Yoga is a Gift for the World

Why Yoga is a Gift to Mind and Body

Yoga represents a spiritual discipline rooted in a subtle science, focusing on harmonizing the mind and body. Practised for centuries, yoga is a gift to humanity that promotes well-being and self-awareness. The term comes from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning to join or unite.

Different Indian philosophical and religious traditions define the meaning of ‘Yoga’ in various ways. Such as according to Maharishi Patanjali, “योगः चित्त-वृत्ति निरोधः” ” Yogah Chitt Vritti Nirodhah.” Chitta is mind, Vritti is functioning of mind and Nirodha is the control. Yoga is to control the functioning of the mind.

In chapter, 2 verse 48 of Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna defines yoga as “समत्वं योग उच्यते” “Samatvam Yog Uchyate”. Samatva means balanced state, Uchyate is said to be–Yoga is a balanced state of the body, mind, emotions,  thoughts, intellect and behaviour. We are excited in the situation of pleasure and we become sad when it is a negative situation. Yoga is to maintain equilibrium of the mind in any situation. This equanimity of mind is the ultimate objective of yoga.

Complementing your yoga journey with nutritious eating, especially superfoods, can amplify its healing benefits, as highlighted in this guide to superfoods.

Origin of Yoga – An Ancient Gift to the World

Ancient texts trace Yoga’s origins to northern India over 5,000 years ago. The Sanskrit root (in Rig Veda) ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’, gives rise to the word ‘Yoga’. The Vedas are a set of four ancient sacred texts written in Sanskrit.

Celebrating: International Day of Yoga

People have celebrated it on 21st June every year since 2015 after it was accepted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). It’s significance is to promote global health, harmony and peace from United Nations (UN)

UN’s Recognition of Yoga as a Gift for Global Health

During a speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 27th September 2014, the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, first time proposed the idea of an International Day of Yoga.
After the speech, UN adopted the draft resolution, entitled ‘Day of Yoga’.

On 11 December 2014, India’s Permanent Representative Asoke Mukherji introduced the draft resolution in the United Nations General Assembly. 177 Member States offered tremendous support for the draft text who sponsored the text, the UN adopted the draft text without a vote. As yoga spread globally, it also became a key part of wellness travel and spiritual retreats. Learn more about this movement through this overview of yoga tourism. Many global leaders supported this initiative. A total of 177 nations co-sponsored the resolution, which is the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA resolution of such nature.

Why 21st June Symbolizes the Global Value of Yoga

Have you ever wondered why 21st June was chosen to celebrate as International Day of Yoga? The answer is that when proposing 21st June as the date, the Indian Prime Minister, Modi said that the 21st June is the longest day of the year in the mass northern hemisphere. From the perspective of yoga, the summer solstice marks the transition to Dakshinayana (the six-month period between Summer solstice and Winter solstice, when the sun travels towards the south on the celestial sphere). The second full moon after summer solstice is known as Guru Poornima.  Tradition says Shiva, the first yogi (Adi Yogi), began imparting the knowledge of yoga to the rest of humankind on this day, and became the first guru (Adi Guru).

Daily Practice – Embracing Yoga as a Gift in Life

With this unpredictability surrounding the world in the pandemic, this time should be focused to utilize our energy in divine practice of yoga. The best time to practice yoga is early in the morning on an empty stomach. Practice Yoga outdoors with a cotton mat and an open mind. Incorporating yoga into your early morning routine can enhance its impact, as discussed in this article on the benefits of waking up early.

• Perform a slight warm-up including leg-circles, knee-circles and waist rotations clockwise and anti-clockwise. This warm-up loosens joints and removes excess air bubbles trapped inside.
• Try pranayam exercises, meditation, or different asanas for atleast 30 minutes a day.

30 minutes of daily yoga will take you a long way. You will thank yourself for the priceless happiness, calmness and the health you will obtain from it. One week is enough to experience the benefits. However the key lies in being consistent.

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