Yoga Day in Russia

Europeans became interested in breathing techniques, exercises for health, and meditation, one of the most ancient Indian practices, at the beginning of the 20th century Yoga had a great influence on the minds of the intelligentsia of Tsarist Russia The philosophical movement was popularized by the mystic G Gurdjieff and the philosopher F Shcherbatskaya, and the Silver Age poets M Voloshin, A Blok and K Balmont A series of 16 books about Agni Yoga was published by Nicholas and Helena Roerich In the 60-70s in the USSR, samizdat was especially popular - essays on esoteric topics, the practice of asanas, meditation and healing fasting Paying tribute to Eastern wisdom, followers of one of the most ancient teachings celebrate Yoga Day in Russia on September 13 The founder of the ancient philosophical school and movement is considered to be Patanjali, an Indian sage, writer and linguist who lived in 200-150 BC He is the author of basic treatises on the theory and practice of yoga The scientist also left behind essays on medical topics and commentaries on the Charaka Samhita, a fundamental work on Ayurveda At a congress of representatives of the world's most famous spiritual movements, held in Rome in 1983, it was proposed to celebrate Yoga Day on September 11, the date Patanjali was born Many researchers of the philosopher’s life and work consider this point controversial There is no real evidence of the birth of the Indian sage on this day Some time after the tragedy in the United States on September 11, 2001, at the initiative of the Congress of Indian Organizations and the Portuguese Confederation of Yoga, the day of celebration was moved to June 21 However, Russian followers of Patanjali's teachings did not agree with this Since 2011, beginners and professionals, with the support of the Yoga Journal media company, the HanumanRu portal, studios and centers, annually celebrate Yoga Day in September - on the 13th or 14th In honor of the celebration, many yoga centers host meetings with leading teachers, free classes and master classes, and lectures on proper nutrition and cleansing practices On this day, beginners are introduced to meditation techniques, breathing exercises (pranayama), asanas and mantras Those who have been practicing classes for more than one year try their hand at one of the new directions for themselves: raja yoga, karma yoga, jnana yoga, bhakti yoga or hatha yoga The teachings of Patanjali help a person achieve spiritual enlightenment and strengthen the physical and mental strength of the body Supporters of alternative history believe that the sacred treatises, the Vedas, came to the Hindus from the north from the Slavic-Aryans - the ancestors of the inhabitants of modern Russia The theory of the school (darshan) of yoga is based on the canonical texts of these ancient written historians Therefore, the idea of ​​achieving inner harmony and perfection through engaging in this Indian spiritual practice is very close to Russian people In honor of the philosophical teaching, which amazes with its depth and wisdom, Yoga Day is celebrated on September 13th