Prime Minister Narendra Modi's thoughts on Yoga

It became a historical moment when 21^st June was declared as the “International Day of Yoga” by United Nations (UN) on 11 December 2014. It became possible due to the immense efforts and positive approach of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. Modiji himself has strong faith in the ideology and power of Yoga and also practices Yoga regularly. Around 177 nations of UN co-sponsored this decision.

PM Modi delivering speech on 27 September 2014
(Pic courtesy: BBC News)

In today’s world, when the mankind in the competitive race of materialism is facing the issue of lack of mental peace, the world is now thinking on the holistic development; which includes the concept of back to basics. So in his speech on 27 September 2014 in the UN General Assembly, Shree Modi mentioned it as “Yoga is our ancient invaluable heritage. Yoga maintains the balance between mind and heart, thought and action, control and desire as well as nature and human. It is the holistic approach of health and development. Yoga is not just exercise; it’s a medium to balance with the nature. Yoga can bring positive change in our life style and develop awareness and thus result in fighting against the unnatural ecological changes”.

 In an interview with a local newspaper in March 2015 during his Seychelles visit, PM Modi stated that “From experience, I believe in Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam - Excellence in work is Yoga. Imbibing this ethos brings satisfaction to me. Work brings satisfaction and this satisfaction is very comforting”.

In a speech by him in Mumbai on 24 October 2014, PM Modi discussed about the holistic approach as “Holistic Healthcare is becoming the centre of attraction worldwide. More and more highly qualified doctors are also turning towards homeopathy. People are making mood to move towards stress free life from stress full life.  And if we have better alternatives in our ancient tradition, then we should think how we can spread them worldwide. And if we work in that direction, we can not only benefit ourselves but also to the whole world”.

Today, the meaning of Yoga has been misunderstood as just a form of physical exercise. On this PM Modi says that “Today a general notion has developed that Yoga means doing jus dfiffernt postures of Asana by physical postures. So can we also say that the artists of circus are Yogis? No Yoga is not just that. The person who has the ability to lead on the path of Gyan (knowledge), Bhakti (devotional bliss) and Karma (blissful action) is regarded as a Yogi. Yoga is that condition that gives the person the opportunity to develop equilibrium between the mind, heart and speech. Yoga is the key to keep the keep the self at peace. Our scriptures teach us that Yoga is the assimilation of the inner self”.

When UN declared 21^st June as the International Day of Yoga, PM Modi said “I strongly think that today the people worldwide are suffering from various problems of stress and tension and is unable to express their issue to anybody, in this situation through International Yoga Day, they can be helped a lot by connecting with the inner self. If the people will be happy tension free, then only the society can become tension free. And if the society becomes tension free then the whole mankind can develop and prosper by creating a world full of positive vibes”.

PM Modi doing Yoga
(Pic courtesy: ZEE News)

PM Modi also thanked the international community as “I think the whole world for accepting 21^st June as the Yoga Day and I pray that through this initiative, you all become tension free, your lives be filled with happiness, learn to live in the present, identify your inner strength and ability and become active on strengthening your inner skills. But then, India’s responsibility will be increased as it is the land where the discipline of Yoga originated. We will have to teach the world all the authentic facts about Yoga and establish the fact that Yoga is the key to transform the world with the mankind which is over all developed and capable in all the aspects as well as balanced”. 

So let’s participate in the noble initiative of PM Modi and make this historical day successful in the words of PM Modi as “Come, let’s join for the development of the mankind in the ancient valuable discipline. Join with us in this great ancient heritage, this is the heritage of the mankind, this is your heritage and now it’s your duty to transfer this heritage with maintaining its original thoughts and teachings. And thus, prepare yourself for it”.            

Benefits of Bakasana

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

Bakasana is a pose in Yoga. The meaning of the word Bakasana is ‘crane pose’. Since the Bakanasa pose when done will make you appear like a crane standing on its legs, the asana was named such way. This asana is also known as Kakasana. This is because, the person who is practicing the asana will have to balance the whole body lifted up with his hands. Now the hands will appear like the shorter legs of the crow and hence it was named as Kakasana. In Sanskrit Kak refers to crow and asana refers to posture.

There are also other variations in the asana which were named according to the poses. Some of the major poses in Bakasana are

1.     Parsva Bakasana – this is the one in which one thigh of the performer will rest in the front arm. 

(Pic courtesy: www.gaiamtv.com)

2.     Eka pada bakasana – this is the one asana which lets the performer to have one leg stretched straight and the other one remains in the usual Bakasana. 

