International Yoga Day Celebrated Globally

‘Yoga’ has many meanings. In social behavior, yoga means bringing two or more parties together, while in philosophy, it speaks of the union between the soul and the supreme soul. It signifies the method of merging the human from the material to the immaterial. It clarifies the method of liberation or freedom from worldly attachments. In ancient times, mental peace, stability, and health were achieved through yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda.

According to Patanjali, the proponent of Yoga philosophy, yoga is the method of stopping the mind from becoming restless or preventing the mind from wandering and focusing only on ‘Kaivalya’. Yoga philosophy guides in concentrating the mind and merging with the divine. The Atharvaveda states, ‘Yogashchittavrittinirodhah’, meaning yoga is the practice of stopping various thoughts that arise in the mind.

Six philosophies have been propounded in the Vedic scriptures. These are: Sankhya philosophy, Yoga philosophy, Vaisheshika philosophy, Nyaya Mimamsa (Purva Mimamsa), and Vedanta (Uttara Mimamsa) philosophy. Although, in addition to these main philosophies in India, the ‘Sarvadarshana Sangraha’ also mentions Charvaka, Buddhist, Arhat, Nakulisha, Pashupata, Shaiva, Purnaprajna, Ramanuja, Panini, and Pratyabhijna philosophies.

Sankhya philosophy elaborately discusses the order of creation. Nyaya philosophy extensively describes the system of logic or reasoning. Vaisheshika philosophy particularly elucidates substances and their properties. Purva Mimamsa philosophy lays down rules for determining the meaning of Vedic ritualistic sentences and resolving contradictions. Uttara Mimamsa or Vedanta philosophy, through a very high-level thought system, posits that the sole Brahman is the inseparable material and efficient cause of the world, thereby establishing the unity of the world and Brahman.

The concept of God prevalent among the general public is the same as the God in Yoga philosophy. Yoga philosophy does not engage in special arguments or assertions on any particular doctrine. Rather, it extensively describes the means to achieve the highest state of meditation through the practice of Yama, Niyama, Pranayama, Samadhi, etc., for the attainment of liberation.

Philosopher Patanjali has propounded and supported the principles of Sankhya philosophy regarding the relationship between the soul and the world. He accepts the twenty-five elements just like the Sankhya philosophers. Its specialty is that, unlike Sankhya philosophy, he also accepted the twenty-sixth element, ‘Purusha-vishesha’ or Ishvara, which saved him from the atheism of Sankhya.

Yoga philosophy posits that humans experience five types of suffering: ignorance, ego, attachment, hatred, and clinging to life. Humans are born and spend their lives experiencing the fruits of their karma. Patanjali suggests ‘yoga’ as a way to avoid these sufferings and attain liberation. By practicing the elements of yoga sequentially, an individual becomes accomplished and ultimately attains liberation.

Patanjali's Yoga philosophy is divided into four parts: Samadhi, Sadhana, Vibhuti, and Kaivalya. Samadhi Pada explains the objectives and characteristics of yoga and how it is practiced. Sadhana Pada discusses suffering, the results of karma, and the consequences of karma. Vibhuti Pada explains the components of yoga, its results, and how it leads to the attainment of siddhis like anima and mahima. Kaivalya Pada discusses Kaivalya or liberation.

Yoga philosophy posits that humans experience five types of suffering: ignorance, ego, attachment, hatred, and clinging to life. Humans are born and spend their lives experiencing the fruits of their karma. Patanjali suggests ‘yoga’ as a way to avoid these sufferings and attain liberation. By practicing the elements of yoga sequentially, an individual becomes accomplished and ultimately attains liberation.

Yoga practitioners consider the world to be full of suffering and aversion. They consider yoga to be the only means for the liberation of the individual or soul. Patanjali identified five states of the mind: agitated, dull, restless, controlled, and concentrated, which he called ‘Chittabhumi’ (field of the mind). 

He stated that yoga cannot occur in the first three states of the mind, but only in the latter two. Within these two states, two types of yoga can occur: Samprajnata and Asamprajnata. Samprajnata is the state where the object of meditation is visible. This yoga destroys the five types of suffering. Asamprajnata refers to the state where no inclination arises; that is, the distinction between the knower and the known ceases to exist. This is the culmination of yoga. This is the desire for moksha and the attainment of liberation.

As yoga practitioners continue their practice, they experience the thoughts or emotions within them diminishing in scope, and at one point, such thoughts or emotions cease to exist on their own, meaning they only manifest if the practitioner desires them, otherwise remaining in a state of cessation. The practitioner's thoughts or emotions are completely under their control.

