International Yoga Day | June 21 | Get full details here

In 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. The proposal garnered significant support from member nations, resulting in the United Nations officially designating June 21st as International Yoga Day.

Originating in ancient India, yoga encompasses a diverse range of physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines aimed at attaining harmony between the body and mind. 

Through the practice of various postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation techniques, yoga endeavors to promote overall well-being, flexibility, strength, and inner tranquility.

What is Yoga / Meaning of Yoga 

Yoga is a spiritual discipline focused on harmonizing the mind and body, representing the union of individual consciousness with the Universal Consciousness. Derived from the Sanskrit root "Yuj," meaning "to join" or "to unite," Yoga is considered an art and science of healthy living. 

• It aims to achieve self-realization and liberation from suffering, leading to a state of freedom known as moksha or nirvana. With its roots dating back to the Indus Saraswati Valley civilization around 2700 B.C. Yoga is widely recognized for its contribution to both material and spiritual upliftment of humanity. 

It encompasses an inner science comprising various methods for individuals to achieve unity and mastery over their lives, while promoting basic humane values.

History of Yoga 

The practice of Yoga traces back to the earliest days of civilization. It originated thousands of years ago, even before the establishment of religions or belief systems. According to yogic tradition, the first yogi or Adiyogi, Founder of yoga was Shiva. 

Adiyogi imparted his profound knowledge to the seven sages, known as the Saptarishis, on the banks of Lake Kantisarovar in the Himalayas.This potent yogic science was then propagated by these sages throughout Asia, the Middle East, Northern Africa, and South America. Notably, scholars have observed striking similarities among ancient cultures worldwide. 

However, the yogic method grew most extensively in India. 

Agastya, one of the Saptarishis, played a pivotal role in propagating this culture of yoga throughout the Indian subcontinent.

Who is the father and founder of Yoga

Lord Shiva, also known as Adiyogi Shiva, holds the esteemed title of being the first yogi in yogic culture. According to ancient scriptures and teachings, Lord Shiva is revered as the progenitor of Yoga. Approximately 15 thousand years ago, it was chronicled that Lord Shiva attained the pinnacle of wisdom.

In accordance with Hindu scriptures, Lord Shiva embarked on a journey to the Himalayas, where his sheer bliss and ecstasy led him to engage in a mesmerizing dance. His dance grew so intense that he transcended into a state of profound stillness or rapid motion. 

Witnessing this awe-inspiring spectacle, people yearned to uncover the secret behind Shiva's boundless happiness and sought to learn from him. 

Who is the father Modern Yoga 

Patanjali is widely recognized as the father of modern yoga, credited with compiling and systematizing the ancient yogic wisdom in his text, the Yoga Sutras. 

His work, dating back over two thousand years, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and practicing yoga. 

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras outline the philosophy, principles, and practices of yoga, making a profound impact on the development of modern yoga.

Importance of Yoga in Human’s life 

Scientific research conducted by the National Institutes of Health has provided compelling evidence to support the positive effects of yoga on various aspects of well-being. These studies indicate that yoga can be beneficial for stress management, mental health, mindfulness, healthy eating, weight loss, and quality sleep.

In relation to stress management, numerous studies have demonstrated that regular yoga practice can significantly reduce perceived stress levels and improve overall psychological well-being. Yoga's combination of physical postures, controlled breathing, and meditation techniques has been shown to promote relaxation, enhance resilience to stress, and improve coping mechanisms.

Conclusion 

Every year on June 21st, International Yoga Day is a worldwide event that recognises the significant impact of yoga on humans and the entire globe. This unique day acts as a reminder of the numerous advantages of yoga for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.