Yoga, an amazing gift from ancient Indian culture, has emerged as one of the most trusted ways to improve physical and mental health. The term “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means “to join,” “to yoke,” or “to unite,” and represents the unification of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; and a holistic approach to health and well-being.
The United Nations General Assembly recognized June 21 International Yoga Day in recognition of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s tireless efforts. In its resolution, the UNGA stated that “Yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being, in addition to striking a balance between all aspects of life.” The broader sharing of information about the benefits of practicing Yoga will be good to global health.” This ushered in a holistic health movement, with a focus on prevention rather than cure.
Centuries ago, one of the most prominent Sanskrit poets, Bhartrhari, when underlining the peculiarity of Yoga, stated:
धैर्यं यस्य पिता क्षमा च जननी शान्तिश्चिरं गेहिनी
सत्यं सूनुरयं दया च भगिनी भ्राता मनः संयमः।
शय्या भूमितलं दिशोSपि वसनं ज्ञानामृतं भोजनं
एते यस्य कुटिम्बिनः वद सखे कस्माद् भयं योगिनः।।
This means that by practicing Yoga on a daily basis, a person can imbibe some extremely beneficial attributes such as courage, which defends like a father, forgiveness, which is held by a mother, and mental serenity, which becomes a constant friend. Through daily yoga practice, truth becomes our child, mercy our sister, self-control our brother, the planet our bed, and knowledge our hunger.