International Day of Yoga - June 21, 2025

The word yog means union or integration.  It represents a set of various body postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayamas) and meditation to improve one’s quality of life. These techniques work on the various levels of our existence namely body, breath, mind, memory, intellect and ego to establish the harmony in outer and inner world. These have been practiced since ages by our ancestors to keep themselves healthy and happy. The regular practice of yoga is known to delay the onset of any diseases and promote healing of the ailing body. It also helps to deal with repeated thoughts and negative emotions. We all have seen the babies form spontaneous yoga postures, so it can be said that all the asanas are inherently known to each individual. But with life’s experiences one tends to forget them and get involved with the outer world. This results in the build-up of stress and frustration. Eventually one needs to learn these from a Yoga-meditation teacher or Guru. A Guru will take his disciple step by step through spiritual blossoming that may result in moksh or enlightenment.

Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi said in 2014 in United Nations General Assembly: "Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It 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. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day." United Nations General Assembly declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga, which was celebrated for the first time on June 21, 2015 internationally with great enthusiasm. Since then, it is celebrated annually on this date in various institutions as well as open areas in localities all around the world. The logo of International Day of Yoga represents harmony and peace for humanity, which is the essence of Yoga. This years theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” emphasizes yoga's important role in promoting holistic well-being and environmental harmony.

A uniform protocol has been designed which consists of initial asanas, followed by pranayams and then meditation happens. Asanas (hath yog) are meant to work on the body level. Breath works on the mind level. When both body and mind relax, then the benefit is obtained as meditation which usually should last for 15-20 minutes. Apart from these, Bhagwat Gita also describes in great detail various types of yog like gyan yog i.e relaxing mind with knowledge, bhakti yoga i.e devotion to the supreme power, karma yog i.e purity of mind and sincerity in action and raj yog i.e walking the path. Different people may adopt different types of yoga at different times. Some may find bhakti yog to be the easiest while others may find gyan yog to be more beneficial. A regular practice of all this is needed for get maximum benefit and many people do it just out of devotion and love for the supreme power.

Let us enumerate some of the benefits of yoga.

Veerbhadrasana improves balance of the body, stretches the muscles and strengthens the shoulders. Marjarisana improves digestion, makes the spine flexible and strengthens the muscles of back and shoulders. Shishuasana improves digestion. Butterfly pose is helpful during mentruation and improves bowel movement.

Pranayamas help in increasing the energy levels. These also help to relax the mind and allay the anxiety. In fact, breathing techniques are very helpful in relaxing the stressed mind and these are frequently prescribed by our doctors as add-on therapy for mental health issues. It is a known fact the our mind can affect our breathing rate and rhythm. When angry, our breath become faster. When sad, our breath becomes slow and heavy. If we learn a profound breathing technique from a reliable organization that teaches meditation, it will help in relaxing the mind.

There are various schools of thought on how meditation should be done. Contrary to popular belief meditation is art of relaxation. We may take our attention briefly to various body parts but putting too much focus somewhere, doesnot allow the mediation to happen. Meditation is best learnt from a Guru i.e enlightened master.

To conclude, let us learn yog and practice these invaluable ancient methods daily. Incorporating them in our lifestyle will definitely reduce the stress and bring about health and happiness. Sangachadwam.