Celebrating The First International Day of Yoga

SPECIAL REPORT: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA
LONDON, UK
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre
“Health is wealth. Peace of mind is happiness. Yoga shows the way”. – Swami Vishnudevananda
Such was the truth in Swamiji’s words, which the entire world came out
to experience today, the 21st of June 2015: the first International Day
of Yoga. A movement to good health and peace of mind which all
came through Yoga.
Thanks to the initiative of the Indian Prime Minister, the United
Nations had earlier decided that the time for international recognition
of the great tradition of Yoga had indeed arrived. This momentous
decision of the world community has the potential to change the world
into a healthier place – physically, mentally and spiritually.
Here in London, it was a special day for us at the Sivananda Yoga
Vedanta Centre. Early in the morning, we gathered at the Indian High
Commission where the High Commissioner inaugurated the Day by
lighting a ceremonial lamp. A recorded video message from the Prime
Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, and another message from the
British Prime Minister, David Cameron were broadcast. The Indian PM
in his message emphasised the need for inner peace and happiness
for each individual, and how Yoga can help achieve that elusive peace
of mind and soul.
This was followed by a 15 minute asana demonstration by the
Sivananda Yogis, with Raghunath Manet playing the veena which
complemented the asanas and lent a sense of great calmness and
serenity to the prevailing atmosphere. The session was attended
by a large audience which appeared to be truly absorbing the divine
environment as they participated in the asanas.
The scene then shifted to the South Bank Pier where karma yogis
decorated the Sivananda cruise boat with colourful bunting, balloons
and banners commemorating the special day. This was organised and
executed under the supervision of Swami Kailasananda, Swami
Jyotirmayananda and Swami Keshavananda. Just as the decorations
were completed and the boat ride from South Bank to Putney
commenced, Big Ben (which adjoins London’s Houses of Parliament)
struck its majestic gong, as if to wish us luck! As the boat approached
Putney Pier, a long queue of yogis was waiting to come aboard and join
the celebrations.
The boat looked mesmerising, angelic and divine. As the people
boarded the boat and took their seats, the celebrations commenced
with meditation and satsang. The sacred atmosphere created by the
chanting of Jaya Ganesha while sailing on the Thames was over -
whelming. The sun was at its brilliant best as if Swami Sivananda and
Swami Vishnudevananda were smiling and bestowing upon us their
love and blessings! The satsang came to an end with the chanting of
Arati. As the boat reached the South Bank Pier in the heart of the city,
the Indian High Commissioner came aboard and delivered an inspiring
address. The celebrations continued up to the Bernie Spain Gardens
on the banks of the Thames where a host of people were waiting
to receive Yoga lessons.
It was a beautiful sight, close to 600 yogis practicing yoga in a
public Sivananda class taught by Swami Keshavananda in the green
gardens with the golden sun shining bright in the blue sky. The Masters
were with all of us and were bestowing upon each one of us their
blessings, wisdom and joy.
After the class we headed back to the boat to begin our return
journey to the Sivananda Yoga Centre. Ragunath Manet entertained us
with a beautiful veena concert and a magnificent Bharata Natyam dance
performance. The day only got more divine with the concluding satsang
at the Centre which was a tribute to the peace missions of Swami
Vishnudevananda. As the celebrations were coming to a conclusion,
one was reminded of another saying by Swami Sivananda, “STRIVE,
STRIVE, STRIVE. This is the sacred mantra to success in everything.”
The First International Yoga Day was a great learning experience
for all of us, the Sivananda family and everyone around us. As Master
has said strive and strive, there is a long road ahead to take Yoga to the
whole world. Today was the beginning of this beautiful journey and we
could feel the enlightenment ourselves.
28 YOGALife |Autumn/Winter 2015