International Day of Yoga

United Nations Declares June 21 as the International Day of Yoga

The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, addressed the UN assembly stating, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It is not about exercise, but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature.” By embracing yoga, we embrace the world. Through inner peace, we bring world peace.

“The International Day of Yoga logo was created to reflect harmony and peace for humanity, which is the essence of yoga. Folding of both hands in the logo symbolizes yoga, or union, of individual consciousness (the soul) with Cosmic Consciousness (Spirit).”
—International Day of Yoga

The True Meaning of Yoga: Yoga Means Union

Paramhansa Yogananda, a great master from India, came to show us our infinite potential. From the East to the West, he brought the liberating technique of Kriya Yoga:

“Kriya Yoga is ‘union (yoga) with the Infinite.’”
—Paramhansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi

Patanjali defined yoga as the neutralization of the vrittis (vortices) of feeling in the heart (Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodha). Yogananda expounded on this meaning, stating:

This is the essence of yoga: to neutralize the waves of reactions in the heart.

World peace starts with inner peace. A technique such as Kriya Yoga calms the hearts and minds of all who practice, and through the upliftment of each individual, bring higher awareness to the planet.

The Peace and Harmony Prayer of Yogananda

“To be a peacemaker, be peaceful, first, in your own heart.”
—Swami Kriyananda

If you are having challenges with another person, visualize that person in light, and for one minute pray:

“Lord, fill him or her with peace and harmony, peace and harmony.”

Then visualize yourself in light and pray for 15 seconds:

“Lord, fill me with peace and harmony, peace and harmony.”

The prayer also came with these additional words:

“Do this five times a day — three or four times might work, but five times practically never fails.”

Join us June 21 for Free Events at Online with Ananda

• Morning Meditation with the Ananda Monks
• Guided Practice of the Peace and Harmony Prayer
• Introduction to the Path of Kriya Yoga with Discussion
• Introduction to Ananda Yoga with Discussion
• Guided Meditation and Discussion