(Pic courtesy: www.livesankalpa.com)

3.     Eka pada koundiyanasana I – in this, one leg remains in Bakasana and the other leg will stretch diagonally backward.

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

4.     Eka pada koundiyanasana II – this is like a firefly pose. One leg will remain in Bakasana and the other one will be stretched forward diagonally.

(Pic courtesy: piercedoerr.com)

Benefits of Bakasana/Kakasana

1.     Good for muscles in arms, shoulders and chest

Doing Bakasana is actually good for people who want to have strong arms, shoulders and chest. This asana is not a first attempt one. This is because; the stress it takes and the balancing it needs and more important is the strength it requires. Initially you may feel it trouble to do this asana as your arms and shoulders will not be strong enough to bear your body weight and at the same time you will not have a balance to hold yourself with arms alone. But on time and continuous practice, the asana is easy and thus makes you strong.

    

2.     Better functioning of digestive system

Doing this asana was proved to be having a good effect on enhancing the digestion and its entire related works. The asana is meant to burn more calories and thus the performer will have excess appetite. Thus the digestive system works fast to cope up with the food intake. It also reduces the acidity and heart burns due to indigestion of food.

3.     Helps to maintain healthy abdominal organs

While doing this asana, the abdominal organs will get expanded. These are the organs which are actually not taken much care in our daily life. Hence doing this asana will makes these abdominal organs stronger and healthy. But a regular diet is required.

4.     Extra spark on lungs and heart

Bakasana will make the lungs and heart to work synchronized. The heart and lungs synchronization is must for a better respiratory system and blood circulation in our body. The asana will let the lungs and heart work properly and thus enhances a better respiratory system and blood circulation. 

Wonders of Yoga - Healthy heart with simple Yoga

Modern times demand a competitive edge and hard work from an individual, all through their life. It therefore seems only natural to balance one’s life with distressing Yoga and a health benefiting exercise now, doesn't it? Some of the most significant benefits of Yoga include weight reduction, stamina building and improving an individual’s endurance and flexibility.

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

A simple system of stress management, to promote good health and a healthy heart in particular can essentially be focused on, especially for heart patients, with Cardiac Yoga. This type of Yoga is relatively modern and backed-up with ample research on how yoga proves beneficial for the heart. Here are a few reasons why Yoga is a desired exercising routine for all individuals and an absolute for heart patients:

·       This age old practice, which dates back to ancient India, is indeed known to help in keeping one’s heart in shape. Various Yoga exercises like stretching and downward dogs have been known to help cardiac patients and promote a healthy heart.

·       Physical activity is often promoted by Yoga exercises as the lack of it is one of the leading reasons for heart diseases in both the genders.

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

·       With consistent Yoga exercises and everyday routines, one can successfully overcome anxiety and depression, few of the reasons that induce physical inactivity, smoking, high blood pressure, which leads to heart diseases.

·       Yoga can help you in managing your hypertension as well! Studies reveal that Yoga helps in improving physical fitness, reducing stress and thus, in helping an individual lower their blood pressure.

·       Heart failures due to failure or low aerobic capacities can be worked on with some simple Yoga exercises. Besides helping in improving the aerobic capacity, it can also help with improving an individual’s endurance, flexibility and decrease heart inflammation.

·       Irregular heartbeats, which often lead to stroke or other cardiac complications can be worked on with Yoga! Research proves that Yoga has the potential that is needed to help people with an abnormal heart rhythm and in reducing their irregular beat episodes.

·       Certain studies even demonstrate how Yoga and exercise routines have the same effect on cardiac patients as brisk walking or biking. Cardiovascular markers for heart diseases have been observed for people doing Yoga and promising results have led to a wide spread belief of Yoga as a physical activity for heart patients.

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

Cardiac patients are often advised on the different routines that their heart can benefit from and hence, it is in the best interest to consult the concerned doctor. Yoga is an art of meditation, exercising and focus on one’s own body and mind. Hence, when it comes to Yoga routines and exercises for health benefits, then it is best to consult a doctor and know about the best suited stretches and exercises beforehand.

More research is needed to prove the benefits of Yoga and its help in curing heart diseases and related abnormalities but current studies are definitely encouraging the art; it is a comparatively cost effective and beneficial to the mind and body indeed now, isn’t it? 

Know your Personality through Yoga

We all have our own likings and preferences, and like everything else you may have your favorite Yoga pose too, something you prefer above all others, some may like a rigorous stretching down the spine while others may prefer to lie peacefully in a  corpse pose. But did you know it also tells about your state of mind and mood? Surprised?

