This Friday marks the fifth International Day of Yoga (proclaimed by The United Nations resolution 69/131 in 2015).
Yoga is practiced worldwide in many forms and is growing in popularity. The main aim of International Yoga Day is to raise the awareness of the many benefits of Yoga.
Inspire Dee Why will be celebrating this day with a Kirtan
Date: 21st June
Time: 6:30pm
Cost: By Donation at the door
There will be a warming chai and a few nibbles for everyone to enjoy.
2019 Theme: Climate Action
The theme of World Yoga Day this year is Climate Action.
How are Yoga and Climate Action linked? When I think about this I look towards the Yoga Sutras and, in particular, the five Yamas, which are ethical standards to live by. They are:
- Ahimsa - Non-Violence to self and other
- Satya - Truthfulness
- Asteya - Non-Stealing or not taking anything that has not been freely given
- Bramacharya – Restraint
- Aparigraha – Not taking more than you need
Two of these jump out to me in terms of climate action:
1) Ahimsa – which effectively means nonviolence. A yoga practice focused on Ahimsa starts with the nonviolence to the self and then extends out to the people in our lives and even further out to the environment we live in. For me I see this as conscious behavior. Thinking about our actions and how they impact the world and finding ways to reduce our impact where we can.
2) Aparigraha. This means not being greedy and not taking more than you need. This very much goes against our consumer culture but I think these values are making a resurgence. I’ve seen it in the minimalist movements and the slow movement which looks more at the quality of life rather than constantly chasing more.
We can all help in small ways and overall this can have a large impact.
In light of this we have decided that the donations from the evening will be given to Greening Australia.
Their work involves creating practical solutions to Australia's largest environmental challenges from reforesting key areas to reef aid and many more projects.
What is Kirtan?
As part of a bhakti yoga path (path of loving connection and devotion) Kirtan is a repeated call-and-response of sacred mantras expressed in simple musical melodies and rhythms. The Kirtan we are doing this Friday night has come out of the temples and is now practiced in yoga studios, dance halls, universities, cathedrals, parks and office premises.
In Kirtan, we sing our praises to the Divine, each Kirtan focuses on a particular mantra (sacred sound). It is the easiest meditation practice that connects us to ourselves and connects us to the people chanting together and connects us to the Divine.
Join bhakti practitioners Radhika Priya, Madreya and Jiva in heartfelt Kirtans supported by harmonium, guitar and jambe drum.
Everyone is welcome to our Kirtan evening.
Bookings are essential as space is limited.
