June 21st International Yoga Day - Why it is important
योग Yoga
Unlike the current trend in the Western world of creating box office holidays and celebrations on pretty much anything, International Yoga Day has profound implications for the world. For the first time political steps were taken to support Yoga on an International scale, and a day - June 21st was chosen to deepen the message behind this mission. June 21st is the beginning of the Summer Solstice and a sacred day in the historical records of Yoga. June 21st being the longest day of the year for the Northern hemisphere and shortest for the Southern Hemisphere. Close to 5000 years ago this was the day the first Yogi or Adi Yogi spread the teachings of Yoga though out India. This day has always been seen as the most ripe time to begin or introduce a new spiritual practice, or continue deeper on your current one. This dedication to create International awareness for Yoga marks big steps for India in the journey of honoring and authenticating its ancestral traditions. Instead of relying on Western frameworks and traditions, the whole of India is walking down the path of uniting with its rich historical traditions. Breaking the shackles of the colonial and imperialistic past, traditions that were pushed to the edge are now emerging in full effect.
2017 will mark the 3rd Annual International Yoga Day
Imagine the world wide energy and healing manifesting on this single day! A day where a large majority of the world's population is practicing Yoga together. Whether it is doing Yoga Asanas or postures, Pranyama or science of breathing, or it is learning the Philosophy and history of Yoga, close to everyone in the world on this day will be engaging in the science of well being and transformation! A day where the thought waves of the brain are rested, and the anxieties of the body are remedied. For once the news can report a positive International event instead of the regular chaotic disturbances we are commonly used to. People from all walks of life coming together to create a beautiful community. A community open to all, embracing the the roots of human existence that bonds us all. Together celebrating and bringing meaning to Yoga - the science of unifying the Body, Mind, and Soul. We all know the power of community and its ability to shape the course of human interaction and history. Lets embrace this opportunity.
After 3000-5000 years of the existence of Yoga, for the first time the modern world came together to honor the preservation of this ancient science, art and history we know as Yoga. In the month of December of 2014 The Prime minister of India Narendra Modi met with the United Nations advocating for necessity of an annual Yoga Day. The UN unanimously supported the idea, enabling June 21st 2015 to be the first year for this sacred celebration. On this day close to 35,000 people practiced Yoga in Delhi, the capital of India. The years of effort by Renowned Yogis & Mystics of India like Sadhguru ,Swami Ramdev, Ravi Shankar, B.K.S. Iyengar, T.K.V. Desikachar, the late K. Pattabhi Jois and Swami Satchidananda finally came to existence.
The science and art of Yoga continues to grow and create opportunities for healing, growth and mastery.
Get out there and practice some form of Yoga on Wednesday June 21st, 2017!
Namaste ॐ
