Mumbai, June 21 — On the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day, several Bollywood actresses marked the day with enthusiasm, sharing glimpses of their yoga routines on social media. Celebrities including Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Malaika Arora, Isha Koppikar, Neha Dhupia, Dia Mirza, and Neetu Kapoor participated in the celebrations by showcasing their commitment to physical and mental wellness through yoga.

Each actress demonstrated various yoga postures such as Adho Mukha Svanasana, Dhanurasana, Chakrasana, Bhekasana, Gomukhasana, Halasana, Sarvangasana, and Sirsasana in their videos, while encouraging their followers to adopt yoga not just for the body, but also for the mind and soul.

Malaika Arora emphasized that yoga is not limited to a single day but is a lifelong discipline. She shared that beginning the day with yoga often leads to a sense of peace and gratitude by the end of it, capturing what she described as true serenity.

Shilpa Shetty, known for her advocacy of holistic health, reflected on this year’s Yoga Day theme, “One Earth, One Health.” She shared a thoughtful message, highlighting the importance of balance in life — be it physical, mental, or spiritual. She remarked that health is something one must earn and preserve, and that yoga is not merely about postures but a mindset, benefitting not only the individual but also society and the planet.

Neetu Kapoor appeared in her video alongside daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, underlining the significance of passing down healthy habits across generations. She expressed that the best inheritance is not wealth or possessions, but love and values like practicing yoga.

Dia Mirza echoed the Yoga Day theme in her post, drawing attention to the need for clean air and environmental well-being. She emphasized that just as yoga connects breath to body, people should also value and advocate for clean air, recognizing it as essential to the health of both individuals and the Earth.

Neha Dhupia shared how yoga has transformed her life, while Isha Koppikar posted a video with a poetic message celebrating the harmony between breath and movement as the path to personal flourishing.

As per agency report, the collective display of mindfulness and discipline by these Bollywood celebrities has resonated widely, turning Yoga Day into not only a celebration of fitness but also a reminder of shared responsibility for health and the environment.

New Delhi, May 25 – In the lead-up to the 11th International Yoga Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon people across the world to adopt yoga for achieving holistic well-being and a vibrant life. Speaking during the 122nd edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, Modi emphasized the growing enthusiasm both in India and globally for the annual observance of Yoga Day, set to be celebrated on June 21.

As per agency report, the Prime Minister reflected on the journey of Yoga Day since its inception in 2015, stating that the appeal of yoga has consistently grown each year. He encouraged citizens to creatively engage with the occasion, suggesting initiatives such as forming yoga chains and practicing yoga at diverse locations to turn the day into a dynamic and inclusive movement.

Modi highlighted the 'Yogaandhra' campaign launched in Andhra Pradesh, which aims to foster a strong yoga culture by cultivating a community of one million regular yoga practitioners. He praised the initiative as a model for how states can lead a health revolution in the country.

Expressing his anticipation for participating in the main Yoga Day celebrations this year in Visakhapatnam, the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of yoga in both personal and national development.

He also acknowledged the rising participation of the corporate sector in yoga, noting that several companies have designated specific spaces within their offices for yoga sessions, while some startups have incorporated yoga time into their work schedules. Modi welcomed this trend as a positive sign of the private sector’s growing contribution to India’s health movement.

To mark the completion of a decade since the inception of International Yoga Day, the Ministry of AYUSH has planned ten major events to promote the accessibility and relevance of yoga across various social and professional settings. These events include Yoga Sangam, Yoga Bandhan, Yoga Park, Yoga Samavesh, Yoga Prabhav, Yoga Connect, Harit Yoga, Yoga Unplugged, Yoga Mahakumbh, and Samyog.

These efforts aim to further embed yoga into daily life, fostering not only physical fitness but also mental and emotional balance across communities worldwide.

New Delhi (India), July 2: In a pioneering collaboration, Tantalum Academy, S-VYASA University, and Athvie Innovation Private Limited are thrilled to announce the launch of a Centre of Excellence (COE). This initiative aims to transform education in India by seamlessly blending Yoga and Soft Skills into school and college curricula delivered through a unique pedagogy based on games & storytelling. The COE will focus on conducting research, creating courses, and collaborating with similar institutions to promote the overall development of students and children. The goal is to empower them with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s world.

