The celebration of International Yoga Day in Amritapuri illuminated the priceless treasure that we all carry—the potential to realize Yoga, the union with the Supreme Self. For the residents, monastics, and visitors in the Ashram, that oneness was fully visible on the stage.
“My children, do not look upon yoga merely as a remedy for the body and mind, or as a means to overcome life’s difficulties. Its true goal is the realization of God,” said Amma in her message.
As participants carefully followed the sequence of Amrita Yoga asanas demonstrated by Brahmacharini Shobhana, Director of Amrita Yoga®, Amma didn’t just watch. Sitting in the half-lotus posture on her peetham, she gracefully raised her arms and humbly followed along in union with everyone.
Yet, no one could mistake her for an ordinary person; Amma always radiates an ineffable peace and bliss no matter what she does. She embodies that divine potential through the love and attention she brings to every action. Amma is Yoga.
Amma’s Message
Yoga is a priceless gift that Patañjali Maharishi gave to the world. Everything that unfolded within the stillness of the Rishi’s meditation points to a single aim—the union of the individual soul with the Supreme Soul (Jīva-Brahma Aikyam). For this reason, my children, do not look upon yoga merely as a remedy for the body and mind, or as a means to overcome life’s difficulties. Its true goal is the realisation of God.
The very postures of yoga were drawn from nature herself; observing how the creatures around them moved and held themselves, the ancient sages shaped these āsanas. So perform each movement with awareness; witness every action of yours. As you lift your hands, simply watch — rest your gaze on your fingertips, and you will feel your focus gather into awareness. Let every action be done in this same way.
Think of the care and attention we bring when we handle fire, or electricity, or a vessel made of glass. Bring that very same awareness to each of these movements. When we do, our consciousness begins to shine, and the right vision arises within us.
Yoga is the path to realising the oneness of the Self. That potential is already within us, children. Just as a tiny banyan sprout holds within it a great, spreading tree, and a small seed holds within it the whole tree, that same potential lives in us.
A shark kept in a small glass tank will feed only on whatever is placed before it, never knowing its own strength; but in the open ocean, that same creature grows powerful and comes into its full might. In the same way, the potential within us is vast — and it is yoga that gives it the room to unfold.
What yoga seeks to accomplish is to make the body itself a bridge to the Divine. Though the practice begins with the outer body, hidden within it are many subtle levels. Let us use yoga to turn inward — to know and awaken those deeper levels of consciousness.