Well yes, may be today you look forward to an intense challenging work out and tomorrow you just want a slow bit spiritually calming session. Unfold the mystery and see what your Yoga pose tells about your personality!!

Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

If your mind feels calm with the thought of this pose, it means you desire relaxation, the little “me” time; you are tired and crave for rest.  You listen to the needs of your body, which is a great thing to practice. Go ahead, relax your body and mind, rejuvenate yourself, this simple relaxing pose will revive you and get you going for the new day ahead!!

Vrikshaasana (Tree pose)

(Pic courtesy: www.metaphysics-knowledge.com)

As you balance on one leg, this pose requires a lot of inner and outer strength; it’s not as easy as it looks. However, if you like this pose then you are competitive with yourself, you like testing your limits, yet you are grounded. To others you seem to be calm and composed, standing gracefully in this pose, yet inside you know that how much effort you have put in to achieve that grace and calm that radiated from your personality!

Keep up the good work, you are a real charmer!

  

Padmaasana (Lotus Pose)

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

If you prefer this pose, you are a spiritual person, mental peace is above all for you and you are well connected with your inner self. You are competitive person who knows how to achieve success by being patient, quiet and poised. You don’t rush things and you see good in others. Well, continue being so well connected with your higher self; you have what it takes to lead a healthy holistic life.

Kapotaasana (Pigeon Pose)

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

This pose is known to improve the overall posture and flexibility of a human body. If you prefer this pose, you are craving to release stress, anxiety and negative emotions that are bottled up inside, as hips release the negative feelings and energy from your system since stress, tension and anxiety are often stored there.

You value relationships, so continue to enjoy this pose while many others simply shy away, it’s better to release negativity and anxiety by practicing this pose rather than simply exploding and  venting out on our colleagues, and near and dear ones!

Sirsasana (Headstand Pose)

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

It is indeed a challenging pose, definitely not so easy. If this is your pick then you are different from the crowd, you seek a challenging, adventurous life, and you know how to do that. You have an out of the box thinking and you see the world with a different perspective. You know how to calm and distress with a little adventure and a lot of challenges.

No matter what your favorite pose is, keep moving, keep stretching and relaxing for a better healthier and happier you.

Yoga & Faith

It’s said that faith can move mountains, and could it be true? Well, eternal optimists say yes, though there is no concrete evidence as such.

Faith varies in its definition from person to person, as it is very individualistic in nature. But for anything to work in our lives we need faith and faith in Yoga leads to not only a person’s overall well being but also helps one begin on the path of Moksha or salvation if one desires.

Moksha is spoken of in a spiritual manner and just like faith and everyone has their own definition of spirituality. Spiritual maturity doesn’t necessarily mean years of meditation. It just means a person is aware of every breath of life and tries to make the most of it for self and by helping others. Spiritual maturity simply means realizing that everything is transient hence people stay in the present without dwelling over what is done and without worrying about what is to come.

Pic courtesy: Thinking in Vedas

Instead of getting into the details of types of Yoga, let’s just say that the overall research proves one could reach on the highest peaks spiritually and even attain Moksha or salvation! For this, one needs to go through and then remain in a state of detachment. To realize and practice detachment we have to, once again, accept that everything in this world is transient hence detachment makes sense. Well, is that easy? Definitely not! 

That is where the realization that the soul is immortal matters. And once we realize that our souls are indestructible we definitely need to focus on our thoughts and deeds in human form. Purity of thoughts and selfless deeds is also a form of Yoga- Karma Yoga, this helps one to get onto the path of Moksha, and then to stay on this path, it is very important that one strives for peace in every manner.

In order to gain from this form of health science, one has to practice Yoga not only on the mat, but also off it. Only then can we say that it is not just a form of exercise but a way of life. Also we all know that no spiritual or practical aspect of our lives can begin without our having faith in what we want and what we do to achieve it. The same stands true for Yoga! A person could be practicing Asanas for hours and years, but may get very little results and declare that Yoga doesn't work. On the other hand one may practice Yoga for a limited one hour daily and gain a lot. The difference here would be that of faith. A believer will surely reap more benefits than a non believer from Yoga. ‘Keep the Faith’ does make sense!

Only if we have faith will we be able to reap manifold benefits. Without getting into the details of those benefits, we all know that practicing Yoga not only has physical but also mental and emotional health benefits, and all this put together could help a person mature spiritually as well. Having faith in what one wants or is doing brings more motivation and conviction to the goal or act and the achievement then becomes easier!

