Extended Version of the Spanish Yoga Video.

by Yoga enRed June 2, 2023, 10:25 pm 27 Comments

# **Discovering the Origins and Benefits of Yoga: A Journey to Harmony and Health**

**June 21 marks the International Day of Yoga, a tradition that originated in India over 5,000 years ago.** In this video, we delve into the rich history and philosophy behind this ancient practice and explore how it can transform our lives, promote harmony with nature, and create a more sustainable and peaceful world. Through interviews with yoga masters and enthusiasts, as well as footage from the International Yoga Festival in the Himalayas, we discover the various types of yoga, from physical postures to breath control, meditation, and beyond.

## **Yoga: A Gift of Harmony and Well-Being**

The International Day of Yoga was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 as a tribute to this traditional and invaluable practice, which symbolizes the balance between body and mind, thoughts and actions, and unity between humans and nature. Yoga is not just a physical exercise but a holistic way of being in harmony with oneself, the world, and nature, providing a complete idea of health and well-being.

## **From Ancient India to Modern Yoga Studios**

Yoga has transcended religious, geographic, ethnic, and racial boundaries and has become the favorite holistic exercise of millions of people worldwide. The Yoga International Festival, held annually in February in India, gathers yogis from over 50 countries to participate in workshops, meditation, classes, initiations, and conversations with authentic masters. This event is the largest yoga teacher convention in the world, promoting unity, love, and inner peace.

## **The Meaning and Practice of Yoga**

The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” meaning to unite, align, or sustain. Its origins can be traced back to the Saraswati civilization in the Indus Valley, where archeologists discovered carvings, seals, and artifacts depicting yoga postures and salutations. Some of these practices were also found in the representations of gods and goddesses like Shiva, who is considered the first yogi.

The philosophy of yoga has its roots in the Sant philosophy, which describes the universe as a duality between pure consciousness and nature. The practice of yoga encompasses mantras, devotion, energy channeling, and eight limbs or branches, namely yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. The physical postures, or asanas, is just one aspect of yoga practice, which aims to bring balance and harmony between body, mind, and spirit.

## **Experience the Benefits of Yoga**

Yoga can help us improve our health, balance, harmony, inner peace, and happiness. It can also transform our lifestyle and help us fight climate change by promoting sustainability and unity with nature. Join us on this journey to discover the true meaning and benefits of yoga, and find inspiration to start or deepen your practice today.

Sources:

– [The Origins of Yoga: How Did It Begin?](https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/history-of-yoga)
– [The Eight-Limbed Path of Yoga](https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/eight-limbs)
– [What Is Yoga?](https://www.yogaalliance.org/About_Yoga/What_is_Yoga)