United Nations in 2014 declared 21st of June as the International Yoga Day following a proposal submitted by Prime Minister of India, Sri Narendra Modi. At present 177 countries across the globe celebrate this Day.
In Sri Lanka too Buddhist Brotherhood Foundation glamorously celebrated the International Yoga Day last year. Due to the pandemic plight, we were unable to celebrate it this year yet, we extend our warmest wishes for the International Yoga Day celebrations.
Yoga is considered one of the oldest cultural and spiritual heritages of India. It is also a form of exercise which helps cultivate moral, mental and spiritual qualities in humans. Yoga is a combination of various types of physical feats, breathing exercises ,meditation and rest.
The Yoga Sutra by Patanjali is regarded as the oldest text written on Yoga philosophy. Hatha Yoga Pradipika is another influential and surviving text on Yoga. Indians have been practicing Yoga for millania but it was popularized in the West during the end of the nineteenth century and in 1920 – 1930.
The practice of awakening of Kundalini energy extends back to the era of Rawana. Kundalini energy can be awakened by Buddhist meditations, Yoga and the art of fighting. The spiritual cleanliness in a person is imperative in awakening this energy. Mind should be developed through meditation in order to awaken the spirituality in a person.
Yoga is even recommended by medical experts to reduce stress and provide necessary rest. It is considered as a supportive approach for mental illnesses such as dementia. Yoga is also used as a therapy for improving mental health.
Yoga is an essential component of health. It improves blood circulation. It is also helpful in maintaining a healthy heart. Yoga can be regarded as a supplement for a wholesome lifestyle. It helps enhance spiritual wellbeing, develop social mobility and to reduce the symptoms of dementia and stress experienced by cancer patients.
Studies have established that Yoga can treat obesity and high blood pressure. It improves the quality of sleep and is a good therapy for those suffering from insomnia.
Yoga is a vital activity for our lives. It disciplines the person and infuses positivity. It improves the quality of life by helping a person achieve a healthy body and a mind which is the ultimate goal of life. If Yoga is practiced regularly, a person can attain higher mental status.
The beauty of Yoga is that it can be practiced by anyone despite differences such as rich or poor, learned or unlearned, young or old etc.
May Yoga be a spiritual frontier in the world helping it to be healed and prosper!
