Yoga in modern India: The body between science and philosophy

Yoga, an ancient Indian discipline, has undergone significant transformations in modern India, particularly in its interplay with science and philosophy. While traditionally rooted in spiritual and metaphysical frameworks, modern yoga increasingly aligns with scientific discourses in health, psychology, and physiology. This article explores the evolution of yoga in modern India, tracing its adaptation from a philosophical and spiritual practice to a scientifically validated wellness regimen. The paper examines the scientific rationalization of yoga, its medicalization, and its philosophical continuity, highlighting how these dimensions interact in contemporary Indian society. Additionally, it discusses how globalization and commercialization have impacted yoga, leading to both opportunities and challenges in its modern practice.