Updated April 8, 2023
What is Yoga?
On International Yoga Day, the world celebrates the power of yoga. Mind, body, and soul are the perfect mix for human beings. When they align, one becomes enlightened, and the other finds peace. But what is the best way to do so? That’s Yoga. 
They say Yoga started 5,000 years ago. It was when the Vedic age was made that people started practicing Yoga. Maharishi Patanjali made the basics of Yoga- he was the first to start the practice and come up with a profound name, YOGA.
There are many Yoga sutras and Mahabhashya that are ascribed to Maharishi Patanjali. International yoga day is made with the same motive- to enlighten people about the assets of Yoga, its culture, and its value.
Did you Know?
There are a total of 6 schools of Indian philosophy. These are present in our Indian allied Vedic Literature and are called Shad- Darshanas.
These are called-
- Purva Mimamsa
- Uttar Mimamsa
- Nayya Darshana
- Vaisheshika
- Sankhya
- Yoga
Yoga Darshana is the root of all the yoga principles that are celebrated on international yoga day. Apart from Yoga Darshana, Sankhya Darshana also has its theoretical foundations of Yoga.
What is Sankhya?
Sankhya Darshana teaches us the theoretical foundations of Yoga. It is a relationship between the universe’s materialistic, immortal, and mortal entities. Yoga allows us to experience reality- the one beyond our natural surroundings. It allows us to see ourselves from a different level.
They say our bodies are temples- and Yoga teaches us the same. It brings into practice reality. International yoga day is celebrated every June 21. Last year it had a theme of Yoga for humanity.
International Yoga Day
International yoga day came into consideration back in 2014 on September 27. It was during a speech at the UN General assembly by the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi. This day was first observed on June 21, 2015, and has been in effect ever since, with the corresponding year being designated as International Yoga Day on June 21, 2023.
Yoga is an invaluable gift to India’s ancient tradition and helps people unite the mind with the body. It also helps people control their thought and action, restraint and fulfillment, and harmony between man and nature.
Ancient Times
Yoga was considered a form of penance and was practiced in Gurukuls. It helped people connect with the almighty but later took another form. It became a widely performed practice that helps people attain consciousness. It also helps people acknowledge the purity of the soul and clean the mind.
People have added their ideas, philosophies, and concepts to modern-day Yoga. It is an established culture that is exclusively practiced in all parts of India. Even the world is moving with the essence of Yoga. Many people are learning about new concepts, flexes, and poses to live a healthy life. International yoga day is celebrated worldwide differently. For Indians, it’s their culture, and for the world, it’s a series of stretches done naturally.
Yoga Today
Yoga has several meanings, aspects, and significance. For some people, it is a way to be in shape. They practice Yoga for good physical condition. Some may practice Yoga to maintain a healthy lifestyle, centralize peace of mind, and overcome distresses. It is also exclusively used to treat mental conditions like depression and attain concentration.
Yoga is simply a healthy, better, and valuable way of living. It helps to treat people mentally, physically, and psychologically. International yoga day is a way of promoting your cultural values and ethics. It helps people acknowledge the beauty of Yoga.
Let’s See How!
- Start your day with Surya namaskar- one of the most beneficial ways to keep your body healthy is practicing Surya Namaskar. It aligns all body muscles and activates them.
- Practice Savasana- one of the most laughed-upon asanas is Savasana! All you have to do is lie on the ground like a body. This might sound funny, but it is one of the most effective ways to relieve stress.
Wrapping Up
The idea is to start slow. You may not attain perfection in Yoga in one go. It takes time and effort. Start practicing the basic asanas on this international yoga day 2023, and you’ll be ready.
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