For the first time ever, the global yoga community will come together on June 21 to celebrate the first International Day of Yoga.
Last Dec. 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga after a call from the Honorable Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, during his address before the UN General Assembly in September 2014. There he said: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition . It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.” 175 nations, including USA, Canada and China co-sponsored the resolution and was reported to have the “highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA Resolution of such nature.”
June 21 was the suggested day because it is the Summer Solstice. Mr. Modi said that “the date is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world. ”
In the website set up for the International Day of Yoga, idayofyoga.org, yogi and mystic Sadhguru explains the significance of June 21. “On the day of the summer solstice, Adiyogi [the first yogi] turned south and first set his eyes on the Saptarishis or Seven Sages, who were his first disciples to carry the science of yoga to many parts of the world. It is wonderful that June 21 marks this momentous event in the history of humanity.”
Here in the Philippines, the yoga community will be holding events in the run-up to June 21 as well as on June 21 itself. Below are the events that I have found and I will update these as I find them.
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1. SMX Convention Center (SM Aura), Taguig
Yoga for Harmony & Peace, 8AM – 12NN, June 21
Organizers: Asia Society Philippines & Tech Mahindra
Fee: Free but registration required via Eventbrite. Click HERE.
Program:
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2. Art of Living Center, Unit 2601, Antel 2000 Bldg., 121 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati
Yoga for Peace (Manila for Mindanao, Mindanao for Manila), 3-5 PM, June 21
Organizers: Art of Living Philippines
Fee: Free
Program: Yoga, meditation and breathing techniques. Limited yoga mats available. For inquiries, call Kate 0917-840-0049.
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3. ISSRMM, 9105 Banuyo St., San Antonio Village, Makati City
Organizers: Ayuryoga Wellness Center and ISSRMM
Fee: Free
Program:
4. Yoga+ Makati, 3/F Cambridge Center, Tordesillas St., Salcedo Village, Makati City
Sama-Sama Seva for Nepal
Organizers: Yoga+
Fee: PhP 500 all-day pass
Program:
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4. One Yoga Wellness Center, 2/F Event Center, Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City
Yoga for Peace (Manila for Mindanao, Mindanao for Manila), 3-7 PM, June 21
Organizers: One Yoga Wellness Center in cooperation with Art of Living Philippines
Fee: Free
Program: Yoga, meditation and breathing techniques. Limited yoga mats available. For inquiries, call Lisa, 0917-316-2633 / (088) 857-5416
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5. Healing Thru Yin Yoga (with Teresa Lee and company)
a. Breathe, Nuvali, Laguna
June 20, 2015. 830am -11am
( this will be followed by Neuro-interactive Dance by Lourdes Jimenez at 11:00 am)
b. Maharlika Tai-yo Wellness Center, Las Pinas
June 20, 2015. 5:00pm – 6:30pm
( this will be followed by Kirtan initiated by Dada Shiveshananda, light vegetarian meal will be served after)
c. Shanti Ayurveda Center, Xavierville, Q.C.
June 21, 2015. 4:00pm- 5:30 pm
( this will be followed by A Discussion on Ayurveda and Yoga by Dr. Gibsy, light Ayurveda meal will also be served)
Please send in your names and venue you will attend in this phone number, 09177961871
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Please try to join one or more of these June 21 events and celebrate the International Day of Yoga with the world.
Namaste…