Yoga, a practice deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of India, is a comprehensive discipline that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual elements. The term’ yoga’, derived from Sanskrit, symbolizes the union of body and consciousness. This ancient practice, which has evolved into various forms, has gained widespread popularity worldwide.
The universal appeal of yoga was officially acknowledged by the United Nations in 2014, when it designated 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. This global initiative, born in India, aims to raise awareness about its myriad benefits. The proposal, backed by a record 175 member states, underscores yoga’s global impact in promoting well-being, making each individual a part of this worldwide movement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the value of yoga in his address during the 69th session of the General Assembly, emphasizing its role as a holistic approach that promotes unity of mind and body and contributes to overall health and wellness. He emphasized that yoga goes beyond physical exercise and serves as a pathway to connecting with oneself, the world, and nature.
The resolution underlines the importance of individuals and communities adopting healthier lifestyles that support good health. The World Health Organization has also encouraged member states to promote physical activity to combat non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and diabetes, with inactivity being a leading risk factor for these ailments.
Yoga is not just about physical activity. As renowned practitioner B. K. S. Iyengar described, it is a practice that fosters a holistic and balanced approach to daily life, enhancing one’s ability to perform actions skillfully. This viewpoint underscores the depth and significance of yoga as a means to attain overall wellbeing.
In 2024, we commemorate the 10th International Day of Yoga with the chosen theme of “Yoga for Self and Society.” This theme highlights the transformative power of yoga and its significance in not only fostering personal wellbeing but also in influencing broader societal harmony. Yoga represents the fusion of mind and body, balancing thought and action and integrating restraint and fulfilment. It provides a holistic approach to health, encompassing the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects, which is particularly valuable in today’s fast-paced world where finding inner peace is increasingly challenging. The theme emphasizes the potential of yoga to bring about positive change, both on an individual level and within communities.
The theme “Yoga for Self and Society” underscores the profound impact of yoga as a transformative practice. It acknowledges yoga’s ability to promote inner peace, mental clarity, and physical wellbeing, reflecting its potential to contribute to a more harmonious and peaceful society. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of personal and societal wellbeing, the theme encourages individuals to recognize the broader impact of their own wellbeing on the community and society as a whole.
The theme also celebrates the holistic nature of yoga, highlighting its capacity to nurture physical health as well as to promote mental and emotional balance. By focusing on the individual’s internal transformation and its broader implications for society, the theme emphasizes the role of yoga not only as a personal practice but also as a potential catalyst for positive change within communities and society at large.
In essence, “Yoga for Self and Society” encapsulates the multi-faceted essence of yoga, acknowledging its power to transform individuals and its potential to foster a more peaceful and harmonious society. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between personal wellbeing and societal harmony and encourages the recognition of yoga’s broader impact beyond individual practice.
The ancient Indian practice of yoga has deeply influenced various aspects of societal functioning in India, including health, medicine, education, and the arts. At its core, yoga is a philosophy that emphasizes the unification of the mind, body, and soul to promote overall mental, spiritual, and physical wellbeing. This ethos has become an integral part of the community, shaping values and practices associated with health and holistic living.
Yoga encompasses a diverse range of practices, including physical postures (asanas), meditation, controlled breathing (pranayama), chanting of sacred words (mantras), and other techniques aimed at fostering self-realization, alleviating suffering, and achieving a state of liberation. It is widely practised by individuals of all ages without discrimination based on gender, class, or religion, making it an inclusive and universal tradition within Indian society.
In addition to its deep roots in Indian culture, yoga has garnered widespread popularity in other parts of the world. The traditional transmission of yoga knowledge followed the Guru-Shishya model, wherein yoga gurus served as the primary custodians of this ancient wisdom. In contemporary times, enthusiasts have access to a variety of learning opportunities through yoga ashrams, hermitages, schools, universities, community centres, and digital platforms such as social media.
The teaching and practice of yoga draw from a rich repository of ancient manuscripts and scriptures, which are complemented by a wealth of modern literature on the subject. The availability of diverse resources has contributed to the continued evolution and dissemination of yoga practices, further solidifying its enduring relevance in contemporary society.