New Vrindaban Commemorates “Yoga Day USA”
Saturday, January 23 is Yoga Day USA, and Sunday, January 31 is World Yoga Day. “‘Yoga’ is a Sanskrit word that means ‘linking with the Supreme.’ When practiced correctly, yoga is a spiritual process that ultimately leads to a loving, personal relationship with God,” says Sikhi Mahiti, President of New Vrindban. “There are many different yoga systems. In their pure form, they all have love of God as their ultimate purpose.”
“New Vrindaban is dedicated to the science of Bhakti yoga,” says Sikhi Mahiti. Bhakti yoga emphasizes pure devotion and unmotivated service to God. In 1965, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada established the first Bhakti yoga center in the United States in New York City. Over the next twelve years, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada traveled around the world fourteen times and established over 100 Bhakti yoga centers on six continents.
In addition to traveling and opening centers, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada also wrote over 80 volumes on the science of Bhakti yoga. His most important work, Bhagavad-Gita As It Is, is a treatise on this ancient science. “Bhagavad-Gita As It Is teaches us how to approach God with an attitude of pure unmotivated service,” says Sikhi Mahiti. “Usually, when we approach God, we are motivated. We are either asking for something we want in the future or giving thanks for something we have already received. Bhakti yoga, however, emphasizes giving – not receiving.”
“Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada reached the highest stages of love of God. He is a perfect yogi in every sense of the word. He accomplished so much during his lifetime because he never wasted time. He spent every moment of his life serving that Supreme Person whom he loved the most.”
New Vrindaban will commemorate Yoga Day USA on Saturday, January 23. There will be a lively Bhakti yoga kirtan at 12:30, a discourse on the science of Bhakti yoga at 1:00, and a vegetarian lunch at 1:30. All events are free and open to the public. New Vrindaban Community is located south of Moundsville – Wheeling, off Route 250. For more information, contact (304) 843-1600 x105 or mail@newvrindaban.com.