At the heart of this initiative, the COE will develop and offer courses that harmoniously blend Yoga and Soft Skills, meticulously customised for both higher education institutions and schools. The unique teaching method will use games & storytelling, making the courses highly engaging & impactful. Branded as the ‘Achieve Series’ for colleges and the ‘Imperium 361 Series’ for schools, these courses are created using evidence-based insights for the betterment of the students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The COE will also continue its research efforts on the benefits of Yoga and Soft Skills for students.

By integrating Yoga and 21 key soft skills into the fabric of the curriculum, students will cultivate abilities such as emotional intelligence, stress management, social skills, self-awareness & management, and leadership skills. These courses, in alignment with Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), advocate for a comprehensive approach to education. The COE is committed to regularly publishing research and white papers to bolster the adoption of these transformative practices in educational institutions.

In line with its commitment to advancing these practices, S-VYASA University, a distinguished higher education institution in Bengaluru, India, has long been at the forefront of yoga research and education. With over 900 research papers published in esteemed journals such as The International Journal of Yoga and the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, S-VYASA’s expertise is widely recognised and profound.

In a similar vein of innovation, Tantalum Academy stands out for its pioneering efforts in nurturing social, emotional and business skills in students and professionals through innovative methods, including storytelling and interactive games. Their unique approach incorporates custom-built games, reflection, peer feedback, and assessments, rendering soft skills development both measurable and actionable through concepts like Visually Measurable Behaviours (VMB®) and Visually Applied Actions (VAA).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is one of the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents and young adults, with an estimated 20% of adolescents experiencing mental health conditions like anxiety and stress at any given time. The integration of yoga and soft skills into the curriculum emerges as a beacon of hope. This initiative promises to address these pressing challenges, fostering mental well-being among students. Furthermore, as the demand for soft skills by employers continues to surge, these courses will prepare students for triumphant professional lives, potentially impacting thousands of students positively.

This initiative not only marks a significant stride towards an integrated educational approach but also symbolises a new era of learning where traditional knowledge and modern skills coexist harmoniously, promising a brighter, more balanced future for students across India. Find out more on https://tantalumacademy.com/ and https://www.digivyasa.org

If you have any objection to this press release content, kindly contact pr.error.rectification@gmail.com to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 24 hours.

Jharsuguda (Odisha) [India], June 27: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, celebrated International Yoga Day through a series of community yoga sessions. Aligned with this year’s global theme, ‘Yoga for Self and Society’, the sessions sought to reinforce the importance of physical and mental health. They witnessed the enthusiastic participation of Vedanta’s employees, their families and local community members.

International Day of Yoga is celebrated across the world on June 21 every year, a date adopted by the United Nations, and is an opportunity to highlight the multiple physical and mental benefits that practicing yoga offers. As the home of the largest aluminium plant in the world, Vedanta Jharsuguda has undertaken multi-pronged efforts to foster the development of the communities in its vicinity, including in the realm of health and well-being. On the occasion, the company organised activities emphasizing the benefits of yoga in achieving good health. These included yoga sessions with the inmates of Mission Ashra, a home for destitute persons, and also at Jharsuguda Airport, which was in partnership with the District Administration and the Rotary Club of Jharsuguda.

Vedanta Jharsuguda is dedicated to improving healthcare accessibility for the local community through a range of impactful initiatives. Through the Vedanta Nand Ghars, which are modernised anganwadis that serve as hubs of women and child development, the company has implemented several crucial developmental initiatives. These include efforts in the areas of education through pre-school education to children under 6 years of age, wholesome nutrition through nutritious meals and take-home rations for pregnant and lactating women, improved healthcare through ANM staff (auxiliary nurse/midwives) and skill development through training programmes for women. The company’s Mobile Health Units also provide quality doorstep healthcare services to people in over 27 villages, bringing much-needed healthcare access to some of the most remote areas in Odisha.

Additionally, two advanced diagnostic centres in Jharsuguda and Laikera offer a wide array of radiology and pathology tests at affordable rates, making high-quality healthcare more widely accessible to all. As part of the Government of India’s ‘Nikshay Mitra’ program which focuses on tuberculosis eradication, the company is also supporting patients with enhanced access to essential nutrition and healthcare services, aiding their recovery. Collectively, these initiatives benefit over 2,00,000 individuals each year, enhancing overall community well-being.

Speaking about this initiative, Mr. Sunil Gupta, COO – Vedanta Aluminium & CEO – Vedanta Jharsuguda, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we prioritize community health care through proactive and inclusive initiatives. Underscoring our commitment to ensuring long-term well-being, our diverse activities, such as organizing yoga sessions for the community, highlight the importance of physical and mental health. Our other efforts in this regard, such as regular health camps and robust health infrastructure, also provide essential support to community members. These efforts reflect our dedication to sustainable development and our belief in making a lasting impact on both community and employees’ health.”

Appreciating Vedanta’s contribution, Mr. ­­­Sanjay Jetty, Assistant Vice President, People’s Forum said, “Their celebration of Yoga Day with more than 100 of our inmates was a very engaging session while it also emphasized the importance of leading a healthy life to all our residents.”

Adding his views, Mr. Sandeep Kumar Tiwari, Airport Director, Jharsuguda said, “Vedanta Jharsuguda’s efforts in promoting health and wellness are truly noteworthy. The yoga session at Jharsuguda Airport, organized in collaboration with Vedanta, was a great success, highlighting their commitment to welfare of the community. Their initiatives are making a real difference, positively impacting the community and all stakeholders involved.”

Vedanta’s social interventions in the domains of education, healthcare, livelihood, skill development, grassroots sports, art & culture, with a focus on women and child development, reach out to nearly 80 villages in Jharsuguda and nearby areas, benefiting over 3 lakh people in a year. It empowers almost 5,000 women from over 350 SHGs, provides doorstep healthcare services to about 50,000 people annually, gives educational support to more than 13,000 students, has planted almost 1.50 lakh trees in partnership with locals at the community level.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.37 million tonnes in FY23. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 1st in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its leading sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.

About Vedanta Aluminium Business:

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.37 million tonnes in FY23. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 1st in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its leading sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow. www.vedantaaluminium.com

Follow us on LinkedIN, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Disclaimer:

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” – that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “should” or “will.” Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For us, uncertainties arise from the behaviour of financial and metals markets including the London Metal Exchange, fluctuations in interest and or exchange rates and metal prices; from future integration of acquired businesses; and from numerous other matters of national, regional, and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements.

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 26:  RestoKnee Hospital, the pioneer of knee restoration surgery without implants for the last 42 years, celebrated International Day of Yoga on Sunday 23rd june with a unique event that brought together patients who have undergone knee restoration surgery, highlighting their remarkable recovery and the power of yoga.

The event was organised under the spirit of Atal (Unshakeable) near the iconic Atal Bridge at Sabarmati Riverfront under the guidance of an international yoga teacher from “Damaru Yoga and Sound Therapy Studio” and saw the participation of more than 150 people from all over Gujarat. 

The participants, who once struggled to walk a few steps without pain and discomfort, performed yoga with ease and grace. The participants included many aged above 60, and some even in the age group of 70-80+, demonstrating that yoga truly is for everyone and can be practised at any age. They also participated in the Walkathon, comfortably walking more than 300 metres, as part of the event.

Hem Oza, Managing Director of RestoKnee Hospital, said, “At RestoKnee Hospital, we believe in nature’s ability to cure and we only facilitate it by our unique surgery and post-operative protocols. The International Day of Yoga is an apt occasion to celebrate our philosophy through the ancient art of yoga. This was probably the first of such an event in the world where patients who have undergone any knee surgery gathered in such large numbers to perform yoga. The idea was to showcase the resilience and strength of our patients and prove that age and physical challenges are no barriers to achieving wellness. We are wholeheartedly thankful to the participants who travelled from different places to participate in our event.”

The theme of the event – Yoga is for Everyone – was beautifully illustrated as patients embraced gentle movements and mindful breaths. The serene Sabarmati Riverfront served as the perfect backdrop for a morning of yoga where healing met harmony. Participants showcased the power of rejuvenating yoga practices, emphasising that wellness begins from within and healing is a journey guided by nature’s grace.

The event was not only a celebration of International Day of Yoga but also a demonstration of RestoKnee Hospital’s commitment to holistic healing. By integrating the principles of natural healing into the recovery process, the hospital continues to lead the way in innovative and natural approaches to knee restoration.

If you have any objection to this press release content, kindly contact pr.error.rectification@gmail.com to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 24 hours.

Srinagar, 21 June (HS): The world is looking at yoga as a powerful agent of global good, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on International Yoga Day on Friday while stressing that it has the potential to transform the economy of Jammu and Kashmir by attracting more tourists.

Choosing the SKICC on the picturesque banks of the Dal Lake to lead the nation in celebrating the 10th International Yoga Day, the prime minister described yoga as not just knowledge but also a science.

?When people talk about yoga, most of them think it is a spiritual journey as if it is to find Allah, Ishwar or God? Leave aside the spiritual journey which can happen any time later. For now, you can focus on personal development and yoga is part of that.

If you approach it that way, I am sure you will get a lot of benefits. Personal development leads to the benefit of society, which in turn leads to the benefit of humankind,? he said while addressing a gathering at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre.

The prime minister?s event was scheduled to be held in the open but early morning rain forced the event indoors. Notwithstanding the rain, scores of students were amongst those who joined the prime minister in performing various asanas on the occasion. They also requested for him for selfies and he happily obliged.

Modi, who was last in Srinagar in March to address a public rally, put out a tweet saying, 'Post Yoga selfies in Srinagar! Unparalleled vibrancy here, at the Dal Lake', and posted pictures of him taking selfies with students.

Addressing a gathering at the event, the prime minister said yoga has helped people realise their welfare is linked to the welfare of the world around them.

'The world is looking at yoga as a powerful agent of global good. Yoga helps us live in the present moment without the baggage of the past,' he said.

'When we are peaceful within, we can also make a positive impact on the world. Yoga is making new ways of positive change in the society. The number of yoga practitioners across the globe is growing every day and the regimen is becoming a part of their daily life,' he said.

'The number of yoga followers is growing continuously. Wherever I go, there is hardly any (international) leader who does not talk to me about the benefits of yoga. In many countries, yoga is becoming a part of the daily lives of people,' Modi said, citing the examples of Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia and Germany.

In his address, the prime minister referred to 101-year-old Frenchwoman Charlotte Chopin who was awarded a Padma Shri for her services in popularising yoga in her country.

Modi said the spread of yoga globally has led to a change in perception about it as more people are travelling to India to get authentic knowledge on it.

'We are now seeing yoga tourism in states like Uttarakhand and Kerala. People are now hiring personal yoga trainers for fitness, and companies are including yoga in mind and body (fitness) programmes for their employees. It has opened new avenues of livelihood,' he added.

The prime minister said yoga provides solutions to several problems. 'In this era of information revolution, there is a flood of information sources and it is a challenge for the human mind to focus on one subject. A solution for this is also in yoga as it helps the mind to focus. That is why from army to sports, yoga has been included in their routine,' he said.

The prime minister said astronauts and people working on space projects are trained in yoga as it increases 'productivity as well as tolerance'.

Modi also focused on the potential impact of yoga on Jammu and Kashmir. 'I have been seeing since yesterday that yoga is becoming popular with the people of Srinagar and (rest of) Jammu and Kashmir. It is a big thing that 50,000 to 60,000 people are associated with yoga. This will attract more tourists here,' he said.

He said yoga could help the union territory attract more tourists, which in turn would provide new livelihood opportunities to locals.

The prime minister cited a competition in Egypt where yoga was used to promote tourism.

