Peace and Sustainability through Yoga

Following is the text of Shri Ram Madhav’s Address at the Inaugural Session of 3-Day Online Global Yoga Festival hosted by India Foundation’s Center for Soft Power and Ritambhara Foundation on June 18, 2020

Namaskar,

This yogic posture of bringing our palms together to say Namaste – meaning ‘my salutations to the Inner You’ is the new way of greetings in the pandemic stricken world.

My greetings to all of you on the occasion of the global online yoga festival.

We are all in the midst of a devastating pandemic. It is threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions world over. I hope and wish that all of you are safe, healthy and hale.

The pandemic has brought to the fore not just the need for better disease management, but a holistic life management.

Humanity needs to pass, rewind and review. Need of the hour is introspection.

What does humanity crave for? Peace and happiness.

Then why is there so much disease and disorder all around? why so much of War and violence? Conflict and competition?

Because man has forgotten to look inwards. An entire universe lies within us. And our happiness and joy relies on the harmony of that universe within.

This universe within is not just about the physical body. It is about our mind, intellect and soul as well. 

One who conquers that universe within, gains control over his sensory organs, regulates his mind, tames his intellect and integrates with his inner soul, will be the happiest and most peaceful person.

Such a human only can spread peace and happiness outside.

Yoga, the greatest offering of the ancient Indian wisdom to the mankind, is that science which teaches mankind the journey inwards.

Yogah Chittavritti Nirodhakah – Yoga will control the wavering mind, it is said

Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam – Yoga will enhance your skill level, it is also said

But the real objective of Yoga is to create a holistic man – peaceful and blissful within and without.

Yatra Yogeeswarah Krishno – Yatra Partho Dhanurdharah

Tatra Sree Vijayorbhuti 

– Said Bhagavad Gita.

For victory and prosperity, Arjuna with all the weapons alone is not enough. That will be a destructive victory, something we witness all around today.

We also need Yogeswar Krishna – Yoga being the highest evolutionary wisdom.

Let us strive for Yogeswaras also… Not just Dhanurdharis alone

Let us all celebrate International Yoga Day on 21 June. Let us all make Yoga not just a once-in-a-year event but a daily practice for a better self and a better universe.

Thank You and Namaskar.