Yoga is Excellence in Action

"Yogah karmasu kaushalam"—Yoga is skill in action. This profound verse from the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes that yoga is not merely a practice of physical postures but a way of life, where one performs their duties with mindfulness, excellence, and detachment.

With this spirit, the Josephites commenced a Yoga Session on the occasion of International Yoga Day, beginning with a prayer:

शनेः शनेरुपरमेद् बुद्ध्या धृतिगृहीतया।

आत्मसंस्थं मनः कृत्वा न किञ्चिदपि चिन्तयेत्॥

“Gradually, step by step, one should withdraw the mind with intelligence and determination. Fixing it on the Self alone, one should think of nothing else.”

The session began with Tadasana and Veerabhadrasana, postures known to improve posture, enhance balance, strengthen the legs and core muscles, and promote body awareness. These asanas also help reduce stress and anxiety while improving focus and breathing. Veerabhadrasana further strengthens and tones the arms, legs, and core, boosts stamina, and enhances concentration.

The flow continued with Bhujangasana, Halasana, Vajrasana, Yogamudra, and Surya Namaskar, providing a comprehensive session for physical and mental well-being.

The session began at 5:30 AM under the able guidance of Mr. Mohd Shabi Rafique, a certified yoga therapist. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga and Alternate Therapies and an M.Phil in Physical Education from LNIPE, Gwalior. Mr. Rafique emphasized yoga as a lifestyle, highlighting its role in combating food adulteration, pollution, lifestyle diseases, and metabolic disorders. He encouraged students to share this wisdom with their families, friends, and especially those in need.

The session concluded with a powerful prayer from the Upanishads: