–Yoga Day to focus on benefits of the art form

THE practise of yoga has grown more popular internationally, and the Indian High Commission is encouraging more Guyanese to attend local classes, as they would be able to benefit from improved holistic health.

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ is derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness.

“Yoga is a universal practice; it is not related to religion, caste or creed, and so anybody who is breathing and is alive can join a yoga session. Some consider yoga as a mere exercise; however, yoga is more than that. It is the integration of the mind, body and spirit into one harmonious whole. It strives for attaining inner peace and union with the environment by means of quietening the constant chatter of the mind, creating a healthy body and being at peace with who you are and the world around you. Achieving this harmony is at the core of yoga,” Yoga Instructor at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Agnela Patil said.

She was speaking at a curtain-raiser for the 5th International Day of Yoga (IDY) held at the SVCC on Friday.

Former President, Donald Ramotar, who practises yoga at the SVCC, said the art form is “a stress reliever”.

“Yoga is an important aspect to help us deal with these problems,” he said. According to a Harvard Medical School publication on the physical benefits of yoga, “Yoga promotes physical health in multiple different ways.”

The study highlights that the improvement to physical health could be attributed to yoga postures which help in stress management, promote flexibility and reduce joint pains.
Yoga is practised through eight-fold paths mentioned in the Pantanjali Yoga Sutras as Ashtanga Yoga, i.e. eight limbs of yoga.

The eight limbs, as explained by the Seattle Yoga group are: Yama, which involves the attitudes toward the environment; Niyama, the attitudes toward oneself; Asana, the physical postures and stretches done; Pranayama, the restraint or expansion of the breath practised; Pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses; Dharana, the concentration required; Dhyana, meditation; and finally, Samadhi, a spiritual connection which involves a meditative consciousness.

The yoga session on Friday, which saw in attendance former President Donald Ramotar and Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, was based on the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP). The CYP is a specified sequence of yogasanas or yoga postures and meditation. It has been designed for people of different age groups, varied walks of life and widely acknowledged as ideal for beginners in yoga practice. It is also perfect for mass yoga demonstrations.

On December 11, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131, and that day is observed as ‘International Yoga Day’ annually.
“The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practising yoga,” the UN noted, adding that the practice has been growing in popularity worldwide.

International Day of Yoga in Guyana will be observed on June 16 at Everest Cricket Club and on June 23rd in Berbice at the Indian Arrival Monument.