(Pic courtesy: beirutyogacenter.com)

There was a time when very few believed in Yoga but with the recent Yoga Day, going global and aptly being titled ‘International Yoga Day’, proves that this way of life is not limited to few cultures but its benefits are now being given a worldwide recognition!

Yoga> Physical-Mental-Emotional Health Benefits> Spiritual Maturity... it’s all in good faith.

Positive Start towards World Peace

Image Courtesy :travelingmango.com

21 June will be celebrated officially as the International Day of Yoga worldwide for the first time this year. The declaration came on 11 December, 2014 after the call for the adoption of 21 June as International Day of Yoga by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014. Shri Modi stated that 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 unity with yourself, the world and the nature.

About Yoga:

Yoga is an ancient discipline of India, focusing on the physical, mental & spiritual practices. It is 5000 year old Indian body of knowledge. The Sanskrit term “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj”, which means union of the individual consciousness, the soul with the universal consciousness / spirit.

In today’s modern era, Yoga is understood as merely a form of different physical exercise form, but actually Yoga is a science which imbibes itself as the complete essence of the way of life, which includes Gyan Yoga (philosophy), Bhakti Yoga (path of devotional bliss), Karma Yoga (path of blissful action) and Raja Yoga (path of mind control). Raja Yoga is further divided into eight parts. At the heart of the Raja Yoga system, balancing and unifying these various approaches is the practice of Yoga Asana. Lord Shree Krishna in Shrimad Geeta has focused on Gyan Yoga, Karma Yoga & Bhakti Yoga.

Yoga philosophy is one of the six major schools of ancient Vedic philosophy focusing on systematic studies to better self physically, mentally and spiritually. Yoga has influenced all other schools of Indian philosophies since past thousands of year. Various texts related to Yoga have been composed in the Vedic literature. Along with Vedic traditions, Yoga has also significant importance in the Jain & Buddhist traditions.

One of the major texts on Yoga is the Yoga Sutras by Maharshi Patanjali composed around 400 CE which is a compilation of the different works on Yoga composed earlier. Swami Vivekanand described the sutra as "Yoga is restraining the mind-stuff (Citta) from taking various forms (Vrittis).

Indian Ocean, asanas for #YogaDay at the historic Apravasi Ghat
 and the Albion Light House in Mauritius 
Photo Courtesy: Source :  Ministry of External Affairs, India  

Significance of the International Yoga Day:

The idea of celebrating 21 June as the International Day of Yoga was supported by various personalities from around the world. The resolution was supported by 175 nations, including USA, Canada and China who co-sponsored the resolution. It had the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA Resolution of such nature.

As June 21 is the Summer Solstice, longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world, it was selected as the day for celebrating the event. The renowned Yogi and mystic, Sadhguru describes the importance of 21 June as the day on which, Adiyogi (the first Yogi) turned south and first set his eyes on the Saptarishis (Seven Sages), who were his first disciples to carry the science of yoga to many parts of the world.

The pioneer of the Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar appreciated the efforts of PM Narendra Modi, stating that is very difficult for any philosophy, religion or culture to survive without state patronage. Now, after the official recognition by the UN, it would further spread the benefit of Yoga to the entire world.

Though the mankind has achieved extra ordinary progress in the materialism and has done great innovations in science & technology since past two centuries, the human race is still not successful in attaining peace & happiness in the real sense. Today the world is facing a number of issues & conflicts due to which the life of an individual is adversely affected.

Increasing pollution, complex competitive life, deteriorating environmental situations are negatively affecting the physical & mental health of the people resulting in the increase of the people suffering from various physical & mental ailments like hypertension, asthma, obesity etc. Tensed & uncertain political situations resulting in communalism, terrorism, insurgency are dividing the society and creating barriers between the mankind by creating hatred. Due to such troubles, the mankind is losing faith from humanity & trust are becoming more and more violent and aggressive.

The time has come when the ancient Indian philosophy of Yoga can again teach the world the ideal way of living. Along with weight loss, a strong & flexible body, glowing beautiful skin & good health, Yoga also helps in acquiring a sound mind and mental peace. The benefits of Yoga are achieved not only at the physical level, but it also helps in uniting the body, mind and breath.  Yoga can be sited as the one of the major solutions to various existing problems of the human race, through which at the individual level they can attain a sound mind & body and in the long run will affect the whole world if Yoga is practiced by a large section of the world’s population.

The celebration of 21 June as the International Day of Yoga is a matter of pride for every Indian, as it will not only glorify the golden aspect of the spiritual discipline of ancient India, but will also prove a boon to the mankind for attaining a sound body & mental peace and uniting with the self.