Yoga (Bharat's Invaluable Gift to The World)

About the Book

Yoga: Bharat's Invaluable Gift to the World is an inspiring story of millions practising Yoga across the globe.

On the historic occasion of the First International Day of Yoga, on 21 June 2015 as declared by the UN General Assembly, the book traces the wide canvas of Yoga, right from its origin and antiquity to its mass appeal and acceptance that has transcended geographical, cultural and national boundaries. The book highlights the amazing popularity of Yoga amongst all cross-sections of human society-corporates, celebrities, sportspersons, world leaders and the common populace. It has vividly captured the transformation the practice of Yoga has achieved, among individuals and societies alike, with the help of powerful images and quotations. The book subtly signifies that Yoga leads one to spiritual development by facilitating the control of the mind and senses, which gradually leads human society to Universal oneness, Peace and Harmony; an invaluable gift to mankind indeed.

Going beyond G- 3, G-5 and G-20, Yoga is G-AII-a win-win situation for all lovers of humanity, ecology, environment, women empowerment and a healthy lifestyle.

About the Author

Ravi Kumar did his engineering in 1970. During his college days he was All India General Secretary (1969-70) of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the largest student organisation in the world. He gave up his position as Project Engineer at M/S Larsen & Toubro to serve society as an RSS Pracharak, working with the youth of Gujarat and in the tribal areas of Maharashtra.

He has conducted more than 200 Yoga camps in 40 countries and has conducted over 500 workshops on Vedic Mathematics at many prestigious universities in 20 countries, including the Royal Society of New Zealand. He has conducted three largescale 'Lord Buddha Exhibitions' in Thailand.

Mr Kumar is currently serving as the International Joint Coordinator of the Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh and Advisor to the Vishwa Adhyayan Kendra, Mumbai. He is well-versed in English, Hindi and Tamil, and is often invited to speak on India's economy, science, technology, development, history, tradition, culture and literature at various international seminars and conferences. He has authored many books on related subjects, which have been translated into several Indian languages.

Preface

I am so glad to know that this great book on yoga by Shri Ravi Kumarji is being brought out on the first International Day of Yoga. Today, people all over the world are seeking health and happiness. We have eradicated diseases which plagued our planet last century. Yet, peace of mind, contentment in life, inner joy and true health of body, mind and spirit continue to elude so many. Rates of depression, anxiety, insomnia, addiction continue to skyrocket. The word 'yoga' means 'union'. Yoga is that which we become, that which unfolds and awakens within us when the body, mind, thoughts, motions and intentions are truly in harmony.

The practice of yoga was intuited, channelled, perfected and codified by our rishis and sages for the attainment of total health in the body, mind and spirit. Yoga helps people find peace amid chaos. It brings health and balance to our bodies, minds and spirit, and it helps people to tap into their own inner selves, their own inner happiness.

Our culture expounds 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam', the world is one family. Yoga brings about this true experiential awareness. Yoga is a solution. It is a solution to our abysmal physical health and skyrocketing medical bills. The postures and breathing exercises are unparalleled in their ability to restore complete wellness. Yoga is a solution to personal angst, depression and lack of meaning in our lives. As we connect with our own divine breath and life force (prana), we realise that we are being nourished and nurtured by the Universe, and inextricably linked to the web of Life. Yoga is also a solution to that which ails our planet. When we realise our interconnectedness, when we live Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam, then we stand up and change our attitude and our actions into ones that protect that global family as ardently as we'd protect our own nuclear family.

Each year at our International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, and throughout the year in yoga courses and classes, we witness the great touch and transformation which comes to people of all ages, all walks of life, all cultures and countries through yoga. I am sure that through this great book by Shri Ravi Kumarji, so many people all over the world will be taught, touched and transformed by the richness of the art and science of yoga.

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