Yoga and the UN Culture of Peace
Friday, October 28, 2016
As a continuum to the United Nations International Day of Yoga, ‘Yoga For Universal Peace’ organized and hosted an international conference, entitled “Yoga and the UN Culture of Peace” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City at the ECOSOC Chamber.
The evening opened with the beautiful singing of the Sri Chinmoy Choir.
The discussions laid an emphasis on philosophical and psychological influences of yoga, as well as the impact of yoga on spiritual, mental and physical overall balance and well-being. Benefits of yoga on universal harmony and peace in the world were explored along with scientific research proving the advantages of practicing yoga for healthier communities and individuals.
An experienced panel comprising of Ms. Denise Scotto, Chair, International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN, Rev. Sam Rudra Swartz, Integral Yoga Minister at the Integral Yoga Institute (IYM), and Josh Matthew-Meier, Yoga Instructor and Manager at Mang’Oh Yoga, shared their insights into this subject of yoga and well-being.
Ms. Denise Scotto, a lawyer by profession, also emphasized how meditation, yoga and company of spiritual-minded people sustained her making it easier to conduct her professional life.
An additional highlight was the message shared by Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, Himalayan Siddha Master: prayers should be from the bottom of our heart, only then change and peace can prevail. There is no need tell lies, or steal or kill. She cited that we need to ask ourselves, “Who created this beautiful world? What is my part in it?” In this way, we come closer to our own inner consciousness which can only guide us in a positive direction.
Yogmata, Himalayan Siddha Master
Ms. Denise Scotto, BK Sabita and friends
It was a well attended program. It is good that the importance and benefits of practicing yoga is becoming more widely spread. Since yoga transcends all barriers and boundaries, it can contribute to fostering good relationships and feelings of global ‘oneness.’
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