Peace and Happiness are the aims of spirituality and these are the core messages of Yoga. Yoga’s message is all about peace and benediction-it teaches us to wish happiness, health and auspiciousness for everyone, as seen in the universal prayer: “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinaha, Sarve santu Niramayah, Sarve Bhadrani pashyantu, Maa kaschit dukh bhagh bhavet”. It gives solace to the disturbed world during a crisis like COVID pandemic. India being the birth place of this wonderful philosophy, is gearing up for the celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21st this year. It may sound dichotomous as India fresh from the Operation Sindoor where it pulverized the enemy bases, is now going to spearhead the spiritual approach for peace and benediction. But this timing highlights how Bharath, while taking firm action to protect its citizens, also leads global efforts like Yoga Day to spread message of harmony and holistic health, showing both its strength and commitment to peace. Through practices like mindful breathing and meditation, yoga helps us find inner calm and spread that peace to others, making the world a kinder place. Yoga encourages peaceful co-existence and tolerance by teaching non-violence (ahimsa), compassion, and respect for others, helping people accept differences and build more harmonious relationships. Through regular practice, yoga fosters empathy and understanding, which are key for social harmony and unity in diverse communities.
This year’s theme for International Day of Yoga is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, giving importance to both Environment and Personal health. This also drives home the fact that the individual can be healthy and happy only if the environment is safe and taken care of. Vivekananda Kendra’s approach also exemplifies this value with stress being given to understand and imbibe the Oneness of life among the creation. When an individual/society leads a life imbibing this value, it will lead to a holistic life style and radiate that positive approach to others too.
A similar wonderful message for peace and love was given in the war field by Lord Krishna to Arjuna.
atmaupamyena sarvatra samaṁ paśhyati yo ’rjuna
sukhaṁ vā yadi vā duḥkhaṁ sa yogī paramo mataḥ ( B.G. 6. 32)
I regard him to be perfect yogi who see the true equality of all living beings and respond to the joys and sorrows of others as if they were his own.
Yoga enables this sama darshana for its practitioners who understand the core value and aim of Yoga. This year's theme is a step to make this popular, so that people can understand that Yoga has more to offer than just therapy and physical fitness.
V.V.Balasubramanian
YB-ET
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