Yoga for One World and One Family

Yoga, an ancient practice originating in India, has transcended time and space and captivated people around the world. Its holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being has garnered immense popularity. The 9th International Yoga Day, celebrated on June 21, 2023, embraces the theme of “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” emphasizing the welfare of all as “the world is one family.” 

A Bridge for China-India Relations

Yoga’s reach extends far beyond India, and China has witnessed a significant surge in its popularity. Over the years, yoga has captivated many Chinese people, attracting practitioners from all walks of life. Today, yoga centers can be found in major Chinese cities, offering a sanctuary for individuals seeking physical fitness, mental tranquility, and inner harmony. According to recent estimates, China boasts a vibrant yoga community, with millions of practitioners actively engaging in various yoga disciplines. This remarkable growth highlights the country’s growing fascination with India’s cultural heritage and the universal appeal of yoga.

The practice of yoga in China is not limited to urban areas alone. It has also gained popularity in rural regions, where individuals have embraced it as a means to promote holistic well-being. Yoga retreats and workshops are organized in picturesque locations, providing participants with a serene environment to enhance their practice. The yoga festivals in China further demonstrate the growing significance of yoga in the country’s cultural landscape.

Yoga serves as a powerful cultural bridge between China and India, two ancient civilizations with a long history of cultural exchange and mutual respect. The theme of “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” echoes the idea of embracing all as one global family. Yoga’s principles, including unity, mindfulness, and interconnectedness, resonate with the Chinese ethos, complementing their own traditional practices such as Tai Chi and qigong (a system of deep breathing exercises). By practicing yoga together, individuals from China and India foster cultural harmony, understanding, and a shared sense of belonging.

In the late 1970s, Zhang Huilan, popularly known as Wai Lana, played a pivotal role in introducing yoga to China. As a Chinese-born singer, actress, and yoga instructor, Wai Lana’s dedication and passion for yoga inspired many Chinese people. Through her television programs and instructional videos, she made yoga accessible to a vast audience, breaking down barriers and stereotypes. Her efforts laid the foundation for the widespread acceptance and practice of yoga in China today.

International Yoga Day and Its Popularity in China

The recognition and celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21 every year is the result of concerted efforts by the United Nations (UN). The journey towards establishing this global event began in 2014 when Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, called for the adoption of an International Yoga Day during his address at the UN General Assembly. The UN’s involvement in International Yoga Day highlights the organization’s recognition of yoga’s positive impact on physical and mental well-being. The initiative promotes the importance of holistic health and fosters unity and harmony among individuals across different cultures, nations, and backgrounds.

As the world unites to celebrate the 9th International Yoga Day, China embraces this global event with enthusiasm. Numerous events and activities are organized across the country to mark this occasion. Yoga enthusiasts gather in parks, public spaces, and yoga studios, practicing various yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques. These gatherings foster a sense of unity, promoting health and wellness in the community. The Chinese government also recognizes the significance of yoga, acknowledging its positive impact on physical and mental well-being.

In recent years, International Yoga Day celebrations in China have witnessed notable participation from people of all age groups and backgrounds. The events often feature yoga demonstrations by renowned teachers, interactive workshops, and seminars on yoga’s benefits. These not only encourage Chinese people to embrace yoga but also provide a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue.

The impact of International Yoga Day in China goes beyond a single day of celebration. The event serves as a catalyst for the long-term integration of yoga into the daily lives of individuals. Yoga retreats, training programs, and teacher certification courses have gained popularity, allowing individuals to deepen their practice and become qualified yoga instructors. This growing interest in yoga has also led to the development of Chinese-language yoga literature, making the wisdom of yoga more accessible to the local population.

Positive Impact on Individuals

Yoga’s transformative effects extend beyond physical exercise. The practice cultivates mental resilience, emotional well-being, and a sense of inner peace. In China, yoga has become a conduit for personal growth and self-discovery, empowering individuals to lead balanced and fulfilling lives. Regular practice of yoga enhances physical flexibility, strength, and vitality while improving posture and body awareness. It also promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and better sleep patterns. Through mindfulness and breath control techniques, yoga helps individuals develop mental clarity, focus, and emotional stability.

Furthermore, yoga encourages self-reflection, compassion, and the cultivation of positive relationships with oneself and others. Its principles and philosophy offer a path to personal transformation, inspiring individuals to live a more conscious, purposeful, and harmonious life.

As people celebrate the 9th International Yoga Day in China, they acknowledge the profound impact of yoga in the country. The growing popularity of yoga in China bridges the gap between cultures and strengthens the ties between China and India. Through the efforts of pioneers like Wai Lana, yoga has become a transformative practice in the lives of Chinese practitioners. The positive influence of yoga resonates in the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of individuals, fostering a world where all are united as one global family.

The author is a journalist with China-India Dialogue.