'I recently saw a video from Egypt. They organised a competition and awarded the best yoga photographs and videos from iconic tourist places in the country. In the pictures and videos, I saw girls from Egypt standing in front of the iconic Pyramids doing yoga, it was so attractive. For Kashmir, yoga can become such a big source of livelihood. It can become a centre of attraction for tourists,' Modi said.

The PM lauded the determination of the practitioners to stay back even in adverse weather.

'Our daughters used their yoga mats to protect themselves from rain but they did not leave. It is heartening to see,' he said.

He said yoga, once made a part of daily life, gives uninterrupted benefits for a long time.

He cited the example of trainers who help people improve their memory power through the use of special techniques.

Delhi, 21 June (H.S): On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Srinagar, emphasizing the global significance of yoga as a force for good. Speaking from the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, PM Modi highlighted how more and more people around the world are embracing yoga as a means to live in the present moment without being weighed down by the past.

Despite the event being moved indoors due to heavy rain, the enthusiasm for yoga remained high. The Prime Minister extended his greetings to those participating in yoga activities across the globe and recalled how he proposed the initiative to the United Nations in 2014, garnering support from 177 nations. As International Yoga Day celebrated its 10th anniversary, PM Modi noted that it continues to set new records and has gained global prominence. He also spoke about the growing number of people practicing yoga worldwide, attributing it to the discipline's ability to promote inner peace and bring about positive societal change.

The Prime Minister stressed that when individuals are at peace within themselves, they can make a positive impact on the world around them. He concluded by stating that yoga is not only beneficial for individuals but also has the power to create new ways for positive change in society. Overall, PM Modi's address highlighted the importance of yoga in today's world and its potential to bring about personal and societal transformation.

Delhi, 20 June (H.S): The Indian Embassy in the US has organized a Yoga session in Washington ahead of International Yoga Day, which is celebrated worldwide on June 21. The event, held at the picturesque and serene Wharf in Washington, was attended by various community organizations and received enthusiastic participation.

Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy, Supriya Ranganathan, highlighted the global reach and popularity of Yoga, which has spread far beyond its origins in India. She noted that there are now millions of followers of this ancient practice around the world. The theme for this year's International Yoga Day, "Yoga for Self and Society," was emphasized during the event, which also aimed to promote the use of environment-friendly products and practices in daily life.

The Embassy shared on their social media platforms that the event included elements to inspire people to embrace eco-friendly habits. This celebration of Yoga in the US not only promotes physical and mental well-being but also highlights its role in creating a sustainable future for ourselves and our society.

By Vaishnaavi Manjunath Chavan

In the past decade or less, Yoga has gained popularity as a standard to test one?s fitness level. Yoga translates to ?the yoking of two things - the mind and the body.

Traditionally, Yoga is rather a discipline that has its deep roots in Hindu philosophy. Typically an atheist approach to ?Moksha?, or liberation from the cycles of death and rebirth.

Women's health research and healthcare has taken the spotlight for a few decades, as it so deserves, what makes Yoga especially important for women.

Physical Empowerment

For women, Yoga offers an array of physical benefits. The practice enhances flexibility and builds strength, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy body. Weight-bearing poses, such as Warrior II and Tree Pose, are particularly beneficial for bone health, helping to prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Additionally, yoga improves balance and posture, counteracting the effects of sedentary lifestyles and modern work habits.

Yoga is also a valuable tool for weight management. Regular practice can boost metabolism and promote healthy eating habits, contributing to long-term weight control. But beyond these tangible benefits, Yoga fosters a deeper connection with one?s body, encouraging self-acceptance and confidence.

Nurturing the Mind and Spirit

The mental and emotional benefits of Yoga are profound. Practices like pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation are powerful tools for stress reduction, helping to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Yoga also enhances mental clarity and focus, providing a mental sanctuary from the chaos of daily life.

Emotionally, Yoga promotes stability and resilience. It offers techniques to manage emotions effectively, fostering a positive outlook and improving overall mental health. For women facing sleep issues, Yoga can be particularly beneficial. Gentle practices and specific poses can improve sleep quality, combating insomnia and promoting restful nights.

