Happy International Yoga Day!
"Arrived late for class. My instructor shouted at me to get my Asana Mat."
"Anne was struggling with basic yoga, but remained determined. And where Anne Hatha-Will, Anne Hatha-way."
and my favorite...
"A cartoon bear on TV taught me to breathe. He was a Yogi."
Universal Philosophy and Religion wishes you a happy, healthy, and holistic International Yoga Day this June 21st, 2020!
As we join in celebration of International Yoga day with countries all across the world, we recognize that Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition to the world. It is practiced to bring harmony between man and nature.
This is a befitting vision that echoes the very meaning of the Sanskrit noun Yoga (योग) which is derived from the sanskrit root Yuj (युज्), meaning to "join, attach, yoke and harness together.” The word Yoga is now commonly used to mean “union.” The members of Universal Philosophy and Religion seize this opportunity to embrace the world with the spirit of harmony, equality, and respect in the practice of Yoga.
The idea of International Day of Yoga was first proposed by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27th, 2014. He stated: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”
— Narendra Modi, UN General Assembly
On December 11, 2014, India's permanent representative to the UN, Asoke Mukherji introduced the draft resolution in the UNGA. The resolution was adopted by 177 member countries and 175 countries co-sponsored the resolution. On December 11th, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon officially declared 21st June as International Yoga Day.
On the first International Yoga Day (June 21st, 2015), Secretary-General of the United Nations (Ban Ki Moon) said, “Yoga does not discriminate; to varying degrees all people can practice…Yoga offers a simple accessible and inclusive means to promote physical and spiritual health and well-being. It promotes respect for one’s fellow human beings and for the planet we share.” In proclaiming June 21st, 2015 as the first International Yoga Day, the UN Secretary-General recognized, “the holistic benefits of this timeless practice and its inherent compatibility with the principles and values of the United Nations,” at the UN General Assembly.
Yoga has become most popular as stretching and various positions that seem like exercise methods. However, Yoga is much more and much deeper than the popular version. For example, Yoga is widely practiced for its relaxation benefits which result in better sleep and stress management. However, there are many more reasons and benefits for practicing Yoga in its various forms as mentioned below. Karma Yoga encourages respect and charity (seva) towards animals, nature, and our fellow human beings. The latter four stages of Ashtanga Yoga promote attaining a healthier mind. The last two stages, Dhyana and Samadhi, give us the vision and realization of oneness in the universe. This vision reminds us of the interconnectedness of all the parts of the Universe, which translates into our recognition of how connected and dependent we all are on each other.
As we practice yoga by any of the various methods and traditions (Hatha Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Upasana Yoga and Jnana Yoga), we recognize the invaluable contribution of our Rishis in handing down the teachings and practice of Yoga, via the Guru Shishya parampara of various lineages from teacher to students.
Breathe, stretch, relax, and stay calm with happiness, joy, and fulfillment.
Om ShantiH ShantiH ShantiH.
-Sri Rajaji