Rooted in society for centuries, the saga of yoga paves the way for individual and universal consciousness
Vasudeva Kutumbakam is a famous saying that delineates that "the world is one family." Interestingly the phrase is so valuable that it has been engraved on the entry to our country's parliament building. As a notion, it emphasizes values like compassion, mutual respect, unity, strength in diversity, inclusivity and traditions. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam transcends all barriers including geographical, political, social, religious, origin, community etc, supporting unity and interconnectedness through the blending of traditional practices. A classic paradigm of blending traditional practices in our modern way of life is the practice of Yoga. Yoga has famously been the catalyst of social change, science and advancement, the interconnectedness between people and establishing a balance between body, mind and spirit, fostering both physical and mental health. In a fast-moving world, today, staying rooted is essential to maintain the balance we desire in our lives. Yoga has been practised for thousands of years and has been seen as a way to experience tranquillity and attain higher levels of consciousness. In recent decades, yoga has gained popularity in the West as a way to enhance physical and mental well-being. Traditional yoga practices integrate physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. Postures (asanas) help to unblock the pores in the body and create a stronger connection between body and mind. Pranayama (breath control) techniques help to reduce stress, balance the nervous system, and bring the body into a state of equilibrium.
Meditation helps to cultivate mindfulness and helps to bring the mind into the present moment. Alongside physical and mental benefits, the science and practice of yoga create harmony within, & also foster and disseminate peace around us. Beautifully amalgamating diverse people across the globe, the practice of yoga resonates with the core idea i.e. a sense of unity and interconnectedness.
Every year on June 21, people around the world come together to celebrate International Day of Yoga, which was taken to the global pavilion by our Hon'ble Prime Minister in 2015, which signifies India’s contribution to global well-being and harmony. It is mesmerising to witness each corner of the world demonstrating yoga asanas on this grand day of celebrations. The day serves as an opportunity for individuals to come together and reflect on the physical and mental benefits that yoga can offer.
It is a great way to improve overall well-being and can be practised by people of all ages and abilities. This year the celebrations will involve a huge variety of performances with a touch of cultures right from Indian dance shows, Tibetan singing bowls, Native American drum circles, and many more beautiful forms which are culturally diversified and ignite a sense of togetherness.
Rooted in society for centuries, the saga of yoga establishes a symphony between mind and body, paves the way for individual and universal consciousness and transforms the meaning of life. Yoga reduces the adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle, builds core strength and beautifully nourishes the body. Not only does it create wonders for the physical aspect of living, but also fosters self-awareness, promotes a positive outlook, instills a sense of gratitude towards life and Watching yoga demonstrations in itself provides serenity, leading us to imagine the magnitude of solace it shall bring on performing it ourselves.
The glow that yoga brings to faces is unparalleled and incomparable to any other lustre. Such is the power of yoga- golden & visionary! A precious gift from our ancestors, we must pass it to our future generations which can help them strengthen the core of their lives.
(The writer is the Director, of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of Ayush)