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International Day of Yoga

UN Photo/Manuel Elías

Two billion people practice yoga “because it works”

Two billion people around the world practice yoga, fundamentally, “because it works” according to one leading guru from India.

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India and is now practiced in various forms around the world.

Jaggi Vasudev was due to lead a session at UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, to celebrate International Day of Yoga, marked annually on 21 June.

He spoke to Priscilla Lecomte ahead of the session.

Duration: 5'37"

L. Jarriel

Yoga, “breath of the eternal”

The ancient practice of yoga represents the “breath of the eternal,” according to one of the world’s oldest practitioners.

Ninety-seven year old Tao Porchon-Lynch began learning yoga in India at age eight.

She’s visiting United Nations Headquarters to celebrate the second ever International Day of Yoga, marked annually on 21 June.

Laura Jarriel asked Ms Porchon-Lynch how yoga has changed during her lifetime.

Duration: 2'32"

UN Photo/Mark Garten

“Destressing” benefit of yoga underlined on international day

The ability to relieve stress through the exercise of yoga is being underlined on the first ever UN day dedicated to the ancient Indian practice.

The UN General Assembly recognized its universal appeal by proclaiming 21 June as International Yoga Day.

Yoga is now practiced across the world by millions of people.

Carla Garcia has been speaking to India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asoke Mukerji.

Amélie Selva

UN observes first International Day of Yoga

The first-ever observance of the International Day of Yoga will be held this Sunday, 21 June.

Yoga originated in India and the word means to join or unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

Enthusiasts say they see parallels between the work of the United Nations and this physical, mental and spiritual practice.

Dianne Penn sat in on a yoga class at UN Headquarters and filed this report.

Duration: 3'11"