BLOG 1: SOCIAL MEDIA : A CATALYST FOR PERSONAL GROWTH AND TRANSFORMATION

In the Light of the Concept of Shreyas and Preyas from the Kathopanishad

In our daily lives, we often find ourselves at a crossroads: to wake up early and practice yoga or to stay in bed a little longer; to eat mindfully or reach for instant gratification; to pause and breathe or rush with the world. These everyday choices mirror a profound philosophical dilemma described in the Kathopanishad—the choice between Shreyas and Preyas.

In the dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama (Kathopanishad 1.2.1–2), Yama explains:

“Shreyas and Preyas—both approach the human being. The wise choose Shreyas over Preyas. The ignorant choose Preyas for pleasure and comfort.”

Shreyas means the path of lasting good—the pursuit of truth, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. It often requires effort and discomfort in the beginning but leads to long-term well-being.

Preyas, on the other hand, is the path of short-term pleasure and ease. It is comfortable and tempting but can lead to stagnation or suffering when chosen repeatedly.

Yoga, in this context, represents the path of Shreyas. It demands commitment—rising early, maintaining regular practice, and facing physical and mental resistance. Yoga is not always easy or instantly rewarding. Yet, it leads to clarity, strength, balance, and inner peace. The benefits unfold over time, silently transforming the practitioner.

Comfort, symbolizing Preyas, is easy to choose. Skipping practice for sleep, choosing processed food, or mindlessly consuming content feels good in the moment. However, the repeated choice of Preyas often distances us from our own potential and well-being.

The dilemma is not about a single decision but a daily inner dialogue—between what feels good now and what serves us in the long run. It is here that Yoga offers not just postures or breathwork, but a deeper cultivation of viveka—discernment. This discernment empowers us to pause, reflect, and consciously choose the higher path, even when it's difficult.

Importantly, the Kathopanishad does not demonize Preyas. The text merely cautions us to be aware of its limitations. A life rooted only in Preyas becomes reactive, restless, and ultimately unfulfilling. A life guided by Shreyas, though challenging, is one of purpose and peace.

In today’s world of distractions and instant pleasures, the message of the Kathopanishad is more relevant than ever. To practice Yoga is to choose Shreyas—to embrace effort over ease, awareness over automation, and long-term growth over momentary pleasure.

Every time we step on the mat or sit in silence, we are not just exercising the body—we are exercising choice. And in that choice lies the seed of transformation.

Mrs.Mrunmai godbole,

Assistant Professor ( Yoga).

JSPM University Pune

BLOG 2: CHOOSING LONG-TERM WELLNESS OVER SHORT-TERM EASE

Every morning, my alarm rings at 6 AM—reminding me it's time for yoga. And almost every morning, I stare at the ceiling, debating whether to get up or gift myself “just five more minutes” in bed. The battle between self-discipline and comfort isn’t just mine—it’s something so many of us wrestle with daily. Yoga, with its proven benefits—from mental clarity to physical strength—sounds ideal in theory. We all know it's good for us. Yet somehow, when faced with a cozy blanket, a cold floor, and the effort it takes to hold a plank or stay balanced in Vrikshasana, comfort wins. What’s strange is how we romanticize yoga on social media. Perfect poses, sunrise backdrops, and glowing post-workout skin. But in real life, it’s about struggling to touch your toes, breathing through tight muscles, and showing up even when you don’t feel like it. Maybe the dilemma isn’t about yoga versus comfort. Maybe it’s about choosing long-term wellness over short-term ease. And that’s never an easy choice. But here’s what I’ve learned: on the days I do manage to get up and stretch, the peace I feel afterward always outweighs the comfort of those extra minutes in bed. We don’t need to be perfect yogis. We just need to start— one breath, one pose, one day at a time. The comfort of the mat can eventually replace the comfort of the bed. It just takes consistency and a little kindness toward ourselves when we slip.

Sources:

• “Benefits of Yoga” Harvard Health Publishing
• “Why You Should Do Yoga Every Day” Yoga Journal
• Personal reflections inspired by Reddit yoga forums and Medium blogs on fitness motivation.

Sahil Goraksha Unde

Bachelor of Commerce
JSPM University Pune 

BLOG 3:  YOG: YOUTH OF GENERATION

“Yog” is more than just an exercise. It is a message for everyone. It means “Youth of Generation,” showing us that yoga keeps our minds young and our bodies active. Today, life moves very fast. We often think, “Should I get up early for yoga or sleep a little more?” We must choose between discipline and comfort; manypeople feel this way daily.

Yoga teaches us to be patient, balanced, and strong in the body and mind. Comfort may feel suitable for a short time, but yoga gives us peace for a long time. When we stretch our bodies, we also push our limits. When we focus on our breathing, we become more aware of ourselves.

Yoga is more than just moving the body; it helps us understand ourselves better. We begin to feel how each part of our body reacts, how blood flows, and how the mind becomes calm. Absolute comfort is not in sleeping more but in the fresh energy and clear thinking yoga gives us.

Life is full of noise and pressure. Yoga brings order and calm into our lives. It helps us live purposefully instead of reacting to the world around us. Like the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," we can also say, "One yoga session a day keeps the stress away."

Choosing yoga over comfort may be hard sometimes, but it is always worth it.

Mr. Monish Chavan
Assistant Professor

Dept. of English

FEU, SLASS
JSPM University Pune

BLOG 4: YOGA OR 5 MORE MINUTES – THE DAILY TUG-OF-WAR

Every sunrise sparks a familiar showdown: should you rise into a Warrior Pose or roll deeper into a pillow cocoon? Welcome to the modern morning dilemma— inner peace or extra sleep? In an era where comfort is king and to-do lists feel endless; yoga can seem like a distant dream. But here’s the twist: yoga isn’t about picture- perfect poses—it’s about presence. It's a rebellion against chaos, a quiet commitment to yourself in a world that rarely pauses.

Still, let’s be real. The snooze button has seductive powers. Skipping the mat for an extra cuddle with comfort isn’t weakness—it’s being human.The trick lies not in choosing one forever, but in knowing which to choose today.

Yoga teaches us to listen—not just to our breath, but to our needs. Some mornings demand stillness, others ask us to stretch and show up.There’s no shame in either path, as long as it’s chosen with intention.

So next time your alarm rings, don’t guilt-trip yourself. Ask: What willserve me better today—discipline or rest? Because wellness isn’t a rigid routine—it’s rhythm. And yoga, at its core, is harmony.

Divya Khadse

FYMBA

JSPM University Pune