In these current times, more and more people are learning and practicing yoga regularly as it is not costly, and has many benefits and no side effects. Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action, harmony between human beings and nature and a holistic approach to health and well being. Yoga has evolved as an alternative system of medicine and has become increasingly popular.
The 193-member United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on Dec. 11, 2014, approved by unanimity a resolution establishing June 21 as International Day of Yoga. The declaration came following a call for the adoption of June 21 as International Day of Yoga (IDY) by the current Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi ji, and during his address to the UN General Assembly on Sept. 27, 2014.
In suggesting June 21, which is the summer Solstice, as the International Day of Yoga, PM Narendra Modi had said that the date is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world. The Solstice is considered to be a time when there is natural support for those pursuing spiritual practices.
Global leaders from more than 175 countries, including the USA, supported the resolution. It had the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA Resolution of this type. We know that we are in a state of dramatic change when we witness so many world leaders encouraging people everywhere to awaken to the benefits of yoga and to raise the world’s consciousness to truly make the world a better place.
Now, six year’s later, you might be contemplating what kind of yoga to practice and to know if it is the right fit for you. The word Yoga itself means “union”. It refers to the union of individual consciousness, the soul, with the Universal Consciousness, often referred to as God. With the modern day emphasis on physical health and fitness, many people think of yoga only as physical exercises – asana or postures – but these are only surface aspects. Yoga is a deeper practice and exercise which helps revitalize both the body and the soul.
There are many paths of Yoga that lead in various ways toward this spiritual goal. They include: Hatha Yoga – a system of physical postures whose higher purpose is to purify the body rendering it fit for meditation. Bhakti Yoga – all-surrendering devotion through which one strives to see and love the divinity in every creature and in everything. Karma Yoga – selfless service to others without attachment to the result. Gyana Yoga – the path of wisdom that focuses on the awakening of the intellect (opening the third eye). Mantra Yoga – the repeating of certain universal sounds representing a particular aspect of spirit, i.e. Om Shanti – I am a peaceful soul. Raja Yoga – the royal or highest path of Yoga, which combines the essence of all the Yoga’s and demonstrates connecting with God through the practice of meditation. In addition to knowing how to stand on your head, you also learn how to use your head!
Throughout the world around the date of June 21, over 100 countries annually hold public programs. Representatives from the UN and prominent personalities, including government ministers, grace the occasion and give the message of the benefits of Yoga. These programs often attract thousands of participants.
The publication, Funny Times, recently had a humorous and imaginative article for Yoga aspirants, which I couldn’t resist sharing with you. A new airline is encouraging aspirants to practice Yoga while in-flight.
Here is the economy class Yoga offering, mentioned in this week’s column, which includes an instruction manual illustrating asanas while seated for this flight. Provided by Sister Chirya.
It read, “Unlike other airlines, we do not provide entertainment such as music or movies. Instead, if you check the seat pocket in front of you, you will find a handy one-page guide to in-flight meditation including your own personal mantra and these four illustrated asanas for practicing whilst in-flight. Take this opportunity to overcome any fears such as heights, cramped space and flying, and seek to achieve a calm and luminous mind. Always remember life is the journey and not the destination and basically wherever this plane lands, all airports are one. We can promise you a safe arrival somewhere, although it may not always be the hoped for destination. Namaste!”
(You can contact Sister Chirya Risely, formerly from Owego, at bkchirya@gmail.com. Ed Nizalowski contributed to this week’s column.)
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