Ancient yogis understood that there was so much to learn from animals, birds, insects, and trees. Most yoga postures are inspired by nature, cobras, dogs, cats, peacocks, cows, and more. Our ancestors clearly spent a lot of time observing the natural world. Imagine watching a cobra raise its hood and thinking, “That looks like a good stretch.”

A special thank you to the 9th-century Nath Gurus, Matsyendranath and Gorakhnath, who helped secularise yoga and opened its doors to women, ensuring that its benefits reached beyond a select few flexible hermits living in caves.

A doctor once complained that some untrained yoga instructors send patients to us twisted into shapes that even geometry cannot explain. We spend a great deal of time and effort restoring them to factory settings. He had a point. Every year on International Yoga Day, millions of people roll out their yoga mats, stretch their limbs, and attempt poses that make their neighbours wonder whether they are exercising or trying to untangle themselves from an invisible fishing net.

Yoga is supposed to strengthen the spine. After today’s Yoga Day, can we expect fewer spineless people tomorrow? Yoga should strengthen not just the spine, which helps us stand upright physically, but also the mind, which gives us the courage to stand for justice.

As the prayer says:

“Humko man ki shakti dena, man vijay karain; doosron pe jai se pehle man vijay karain.”

(Grant us strength of mind, so that we may conquer our own minds; before seeking victory over others, let us first achieve victory over ourselves).

Whether you are a cobra, a peacock, a bee, a dog, a serious yoga practitioner, or a devoted fan of the Nidra Asan, a little stretching, a little breathing, and a little laughter can make life better.

Happy International Yoga Day!

The easiest way to celebrate International Yoga Day is by mastering the legendary Nidra Asan. The technique is simple: lie flat on your bed, ignore all notifications, and sleep through the morning. Unlike advanced yoga poses, this one requires no flexibility, no training, and no expensive yoga mat. Success rates are remarkably high. Advanced practitioners can maintain this pose continuously for eight to ten hours. Such dedication deserves respect.

Photos and text by Prerna Jain.