Happy International Day of Yoga!
Do you Yoga? How much will it cost me? What’s beer Yoga?
What is Yoga? It is practised in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity, especially more recently in western culture.
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness.
During the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly, current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi introduced Yoga as “an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action … a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.”
The UN theme for 2017 is “Yoga for Health” this is a testament to the fact that yoga can contribute in a holistic way to achieving an equilibrium between mind and body.
This approach to health and wellbeing can make a direct and useful contribution to humankind’s quest to achieve sustainable development and move towards lifestyles that are in harmony with nature.
Over centuries and centuries, it has been practised and it’s not just the class that runs at your local gym or bending into awkward shapes and sizes. Yoga is an artform that anyone can partake in, no boundaries or pre-requisites.
If you want to measure your return on investment, what better to invest in than your own health?
On December 11th 2014, after recognising global appeal, the United Nations drafted and declared June 21st to be International Day of Yoga.
I am a keen follower of Sadhguru, the man and mystic from the Isha Foundation, and have been on the Isha Kriya course. Sadhguru’s message for IDY is that of relevance in modern society, the benefits of your mental and physical state and how it’s roots are firmly in a proud India.
The average office worker will spend 6-7 hours daily in front of a screen, with most often terrible postures. I for sure can say I have been a victim of this bad habit, albeit the ergonomic environment we are setup to have, 5 spokes on your chair, computer monitor at eye height, yet still that repetitive strain injury and tennis elbow take up a large part of sickness in the workplace. Check this infographic out and think about how you sit at work, in the office or even at home.
Beer Yoga? The most ridiculous thing I heard in a long time, a true spit in the face of dharmic traditions. Although it gained popularity and glorification through online articles such as the BBC and Business Insider, a true yogi knows the intoxication of alcohol mixed with spiritual practice is a recipe for disaster. Quite typical to sex up another Eastern tradition to lure your precious pounds from your wallet. Here is a short article on what you won’t get from western yoga.
India in Details‘ presenter Karolina Goswami goes a stage to explain these differences and the roots in her latest video:
Also a good read from Swarajya Mag, an independent media startup.
I volunteer my time with an organisation called Hindu Swayemsevak Sangh, who yesterday partnered with the High Commission of India to celebrate in Trafalgar Square.
We presented live to the people of London, the Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
From time immemorial, mankind has worshipped the sun. It is of little wonder since it dominates the skies and supports all with its heat, light and energy. Many great civilisations of the past, developed deep philosophical religions around the sun such as ancient Mayans of South America or the Greeks who built temples, dedicated to the Sun God, Apollo. For the rishis of Vedic era in Bharat, the sun was worshipped in all its splendour as Surya.
Surya Namaskaar, which literally means salutation to the sun, was developed as an exercise many thousands of years ago to be practised by everyone as an integral part of practical life. Performance of Surya Namaskar brings about general flexibility of the body preparing it for further Asanas and Pranayamas. This is usually done both at sunset and sunrise, facing the sun.
Benefits of Surya Namaskaar
The human body is composed of a number of different organ systems. All organ systems work together to maintain the body and perform some particular bodily function. In this respect, Surya Namaskaar is known as the complete practice, for its benefits are not confined to any one part of the body.
Due to the involvement of stretching, compressing, bending and breathing techniques, the following systems of the body are benefited: muscular, skeletal, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, reproductive, nervous and endocrine systems.
The Sanskrit Mantras and offering salutations to:
AUM Mitraaya Namah The friend of all.
AUM Ravaye Namah The shining one.
AUM Sooryaaya Namah The one who induces activity.
AUM Bhaanave Namah The one who illumines.
AUM Khagaaya Namah The one who moves quickly in the sky.
AUM Pooshne Namah The giver of strength.
AUM Hiranyagarbhaaya Namah The bright centre of all energy.
AUM Mareechaye Namah The lord of the dawn.
AUM Aadityaaya Namah The son of Aditi.
AUM Savitre Namah The benevolent mother.
AUM Arkaaya Namah The one who is fit to be praised.
AUM Bhaaskaraaya Namah The one who leads to enlightenment.
AUM Shrisavitrusooryanaaraayanaaya Namah The Soorya (Sun).
I practise the Surya Namaskar weekly and am also an avid fan of the annual Yoga Show in London, a great place to meet like-minded yogis, even with an elementary understanding, there is a lot to learn and flourish from.
Give it a go and let me know how you yoga!
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-Sumit Sharma