Inward Journeys
Improving Mental Well-Being at the Intersection of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga May 9, 2026 Piyali Sarkar
The essay argues that yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are rooted in ancient Indian philosophical traditions—such as Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras, Advaita Vedānta, and Buddhist teachings—that prioritize ethical living and existential liberation over mere technique. It criticizes the modern commercialization of these practices, which reduces them to self-optimization tools, and advocates for a return to their original purposes: achieving freedom from pain and illusion through lived experience. The work calls for culturally sensitive, morally grounded approaches in contemporary settings, offering insights for educators, therapists, and practitioners seeking a deeper connection to contemplative life.