Supporting Women's Health

Yoga's benefits extend to various aspects of women?s health. It can alleviate menstrual discomfort and regulate cycles through specific poses and breathing techniques. During pregnancy, prenatal Yoga supports physical health and emotional well-being, preparing the body for childbirth and aiding postpartum recovery.

Hormonal changes during menopause can be challenging, but Yoga can help in balancing hormones and reducing symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. The holistic approach of Yoga ensures that women can navigate different life stages with grace and strength.

Practical Tips for Practicing Yoga

Starting or deepening a Yoga practice can be a rewarding journey. Finding the right class is essential?whether it?s a gentle Hatha class or a dynamic Vinyasa flow. For those preferring the comfort of home, setting up a dedicated space and a consistent schedule can help maintain a regular practice.

Listening to your body is crucial. Yoga encourages respect for one?s physical limits and needs, promoting a safe and sustainable practice. Integrating Yoga into daily life doesn?t have to be daunting?simple stretches at your desk or mindful breathing can make a significant difference.

Inspiring Transformations

Countless women have transformed their lives through Yoga. Stories abound of women overcoming physical challenges, emotional struggles, and mental stress through dedicated practice. These stories serve as a powerful reminder of Yoga?s potential to heal and empower.

More than just a physical exercise

Yoga is more than just a physical exercise; it?s a journey towards holistic wellness. For women, it offers a unique path to health and well-being, addressing physical, mental, and emotional needs. On this International Day of Yoga, let?s celebrate the transformative power of Yoga and encourage more women to embark on this enriching journey. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, Yoga offers endless possibilities for growth and self-discovery.

*Vaishnaavi Manjunath Chavan has done her master's Degree in Yoga and Consciousness from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, abbreviated S-VYASA or SVYASA, is a higher education institute deemed to be a university located in Bangalore, India

New Delhi (India), June 18: The inherent meaning of ‘yoga’ or ‘yog’ is ‘union with God’ which is the true union that all souls are innately seeking. Most human beings across the planet have heard of ‘yoga’ but a majority of them still identify this concept with physical exercises or yog-asanas – Hath Yoga. Yet there is so much more to yoga that needs to be understood and practised!

 Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, the author of the renowned spiritual classic, “Autobiography of a Yogi” was a pioneering Indian guru who travelled to the western world in order to enlighten truth seekers about the true meaning of yoga. His emphasis on meditation as an integral part of the ‘action plan’ that all individuals must adopt, in their search for the true meaning of life, was timely as well as timeless. Yoganandaji propounded spiritual effort as the only way towards fulfilment of the highest goal of life: self-realization, or oneness with God. And his own guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, famously said, “Everything in future will improve if you are making a spiritual effort now!”

 A step by step scientific technique is what each devotee of God needs to further his or her outreach towards the attainment of the ultimate verities that Yoganandaji writes about in “Autobiography of a Yogi.”

Kriya Yoga is the highest form of yoga and is that specific scientific pathway which Yoganandaji emphasized upon as the foremost route known to mankind for attainment of divine communion. Kriya Yoga involves definite scientific techniques which enable the practitioner to not only improve his or her physical and mental health, but more importantly, it enables the ‘yogi’ to eventually find true peace and joy within which are clear indicators of the presence of God within us.

Yoganandaji explained to his followers, both oriental and western, that the Kriya Yoga path can be practiced by everyone and is a sure shot doorway to the highest realms of existence. He also elaborated upon certain preliminary techniques, as well as a ‘how to live’ philosophy which are essential steps leading to the highest portal of Kriya Yoga meditation. Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita also mentions Kriya Yoga twice in glorious words. Millions have been inspired to adopt Kriya Yoga as a way of life, with all its manifestations. Yet, the real benefit of Kriya Yoga lies in its sincere practice, as Lahiri Mahasaya, guru of Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, emphasized. The golden gateway to the upper echelons of our existence is to be found in the meaningful and regular practice of the Kriya Yoga technique.

Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) is the spiritual organization founded in 1917 by Yoganandaji. YSS continues to disseminate deep insights into the voluminous teachings of Yoganandaji, through books, printed lessons and other means. The number of devotees following the Kriya Yoga path have multiplied enormously in recent decades, all over India and the world.

