“One Earth, One Family, and One Future”

“Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is the theme for this year's International Yoga Day 2023. Aimed at promoting awareness of the enduring benefits of the ancient practice known as yoga, International Yoga Day was first established on June 21^st 2015. This year marks the 9th International Day of Yoga on June 21.

SIGNIFICANCE OF INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY 2023:

Raising awareness about holistic wellbeing that includes physical & mental wellbeing is the primary objective of International Day of Yoga. Also encouraging and nurturing mental clarity, self-awareness, improved physical & mental endurance.

WHAT IS ASHTANGA YOGA?

The word Ashtanga is comprised of two Sanskrit words, “Ashta” and “Anga.” “Ashta” refers to the number eight, while “Anga” means limb or part. Therefore, Ashtanga is the union of the eight limbs of yoga, into one complete, holistic system. The eight limbs of yoga, which include: Yama (moral codes), Niyama (self-discipline), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (oneness with the self).

EIGHT LIMBS OF ASHTANGA YOGA

Yama (Principles or moral code)

Pranayama (Yogic Breathing):- "Pranayama is control of Breath". "Prana" is Breath or vital energy in the body and "Ayama" means control. So Pranayama is "Control of Breath. Extension and control of breath is pranayama.

Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses):- Prati is to “withdraw”, Ahaar is food, for our senses Stimuli work as Ahaar, so the mental preparation to withdraw our senses from their specific stimuli is increase the power of mind is Pratyahara.

Dharana (Concentration on Object):- Is act of holding or bearing, in Yoga it is related concentration mind on an objective after withdrawing our senses from external stimuli.

Dhyana (Meditation):- Withdrawing mind from all external objects and focusing on one point or objective and meditating on it, Dhyana works as an instrument of self-awareness & knowledge.

Samadhi (Salvation):- It is the eight & final step of Yoga, a state of super bliss, joy and merging individual consciousness in to universal consciousness

WHY YOGA?

ü  Yoga increases physical, emotional and spiritual wellness, and brings about a certain peace, which many cancer patients need to combat the adverse effects of disease.

ü  Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation can reduce stress, promote healing, and enhance quality of life for patients who suffer Cancer. The growth of tumors and other cancer indicators are augmented by stress, thus it is especially important for people with cancer to reduce and manage stress effectively.

ü  Researches show Yoga improves physical & mental vitality by channelizing energies. Yoga also helps to reach a healthy sense of acceptance which is especially important for individuals dealing with chronic & life-threatening diseases as it decreases the stress.

ü  In Yogaasan the postures are designed to exercise each and every muscle, nerve and gland of the body, by precisely addressing the holding of energy in any particular joint or organ, which when released increases sense of well-being.

ü  Restorative postures, Savasana, Pranayama, and Meditation (Dhyana) encourage mental wellbeing thus improving sound sleep.

ü  Yoga & meditation also decrease chemotherapy-induced nausea frequency, intensity of anticipatory nausea and vomiting, decreased anxiety, depression, and distressful symptoms.

ü  Yoga decreases adverse effects of treatments and improves quality-of-life for Cancer patients.

ü  Yoga promotes personal growth, health and well-being. By acknowledging the unity of Mind, Body and Soul Health care professionals.

ü  Ayurveda includes the practice of Yoga from asana, pranayama, mantra and meditation as part of its healing tools.

In A Nutshell:-

“Yoga in Daily Life” offers the spiritual guidance on life’s path through the practices of Mantra Yoga and Kriya Yoga. As the most highly developed beings upon earth, humans are capable of the realization that we are all one in our common root. Decisions regarding our health, wellbeing and happiness are in our hands.

‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ is a Sanskrit phrase derived from ancient scriptures that literally means ‘The Whole World is One Family’. Also, this idea reflects the concept of all human beings being are inter connected by a thread of Life and that everybody on earth should live in complete harmony and cooperation with each other. This will in turn transcend all boundaries of nationality, religion, race and any other form of division. The International Yoga Day 2023 celebrations is brought up as ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which represents the concept of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’ The theme emphasizes on the healthy living of every human being irrespective of any discrimination with the regular practice of Yoga.