From Seclusion and Solitude to Social-Media: The Shifting Landscape of Yogic Lifestyle and Its Philosophical Basis
Nanepalli Hari Ramakrishna, Ashutosh Shukla and Doli Rani Hansdah
Abstract
This paper explores the drastic transformation in yogic lifestyles from ancient seclusion to modern social immersion, particularly through digital platforms. Observing how contemporary yogis heavily rely on social media for communication with limited personal or face-to-face interaction we were drawn to examine the contrasting way of life led by ancient yogis, who chose seclusion in forests, mountains, and hermitages, away from societal involvement. This contrast stirred a deeper inquiry into the philosophical, biological, and spiritual reasons behind these divergent lifestyles. Ancient yogic life, rooted in principles such as vairāgya (detachment), tapas (austerity), and mauna (silence), was further supported by the broader social framework of varṇāśrama dharma, where individuals transitioned from the householder stage (gṛhastha) to vānaprastha and eventually to sannyāsa. In the modern context, these stages have largely disappeared, with most individuals and even yogis remaining within an extended or modified gṛhastha mode centered on worldly and social engagement. This paper investigates the philosophical, biological, and spiritual imperatives for both seclusion and sociality, while also analyzing the erosion of traditional life stages. Drawing from scriptural sources and moral reasoning, the study reflects on whether this evolution of yogic lifestyle deepens or distorts the essence of yogic living. This study draws on scriptural teachings and moral reasoning to investigate whether this evolution of yogic life has deepened its reach or diluted its essence.
Keywords: Seclusion, Social media, Yogic Lifestyle