As a young devotee said during a recent ‘Sadhana Sangam’ at the Ranchi Ashram of YSS, “My life has been transformed by the discovery of the teachings of Yoganandaji and the path of Kriya Yoga.” For further info.: yssi.org

Writer: Vivek Atray is one of India’s most renowned motivational speakers, a best-selling author, a columnist, a visiting professor, and a consultant. He voluntarily retired from the IAS in 2017.

If you have any objection to this press release content, kindly contact pr.error.rectification@gmail.com to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 24 hours.

New Delhi (India), June 17: In his 33rd year, Lahiri Mahasaya, also known as Yogavatar, realized the purpose of his reincarnation on earth. He encountered his great guru, the immortal Babaji, near Ranikhet in the Himalayas, who initiated him into Kriya Yoga. This momentous event was not only significant for Lahiri Mahasaya but also a blessed moment for all of humanity. The highest art of yoga, long lost, was being revived.

Similar to the Puranic story where the Ganges descended from heaven to quench the thirst of the devotee Bhagirath, the divine river of Kriya Yoga began flowing from the secluded Himalayas into the lives of people in 1861. Paramahansa Yogananda, revered as the father of Yoga in the West, dedicated a chapter in his spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi, to “The Science of Kriya Yoga.”

In God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita, Yogananda’s commentaries on chapter IV, verses 1–2, 7–8, and 28–29, and chapter V, verses 27–28, provide an advanced understanding of Kriya Yoga principles.

In the Bhagavad Gita, the Lord tells Arjuna:

“I gave this imperishable Yoga to Vivasvat (the sun god); Vivasvat passed on the knowledge to Manu (the Hindu lawgiver); Manu told it to Ikshvaku (founder of the solar dynasty of the Kshatriyas). Handed down in this way in orderly succession, the Rajarishis (royal rishis) knew it. But, O Scorcher of Foes (Arjuna)! By the long passage of time, this Yoga was lost sight of on earth.” — IV: 1–2

Lahiri Mahasaya’s teachings are particularly suited to the modern age because they do not demand dogmatic belief. Instead, through the practice of Kriya Yoga’s proven techniques, individuals can personally realize the answer to the eternal question, “What is truth?” about themselves and God.

Truth is not a theory or speculative philosophy. It is the exact correspondence with reality. For humans, truth is the unwavering knowledge of one’s real nature, the Self as soul. Kriya Yoga offers a universal path for the soul to ascend to the Spirit, providing a practical technique that enables devotees, with a guru’s guidance, to re-enter the kingdom of God. While theoretical teachings can lead from one to another, Kriya Yoga practitioners find it to be the shortest and quickest path to the kingdom of Spirit.

The life force is the link between matter and Spirit. Flowing outward, it reveals the enticing world of the senses; when reversed inward, it draws consciousness to the eternally satisfying bliss of God.

Consider two men meditating in separate rooms, each with a telephone. One man, determined to concentrate despite the ringing phone, can be likened to a jnana yogi trying to meditate on God while ignoring the distractions of the senses and life force. The second man, recognizing his inability to ignore the phone, disconnects it, similar to how a Kriya Yogi prevents sensory distractions during meditation by withdrawing the life force from the senses and redirecting it inward.

The meditating devotee sits between two worlds, striving to enter the kingdom of God while battling sensory distractions. With the help of a scientific pranayama technique like Kriya Yoga, the yogi successfully reverses the outward-flowing life energy, achieving inner calm and connecting with the soul and Spirit.

“Divine union,” proclaimed the Yogavatar, “is possible through self-effort and is not dependent on theological beliefs or the arbitrary will of a Cosmic Dictator.” Through Kriya Yoga, individuals who struggle to believe in any man’s divinity can ultimately behold the full divinity within themselves.

June 21, 2024, marks the 10th International Day of Yoga.

Author Alok Misra is a Chartered Accountant by profession and founder of Vanprastha Resorts, a Yoga Resort in the Himalayas.

If you have any objection to this press release content, kindly contact pr.error.rectification@gmail.com to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 24 hours.