First International Day of Yoga
Atrium City Hall
Spui 70, 2511 BT, The Hague
21 June 2015
Background
During the High Level Segment of the 69th UN General Assembly, India had made a proposal for adopting an International Day of Yoga. The UN General Assembly adopted the Resolution unanimously on December 11, 2014 , establishing the International Day of Yoga for observance by the United Nations on 21 June every year. The Resolution received a record 177 co-sponsorship.
The Embassy of India in The Hague is celebrating the First International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2015 in a befitting manner. The flagship function will be held at the Atrium City Hall , The Hague in cooperation with the Municipality of The Hague and with the involvement of some well-known yoga centres and yoga teachers from the Netherlands . The programme will commence at around 0900 hrs and will include, inter alia, simple yoga exercises and meditation being performed by a gathering of about 400-500 people.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body.
It is an art and science for healthy living. The word "Yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning "to join", "to yoke" or "to unite".
The science of Yoga has its origin thousands of years ago, long before the first religion or belief systems were born.
According to Yogic scriptures, the practice of Yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness.
According to modern scientists, everything in the universe is just a manifestation of the same quantum firmament. One who experiences this oneness of existence is said to be "in Yoga"
"Yoga" also refers to an inner science comprising of a variety of methods through which human beings can achieve union between the body and mind to attain self-realisation.
The aim of Yoga practice is to overcome all kinds of sufferings that lead to a sense of freedom in every walk of life with holistic health, happiness and harmony.
How Yoga can help
Yoga is essentially a path to liberation from all bondage. However, medical research in recent years has uncovered many physical and mental benefits that Yoga offers, corroborating the experiences of millions of practitioners. A small sampling of research shows that:
Yoga is beneficial for physical fitness, musculoskeletal functioning and cardio-vascular health.
It is beneficial in the management of diabetes, respiratory disorders, hypertension, hypotension and many lifestylerelated disorders.
Yoga helps to reduce depression, fatigue, anxiety disorders and stress.
Yoga regulates menopausal symptoms.
In essence, Yoga is a process of creating a body and mind that are stepping-stones, not hurdles, to an exuberant and fulfilling life.
General Guidelines for Yoga Practice
Before Yoga Practice
Cleanliness is an important prerequisite for Yogic practice. It includes cleanliness of surroundings, body and mind.
Yogic practice should be performed in a calm and quiet atmosphere with a relaxed body and mind.
Yogic practice should be done on an empty stomach or light stomach. Consume small amount of honey in lukewarm water if you feel weak.
Bladder and bowels should be empty before starting Yogic practices.
A mattress, Yoga mat or folded blanket should be used for the practice.
Light and comfortable cotton clothes are preferred to facilitate easy movement of the body.
Yoga should not be performed in state of exhaustion, illness, in a hurry or in acute stress conditions.
In case of chronic disease/ pain/ cardiac problems, a physician or a Yoga therapist should be consulted prior to performing Yogic practices.
Yoga experts should be consulted before doing Yogic practices during pregnancy and menstruation.
During Yoga Practice
Practice sessions starts with a prayer or invocation as it creates a conducive environment to relax the mind.
May you move in harmony; may you speak in unison; let our mind be equanimous like in the beginning; let the divinity manifest in your sacred endeavours.
Yogic practices shall be performed slowly, in a relaxed manner, with awareness of the body and breath.
Do not hold the breath unless it is specially mentioned to do so during the practice.
Breathing should be always through the nostrils unless instructed otherwise.
Do not hold body tightly, or jerk the body at any point of time.
Perform the practices according to your own capacity.
It takes some time to get good results, so persistent and regular practice is very essential.
There are contra-indications/ limitations for each Yoga practice and such contra-indications should always be kept in mind.
Yoga session should end with meditation/ deep silence.
After Yoga Practice
Bath may be taken only after 20-30 minutes of practice.
Food may be consumed only after 20-30 minutes of practice.
Ending Yoga practice with a Sankalpa (commitment)
commit, to make myself into a healthy, peaceful, joyful and loving human being. Through every action of mine, I will strive to create a peaceful and loving atmosphere around me. I strive to break the limitations of who I am right now and include the entire world as my own. I recognize the kinship of my own life with every other life. I recognize the unity of all there is.
Prayer at the end of Yoga Session:
May All become Happy, May All be Free from Illness. May All See what is Auspicious, May no one Suffer.