International Yoga Day at the Ashram

 

At the M.A Center June 21st, 1-5 pm,  was dedicated to yoga practice and awareness.  The group consisted of over 80 participants including both children and adults.  The children and adults were separated into distinct groups to allow for individualized teaching. After a video presenting the history and background of Yoga which dates nearly 5000 years, the participants began the event with a session of the Ma-Om meditation technique, which was given to us by Amma. The group then performed a series of yogasanas, including Surya Namaskar and a serious of Hatha Yoga postures. This was followed by a silent nature walk around the M.A. Center property observing and absorbing the subtle vibrations of unspoiled nature. The walk ended with a 10 minute meditation session at the ashram pond amidst the sound of birds and their playful antics over the water.  The attendees then sat in small groups and read passages of Amma’s teachings regarding Yoga and its benefits for the body, the mind and the environment.  The afternoon concluded with a recitation of the sacred mantra ‘Lokah Samatha Sukhino Bhavantu,’ praying for peace and harmony in the world.

 

“ Yoga is beneficial for our health, physical beauty and mental discipline. It helps reduce our cholesterol, and through this, it helps maintain cardiac health. It increases our bone strength. This is especially important as the incidence of arthritis and osteoporosis is on a steep rise. It even helps improve our memory power.” - Amma (part of her message on Yoga Day)