Celebrating The First International Day of Yoga
Yoga_Life_Winter_2015_WEB
Yoga_Life_Winter_2015_WEB
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SPECIAL REPORT: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA<br />
Worldwide Recognition <strong>of</strong> <strong>Yoga</strong><br />
On 11 December 2014, recognising the universal appeal <strong>of</strong> <strong>Yoga</strong>, the United Nations<br />
passed a resolution proclaiming 21 June as <strong>International</strong> <strong>Yoga</strong> <strong>Day</strong>. <strong>The</strong> aim was to<br />
raise awareness worldwide <strong>of</strong> the many benefits <strong>of</strong> practicing yoga.<br />
Indian Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi, proposed the initial idea with the words: “<strong>Yoga</strong> is an invaluable gift <strong>of</strong> India’s<br />
ancient tradition. This tradition is 5,000 years old. It embodies unity <strong>of</strong> mind and body; thought and action; restraint and<br />
fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but<br />
to discover the sense <strong>of</strong> oneness with yourself, the world and the nature…”<br />
<strong>The</strong> above message echoes that <strong>of</strong> Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda who made it their lifes mission<br />
to disseminate the timeless wisdom <strong>of</strong> <strong>Yoga</strong> and Vedanta. In 1969, Swami Vishnudevananda conducted the first <strong>Yoga</strong><br />
Teachers’ Training Course in the West with the purpose <strong>of</strong> training future world leaders and responsible citizens in Yogic<br />
disciplines. With the benefits <strong>of</strong> yoga now being recognised on such a global scale it is truly inspiring that Swami Vishnu’s<br />
vision is now starting to become a reality.<br />
Over the preceding pages we print reports from our different Sivananda <strong>Yoga</strong> Vedanta Centres and Ashrams on their<br />
celebrations for this special day.<br />
YOGALife |Autumn/Winter 2015<br />
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