If you are considering yoga just as a way of workout that adds flexibility and strength to your body, you are wrong. In actual, yoga is much more than that. Yoga is a passion and a way of life for those who are involved in it. Yoga is not only about gaining physical strength, but it is also about spirituality and inner peace.
What is Yoga?
The name Yoga is derived from a Sanskrit word “yuj” which means “to unite” and “to control”. Here the union is between the mind and the soul. When a person starts yoga, he digs himself deeper to know his inner soul. It is a way of spiritual enlightenment and physical strength.
Origin of Yoga
Yoga’s origin has been remained a matter of debate. Some scholars claim that it was originated 5000 years ago, while the others say it is 2000 years. Even it is believed to be 10000 years old tradition. The traditional yoga was for spirituality, inner peace and a way to divert your mind from the materialistic things of this world. And the modern yoga is mainly about different yoga poses and exercises that are done for physical gains. Though Yoga is about both physical and mental strength, the priorities vary person to person.
The reason behind so much importance of yoga in India is that it has been considered as a part of religion and spirituality. Known to be discovered in the Hinduism, yoga is used in conjunction with the meditation. When it comes to religion, Yoga is also considered as a major part of the Buddhism meditation practice. Also, it is linked to Christianity and Islam. Due to its connection the spirituality, Yoga is given importance by the people of every religion.
International Yoga Day
21st June is observed as the international Yoga Day and it was first celebrated in 2015. Actually, the idea was proposed by India’s Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi on 27th September, 2014, during his speech at UNGA (United Nations General Assembly). And accepting the proposal, UNGA declared 21st June as International Yoga Day on December 11th, 2014.
An amazing thing about the adoption of this day is it was adopted without voting. The initiative taken by the India’s Prime Minister was supported by 177 nations out of the total 193 UNGA members. And the reason behind suggesting 21st of the June was the fact that it is the year’s longest day in the Northern Hemisphere and has a great significance in the different parts of the world.
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Basic Yoga exercises that everyone should do
Among a number of yoga exercises, each of which provides amazing benefits to human and mind, here are the 5 basic ones that you must do.
Tadasana
Also known as mountain pose, Tadasana helps to improve posture and maintain body balance.
Vrikshasana
Also called Tree Pose, it increases body balance, improves mental power and concentration.
Anulom Vilom Pranayama
It purifies the body by curing a number of internal body conditions and the mind by releasing stress and anxiety.
Kapalbhati
It improves the blood circulation, reduces signs of ageing and makes the skin healthy.
Balasana
Also known as child pose, it helps in releasing tension in the chest and shoulders, reducing stress and calming the mind.
Now, after knowing all about yoga, it is the time to give it a go. And 21st June is the perfect day to start.
