swami Sivananda, the founder of the Divine Life Society, Rishikesh, India, initiated him into the ancient order of Sanyasa. At this time, Swamiji’s spiritual command over Yoga and Vedanta attracted enormous interest across India. 

In 1962, Swami Jyotirmayananda relocated to Puerto Rico, where he founded his first ashram, Sanatan Dharma Mandir. While there, he conducted regular classes, delivered weekly radio lectures in English and Spanish, and appeared on numerous TV programs. 

In 1969, Swamiji established the Yoga Research Foundation, his ashram in Miami, Florida. It has become the center for international activities, publications and enlightening teachings. Branches of this organization now exist throughout the world to disseminate the universal teachings of Yoga and Vedanta philosophy. 

Today, at 95 years of age, Swami Jyotirmayananda continues to impart scriptural wisdom and guide spiritual aspirants toward the supreme purpose of life—Enlightenment.

Happy International Day of Yoga!