International Day of Yoga
Yoga is a traditional practice that incorporates physical, mental and spiritual aspects that has its roots in India. The word 'yoga' is derived from Sanskrit and refers to the unification of body and consciousness.
Today people all over the world practice it in different forms and its popularity continues to grow.
On 11 December 2014, the United Nations declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga through resolution 69/131, acknowledging its universal appeal.
International Day of Yoga aims to increase global understanding of the many benefits that come from the practice of yoga.
The International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and received support from 175 member states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi moved the resolution during the inauguration of the 69th session of the General Assembly. He described yoga as an ancient tradition that promotes the unity of mind and body and a holistic approach to health and well-being. Yoga is not just about physical exercise; It also helps individuals connect with themselves, the world and nature.
The resolution highlights
The resolution highlights the importance of individuals and populations adopting healthy lifestyles to promote good health. The World Health Organization has also called on member states to help reduce physical inactivity, a leading cause of death and non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. However, yoga goes beyond physical activity and teaches how to maintain balance and skill in daily life, noted physician B.K.S. Iyengar.
In 2016, yoga was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Originating from ancient India, the principles of yoga have had an impact on various aspects of Indian society, including health and medicine, education and the arts. The practice of yoga focuses on connecting mind, body and spirit to achieve better mental, spiritual and physical health, and its values are deeply ingrained in the ethos of the community.
Spiritual discipline
Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on a subtle science, which aims at establishing a state of harmony between mind and body. It is considered both an art and a science to lead a healthy life. The word 'yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit root 'yuj', which means 'to join' or 'to join'. According to yogic scriptures, the practice of yoga unites individual consciousness with universal consciousness, resulting in complete harmony between mind and body, as well as between humans and nature. According to modern scientists, everything in the universe is a manifestation of the same quantum fabric. Those who experience this interconnectedness of existence are said to be in a state of yoga.
known as a Yogi
The person is known as a Yogi and has attained the state of liberation called Mukti, Nirvana or Moksha. The goal of yoga is to achieve self-realization and eliminate all kinds of suffering, which leads to the state of mukti or freedom. The main objective of practicing yoga is to live with freedom, health and harmony in all aspects of life. "Yoga" also refers to an inner science that offers various methods for individuals to achieve this union and gain control over their future. Yoga is considered a timeless cultural development of the Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization, dating back to 2700 BCE, and has proved instrumental in the material and spiritual advancement of humanity. The practice of yoga is characterized by fundamental human values.
There are many seals and fossil remains from the Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization that depict yogic motifs and figures engaged in yogic practices.
Sexual symbols found on mother goddess sculptures and seals indicate the presence of yoga in ancient India, suggesting tantra yoga. Yoga can be seen in a variety of forms, including folk traditions, the Indus Valley Civilization, the Vedic and Upanishadic legacies, Buddhist and Jain traditions, philosophy, the epics of the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and theistic traditions of the Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Tantric traditions. , Additionally, there is a primitive or pure form of yoga that exists in the mystical traditions of South Asia.
Historical evidence
There is historical evidence of the existence of yoga in the pre-Vedic period (2700 BCE) and the time of Patanjali. We gather information about yoga practices and related literature during this period from various sources, such as the Vedas (4), the Upanishads (108), the Smritis, the teachings of Buddhism and Jainism, Panini, the epics (2), and Purana (18), among others. At that time when yoga was being practiced under the direct guidance of a guru, its spiritual value was highly emphasized and considered a part of worship. The practice of yoga was integrated into their rituals during the Vedic period with a special focus on the Sun. This may have influenced the later invention of 'Surya Namaskar'. Pranayama, a breathing exercise, was included in the daily rituals as an offering. While yoga was practiced before the Vedic period, it was Maharishi Patanjali who systematized and systematized the existing practices, their meanings and related knowledge through his Yoga Sutras. After Patanjali, many rishis and yoga gurus made important contributions to the development and preservation of the field through their documented practices and literature.
Meditation plays an important role in yoga. Pratyahara means withdrawing one's consciousness from the senses, whereby one remains aloof from external objects. On the other hand, Dharana is the act of focusing attention on a specific area within the body and mind.
Meditation is a way of focusing your mind and body to help you feel calm and peaceful. There are eight yoga poses that help people become more mindful and healthy. These include things like breathing exercises, controlling your thoughts, and eating well. Practicing these things can help people feel more connected to themselves and others. One of the most important parts is meditation, which helps people become more aware and relaxed.
Yoga comes in different forms like the four great paths. They are called Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga. It is just like a tree has different branches or a river has different streams.