Yoga has eight limbs: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. The practice of these eight limbs is considered necessary for the attainment of yoga. A person who masters these eight limbs is freed from all kinds of suffering and ultimately attains Kaivalya (liberation).

Hatha yoga is one such alternative path, which describes Shatkarmas like Neti, Dhoti, Basti, and Nadi Shodhana. Shiva Samhita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, etc., are texts of Hatha yoga. The great acharyas of Hatha yoga were Matsyendranath (Machchhindranath) and his disciple Gorakhnath. The story of Guru Gorakhnath is also connected with the unification of the Kingdom of Nepal.

The oldest commentary on Patanjali's Sutras is by Veda Vyasa, which also includes Vachaspati's commentary. Vijnana Bhikshu's ‘Yogasara Sangraha’ is also considered an authoritative text on yoga. A commentary on Bhojaraja's Sutras is also available. Yoga is also linked with the nervous system. According to this, the desire for the realization of the chakras within the body is mentioned. Although it is achieved through Ashtanga practice, other alternative practices have also emerged. 

Hatha yoga is one such alternative path, which describes Shatkarmas like Neti, Dhoti, Basti, and Nadi Shodhana. Shiva Samhita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, etc., are texts of Hatha yoga. The great acharyas of Hatha yoga were Matsyendranath (Machchhindranath) and his disciple Gorakhnath. The story of Guru Gorakhnath is also connected with the unification of the Kingdom of Nepal.

The aforementioned aspects of yoga are its classical principles, which are very difficult and rigorous for yoga practice. Therefore, its attainment may not be easy for everyone. Hence, in the history from Vedic to Sanatana, only a negligible number of people attained yoga siddhi and were called yogis. But the truth is that any accomplished person or yogi was initially an ordinary person. 

This means that nature has provided the potential for yoga equally in all human beings. But its manifestation is possible only through the individual's desire, resolve, determination, and the guidance of a qualified guru. In the past, yoga was accessible only to a limited number of people, but now its promotion, motivation, and support have spread everywhere. From yoga camps to permanent centers for yoga practice are available everywhere. People like Baba Ramdev have brought yoga into every home and to every individual. And as a result, yoga has become a part of an international campaign today.

Considering the importance of yoga in the lives of the universal human community, the United Nations has recently initiated the tradition of celebrating International Yoga Day. Accordingly, since 2015, Yoga Day has been celebrated globally every year on June 21.

As yoga practices provide significant benefits for physical and mental health, the United Nations has considered it important to promote this ancient health practice globally. Today, it has become an official campaign of the United Nations to promote global health, harmony, and peace. Therefore, it is called World Yoga Day.

The Indian government proposed celebrating Yoga Day at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, which received widespread global support, with 177 countries co-sponsoring it, where it was passed unanimously. Subsequently, the first International Yoga Day was successfully celebrated globally on June 21, 2015, corresponding to Asar 6, 2072 BS, in cities including New York, Paris, Beijing, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, and New Delhi.

The basis of yoga practice is exercise, but it is not just exercise. It has a positive impact on an individual's overall health. Regular yoga practice helps reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and boost self-confidence.

Along with celebrating International Yoga Day on June 21, Nepal also started celebrating National Yoga Day every year on Magh 1. To improve physical and mental health, manage stress, and spread awareness about the historical significance of yoga, the Government of Nepal officially began celebrating it from 2072 BS. Yoga, which was studied and researched by sages in the lap of the Himalayas in the Vedic period, had become nearly extinct. To revive it from this region, the day was declared, and efforts to raise public awareness began.

As per the decision of the Council of Ministers on Asar 28, 2072 BS, Magh 1 has been celebrated as National Yoga Day. Prior to this, since 2036 BS, coinciding with the beginning of Uttarayan, International Yoga Day had been celebrated in Nepal with the participation of organizations working in the field of yoga, initiated by the active efforts of Dr. Hari Prasad Pokharel. The main objective is to promote yoga practice in daily life to establish a healthy society, a prosperous Nepal, and world peace. Since Maghe Sankranti festival also falls on Magh 1 in Nepal, this day is considered particularly significant.

The basis of yoga practice is exercise, but it is not just exercise. It has a positive impact on an individual's overall health. Regular yoga practice helps reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and boost self-confidence. In the long term, it contributes to reducing the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and lifestyle-related problems. A mentally stable person can become a positive force for both society and family. Regular practice of yoga enhances immunity.

However, yoga takes a person beyond that. Yoga includes ethical discipline, asanas, pranayama, meditation, and samadhi. Ethical discipline strengthens a person's resolve. Asanas balance and make the body flexible. Pranayama improves the rhythm of breathing. Meditation helps to keep the mind focused and calm, while samadhi is the final state of yoga.