International Yoga Day: Why yoga should be a daily practice

The Bhagavat Gita says– 'yoga karmsyu koushalyam' that means 'every skillful act is yoga.'

In the scripture, Arjuna said, 'My delusion is gone! I have regained memory (of my soul) through the grace, O Achyuta (Krishna). I will act accordingly to thy word.'

This is the ancient Indian philosophy of yoga. It asks us move from duality to oneness. It is transcends cast, religion, custom and is meant to be used for the betterment of every human being. 

The world is celebrating June 21, 2015 as International Yoga Day for the first time. It is a matter of pride for all Indians that yoga which is part of our culture is getting such attention on an international platform. 

The reason yoga is relevant today is because the value of ancient wisdom remains same with flow of time. No wonder the world has accepted it with little resistance. The Yoga Day could very turn well into into a new spiritual and health revolution.

Yoga is a journey through the inner 'self ' to connect to the supreme soul, to realise eternal truth. In simple words, we all are one and part of god.

Yoga activates all phases of the brain, so you come back on the right path that takes you to a better, more peaceful way of life. So do not run: take a pause and slow down. Take a deep breath, relax your mind, feel your breath, energy, life; live every moment, and achieve inner peace. 

Do not torture your body by neglecting it and taking it for granted. The body has its limitation. So treat the body as the temple of your soul, discipline the body and recharge the body systems through 'Hata yoga'. Perform the asanas to keep the body light and healthy. Fill every cell with positive breath, so that you will see this planet and your life through a different dimension. Through yoga you can integrate qualities of friendliness, compassion and righteous action.

Tell the mind to not wander here and there. This can be achieved by practising meditation. A morning chant 'Sarve bhavntu sukhinav...' that is a prayer for the world is great to start your day.

Sadly, politicians are making an issue of suryanamaskar and yoga being in the school syllabus. Yoga should not be forced on anyone. Something that is meant for the well being of the human race must be kept above politics and should not be made an object for entertainment through the hot discussions and debates that happen on TV news channels. Yoga gurus themselves should stay away from these kinds of debates.

Yoga is like the light at the end of tunnel, which has a power to transform this world. I hope and pray yoga will rock your day today and the practice will extend even after Yoga Day.

The author is a yoga teacher who has been in the field for 15 years. In 2008, she had held a yoga camp for army forces in Srinagar.