International Day of Yoga Healing the mind and body, and building communities

The post-Covid world faces several dilemmas. The rising tide of parochialism threatens to engulf humanity while depression, anxiety and innumerable physical and mental diseases have affected the well-being of people around the world. The World Health Organisation estimates that nearly 280 million people are suffering from depression.

In such a restive milieu, yoga can bring us together, help us to learn from each other’s experiences and address our shortcomings. In 2020, when the world was in the grip of the pandemic, researchers from the Harvard Medical School published an article, “Coping with coronavirus anxiety”.

It highlighted how yoga and meditation can help one stay calm in an increasingly tense environment. Yoga helps in elevating the levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is associated with better mood and decreased anxiety.

Researchers around the world agree that yoga therapies play a key role in improving the quality of life by significantly reducing symptoms linked to depression, boosting immunity, improving cardiovascular functioning, and enhancing sleep patterns.

Ancient texts also elucidate the importance of yoga. In the second chapter of the Bhagwat Gita, Lord Krishna asks Arjuna to perform his duties without flinching as if he was in a state of yoga. Krishna seems to see yoga as a state of mindfulness under all circumstances.

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TaiChi has a lot of the same benefits if Yoga looks too intimidating. It is based in QiGong which has its roots in Yoga as it was brought over by an Indian known as Damo. You can also drop the stances in TaiChi and really does a lot for increasing strength, control and flexibility.

If you want to go further this copy pasted phrase:

"In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali refers to yoga as chitta-vritti-nirodhah. In other words, when the fluctuations of the mind have been quieted, you reach an ultimate state called kaivalya, or "aloneness." In this state, you are able to perceive the divine within."

Anyone interested to take a look deeper at the rabbit hole, I can recommend a book "Science Of Yoga" by I.K. Taimni. And doing.

Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Tourism and the Embassy of India in Cambodia jointly opened the "9th International Yoga Day" at the National Olympic Stadium on June 18, 2023.


His Excellency Chea Kosal, Secretary of State, said that in addition to the health benefits for humanity, yoga not only strengthens diplomatic relations between Cambodia and India, but also promotes tourism events and activities,

Angkor Resort Hosts 9th International Day of Yoga
June 21, 2023 --

The Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Cambodia celebrated the 9th International Day of Yoga at the Terrace of the Elephants in Angkor Thom, Siem Reap province this morning.

H.E. Long Kosal, Deputy Director General of APSARA National Authority, presided over the event with the participation of H.E. Kuch Panhasa, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Tourism, H.E. Pin Prakad, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap province, and H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Indian Ambassador to Cambodia.

This year, most of the enthusiastic participants were students from different schools in Siem Reap.

Themed “VasudhaivaKutumbakam”, the 9th International Day of Yoga 2023 Phnom Penh edition was held at the National Olympic Stadium on June 18 with the participation of 600 Yoga enthusiasts.

(Photo: APSARA National Authority)
By C. Nika AKP