YOGA
Lead me from Untruth to Truth, from darkness
to light, (from ignorance to enlightenment), from Mortality to Immortality, Om,
Peace, Peace, Peace.
June 21 was declared as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014. Yoga, a form of Indian physical, mental, and spiritual practice or discipline. The ultimate goal of Yoga is moksha (liberation). It is a technique of controlling the body and the mind. It is the rising and expansion of consciousness. It is a path to omniscience. As a school of philosophy, Yoga is a way of life, and incorporates its own epistemology, metaphysics, ethical practices, systematic exercises and self-development techniques for body, mind and spirit. In Hindu philosophy, yoga is the name of one of the six orthodox. The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali is 196 Indian sutras (aphorisms) that constitute the foundational text of Ashtanga Yoga, also called Raja Yoga.Patanjali's Yoga Sutras outline eight anga (limbs) to better oneself physically, mentally and spiritually.
·
Yama – ethical
restraints (the don'ts)
·
Niyama – ethical
observances (the dos)
·
Āsana – a posture
that one can hold for a period of time, staying relaxed, steady, comfortable
and motionless
·
Prāṇāyāma – conscious regulation and exercise of breath
·
Pratyāhāra – mastery of sensory organs, withdrawal of the
senses from external objects
·
Dhāraṇā –
concentration, introspective focus, one-pointedness of mind
·
Dhyāna – meditation
·
Samadhi – the quiet state of complete forgetfulness of
external world and the physical, complete blissful awareness of one's mind and
liberated being, super conscious state.
The Yoga-Sutra is one of the most important texts in the age-old Yoga Philosophy. Literally it means “Guide “or” Main Thread “of Yoga. Even today, it did not lose its relevance.
Though many think of yoga only as a physical exercise where people twist, turn, stretch, and breathe in the most complex ways. But in true sense it is the profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul. The science of Yoga imbibes itself the complete essence of the Way of Life.
Yoga allows ones to explore out the purpose of the life. It discovers the mystical secrets of life and creation. It makes you to experience freedom and explore the innermost depth of your being. It takes you on the path to enlightenment. The Art of Living Yoga is a holistic way of life that integrates all elements of ancient knowledge of Yoga. Along with the series of simple, yet effective yoga postures and breathing techniques, have a greater emphasis placed on the inner experience of meditation, for the well-being of mind and other hidden elements of human existence.
We believe when one is in harmony within, the journey through life becomes calmer, happier and more fulfilled.
Regular practice of Yoga has brought remarkable lifestyle changes among people. They have experienced relief from chronic illnesses and have observed behavioral changes. Yoga reduces anxiety and increases tolerance. Yoga is a hidden secret to better health and greater sense of happiness. One of the beauties of the physical practice of yoga is that the poses support and sustain you no matter how old or young, or fit or frail, you come to your mat. What is all required to for yoga is understanding of asanas. One.One of the most important part of performing yoga is Pranayama. Pranayama is the extension and control of one’s breath. Practicing proper techniques of breathing can help bring more oxygen to the blood and brain, eventually helping control prana or the vital life energy. Pranayama goes hand in hand with yoga. The union of these two yogic principles is considered as the highest form of purification and self-discipline. The practice of consciously withdrawing our energy and attention from outer distractions has been used throughout time as a pathway to physical, mental, and spiritual renewal. To attain a greatest joy of yoga one must practice yoga with mantras.
IDY LOGO
Folding of both hands in the logo symbolize Yoga, the union, which reflects the union of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness, a perfect harmony between mind & body, man & nature; a holistic approach to health & well being. The brown leaves symbolize the Earth element, the green leaves symbolize the Nature, blue symbolizes the Water element, brightness symbolizes the Fire element and the Sun symbolize the source of energy and inspiration. The logo reflects harmony and peace for humanity, which is the essence of Yoga.
Apart from India, “175 nations, including USA, Canada and China co-sponsored the resolution of practicing yoga. Many centers have been linked where yoga will be practiced to highlight its importance among people on this special day. Narendra Modi also recently emphasized the importance of yoga stating that “Yoga embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well being."
When a drop feels connected to the ocean, it feels the strength of the ocean. In the same way, when we feel connected to the tradition of masters, it is a source of infinite strength.
By (Lakshya Dharamdasani)