Amrita Yoga
Yoga upholds the unity that transcends creed, and ahimsa (non-violence) towards all beings.
—Amma
International Day of Yoga
Every year, on June 21st, the entire world celebrates the International Day of Yoga (IDY), and so do we at Amrita Yoga.
Yoga is humanity’s birthright. It is the path to finding union with the whole of creation. We are not alone; our lives are in an intricate dance with all living and non-living beings, planets like the moon and the sun—the entire universe.
IDY is a reminder that the seeming differences between nations, religions, and traditions are only on the surface. Therefore, this particular day is an opportunity for us humans to dissolve all apparent differences—without and within, experiencing union—which is the highest goal of yoga practices. And, in the best case, carry this frame of mind with us throughout the year.
On this day, we as One practice together to experience the ‘Power of Harmony’—union with body, breath, and mind, and union with all life on Earth. We awaken to experience our innate potential and our highest purpose in life.
The ‘Power of Harmony’ is Amrita Yoga’s theme for the International Day of Yoga.
IDY Inspiration
Amrita Yoga was appointed in 2015 by the Indian Ministry of AYUSH and the MDNIY to help coordinate the promotion, propagation, and execution of all IDY activities in India and worldwide. Any organization wanting to celebrate the International Day of Yoga can contact Amrita Yoga for support to celebrate this special day.
Amma asked everyone to celebrate IDY by practicing a few simple asanas, and she gave a Satsang about the benefits of practicing Surya Namaskar.
Amma sets an example of living in harmony
Amma is the Embodiment of Yoga. Never has anyone done more to help people. Amma is a living example of the path of yoga on Earth today. She is tirelessly committed to improving the lives of people on our planet. She embraces all people, making no distinctions between people and their beliefs. Amma also upholds the ancient traditions of living in harmony with nature and with each other.
Amrita Yoga’s focus
The harmony between oneself and nature is a constant focus of Amrita Yoga. When body, breath, mind, intellect, and soul resonate in harmony through yoga practices, the individual consciousness unites with the Universal Consciousness. The individual ego and mind dissolve to radiate the truth of the Supreme Consciousness.
Surya Namaskar
As the Earth makes its yearly journey around the sun, the cycles of life reach their apex when the sun is at its peak height around June 21st. Since ancient times, people all over this beautiful Earth have known this as an auspicious day to honor the sun. Hence, the sun was rightfully worshipped for its life-sustaining influence. In Yoga, the Sun, or Lord Surya, represents the Universal Supreme Consciousness that illuminates everything.
“The purpose of Yoga is for our inner well-being. It does not belong to any particular faith or religion. It was passed on to us by the ancient seers for the well-being of humanity. Yoga helps us to reconnect with nature and eventually become one with God.” -Amma
Inclusivity
International Day of Yoga gallery of previous years
Amrita Yoga and IDY around the World
We have reached 6 continents
60+ Countries
Countries with most participation count were India, Canada, USA, Denmark, and Ireland.
500+ places
Amrita Yoga visited various cities and went to villages, schools, universities, and various other institutions.
120+ Hubs
M.A. centers and Satsang groups from across the globe joined in the IDY movement with Amrita Yoga.
IDY 2016 Pictures
IDY 2015 Pictures
Amrita Yoga and IDY India
From its humble beginnings, Amrita Yoga has expanded and reached more than 230 places all over India.
Youth can Lead
Our trained Amrita Yoga ambassadors traveled to 22 states all over India to organize, lead, and give classes in Amrita Yoga during the IDY events.
200+ Youth Student Trainers
We had over 200 youth student trainers travel across India to initiate and instruct Amrita Yoga.
150+ MA Centers
On IDY, Amrita Yoga sessions were organized in over 150 MA centers.
230+ Places
From its origin in Amrita Puri and its humble beginnings, Amrita Yoga has expanded far in India and has reached already more than 230 places.
Amrita Yoga of Mata Amritanandamayi Math, Amritapuri, Kerala, India was appointed in 2015 by the Indian Ministry of AYUSH and the MDNIY to help coordinate promotion, propagation, and execution of all IDY activities in India and all over the world.
This means that any organization wanting to celebrate the International Day of Yoga could approach Mata Amritanandamayi Math and Amrita Yoga for support to celebrate.