International Yoga Day is being celebrated around the world this year on a virtual platform on June 21. International Yoga Day is observed on June 21st every year to spread awareness about the health benefits of Yoga.

This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is being celebrated around the world on a virtual platform. The theme for this year is “Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family.” The word “Yoga” is derived from a Sanskrit word that means “to unite.” Yoga means union, the union of soul, mind and body; the union of the ego and the spirit. It brings a sense of oneness with the self, with each other and the world. The present resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic has added stress and anxiety among the people. The disease and isolation are not only affecting a patient’s physical health but also taking a toll on the psychological or emotional health (and even that of his family members). Against this backdrop, the Ayush Ministry have put together guidelines for physical and psychological well-being. Yoga is India’s greatest civilizational gift that exists with us dating back to 5000 years.

One of the oldest and purest forms of practice to blend your soul with your mind, eventually that rejuvenate your heart is from India. Thus, it is is very important for India to continue to nourish its roots and spread out to the world. Yoga is of many forms which prevail in different parts of our country.

It has significance in India’s culture and traditions respective of which religion you belong to or from which part of India you are from. It is widespread from a local village to a broad national level. This also includes a yogic influence on music, art, dance, science, philosophy, medicine, politics and economics, including the entire spiritual realm where Yoga always outshines.

Skill in action, focus on sensitivity, the unitary path of energy, the fortitude of effort, and brilliance in achievement, along with inner equanimity and tranquil are all aspects of Yoga.

“A good motivation is what is needed: compassion without dogmatism, without complicated philosophy; just understanding that others are human brothers and sisters and respecting their human rights and dignities. That we human can help each other is one of our unique human capacities.” – Dalai Lama.

By Durgesh Tripathi