Yoga promotes health,wellness and humanity

THE Sivananda World Peace Foundation recently held the eigth Yoga Day on a floating platform at the Zululand Yacht Club in Richards Bay, followed by the main event at the amphitheatre at Durban’s North Beach.

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the traditional prime minister of the Zulu monarch and founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party, and Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the MEC for Finance in KwaZulu-Natal, were among those who attended the Durban event.

Buthelezi said yoga was not only for young people, and those who were supple or athletically gifted.

“The beauty of yoga is that it is accessible and beneficial to everyone, regardless of whether you practise it religiously every day, or whether you attend one session,” Buthelezi said.

“In just one session, you will feel your mind clearing, your burdens lifting and your body becoming more in tune with itself.”

Dube-Ncube said yoga had many health benefits, was fulfilling and kept one content. “The various breathing techniques in yoga help in calming the mind. It also brings awareness to you and the capability to stay still. Moreover, you can achieve inner peace through meditation. It also helps in bringing discipline and dedication in one,” Dube-Ncube said.

Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, the president of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, said the event in Richards Bay was the largest yoga performance on a floating platform on the Indian Ocean. “This was a world record and was certified by the Amazing

Olympia World Records. The yoga common protocol was done for oneand-a-half hours,” Ramlutchman said.

He said the ocean was a source of inspiration that binds everyone as a nation. “It teaches us to remain calm through turbulent times,” Ramlutchman said.

Ramlutchman said when the idea of yoga on a floating platform

was touted, they set about getting support from various stakeholders such as the National Sea Rescue Institute, the Zululand Yacht Club, the Zululand Multi Sports Club and the community at large. “The event also highlighted social cohesion. All races participated, creating oneness and peace in keeping with our theme ‘Yoga for Health, Wellness and Humanity,’” Ramlutchman said.