Yoga for self and society
Ranjan K Baruah
Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India. There is a wide variety of schools of yoga, practices and nowadays it is practiced around the world. The word ‘yoga’ derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
The philosophy behind the ancient Indian practice of yoga has influenced various aspects of how society in India functions, whether it be in relation to areas such as health and medicine or education and the arts. Based on unifying the mind with the body and soul to allow for greater mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing, the values of yoga form a major part of the community’s ethos.
We know that yoga consists of a series of poses, meditation, controlled breathing, word chanting and other techniques designed to help individuals build self-realization, ease any suffering they may be experiencing and allow for a state of liberation. It is practised by the young and old without discriminating against gender, class or religion and has also become popular in other parts of the world.
We have seen that in the past or ancient days yogas were common in the ashrams but nowadays, yoga ashrams or hermitages provide enthusiasts with additional opportunities to learn about the traditional practice, as well as schools, universities, community centres and social media.
This year marks the 10th International Day of Yoga with the theme “Yoga for Self and Society.” Yoga, a transformative practice, represents the harmony of mind and body, the balance between thought and action, and the unity of restraint and fulfillment. Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21st June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The day aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. The proposal was first introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly, in which he said: “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach which is valuable to our health and our well-being.
The Secretary-General of the UN in his message said that “the International Day of Yoga recognizes the ancient practice’s unmatched power to deliver healing, inner peace and physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing.” “With roots in India but now embraced worldwide by people of all faiths and cultures, yoga unites people with its values of balance, mindfulness and peace with people and planet alike”, he added in his message. “On this important day, let us all be inspired by yoga’s timeless values and its call for a more peaceful and harmonious future” , he further added .
This year’s theme says how yoga is important for an individual and also for the society. It reminds us that we must practice the same when we get time or we can do it regularly which will ensure happiness amongst us and also in our society. We can actively take part in the promotion of yoga for a healthy society.