Y
oga is more than physical exercise, it is a journey towards harmony of the body, mind and soul, participants at a special International Day of Yoga event in Melbourne were told.
Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS), Melbourne, organised a one-day Vilakshan Yoga and Meditation Camp at Melton Community Hall to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga, bringing together community members for a day of yoga, breathing exercises, meditation and spiritual reflection.
The event featured an online address by Yogacharya Swami Dr Sarveshwar Ji, a disciple of Divya Guru Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, founder and head of DJJS, who joined participants from India.
Explaining the philosophy behind yoga, Swami Dr Sarveshwar Ji said the word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word yuj, meaning “to unite”.
“Yoga means connecting with one’s own soul,” he said. “The purpose of yoga is to keep the body disease-free, the mind free from stress and the soul spiritually nourished.”
Participants were guided through a range of yoga postures, including Tadasana, Tiryak Tadasana, Trikonasana, Katichakrasana, Mandukasana and Supta Vajrasana. The session also included guidance on Surya Namaskar, with instructors demonstrating all 12 postures.
The camp featured a dedicated pranayama session covering Nadi Shodhan, Kapalbhati, Suryabhedi, Bhastrika and Bhramari breathing techniques.
According to Swami Dr Sarveshwar Ji, these practices help improve physical and mental wellbeing. He said Nadi Shodhan Pranayama is traditionally believed to strengthen the nervous system and purify the body’s energy channels, while Bhramari Pranayama is associated with promoting calmness and relaxation.
The event’s chief guest, Stephen John McGhie, praised DJJS Melbourne for encouraging healthy lifestyles and fostering community wellbeing through yoga and meditation.
The program concluded with a guided meditation session and collective prayers for world peace.
Speaking about meditation, Swami Dr Sarveshwar Ji said it extends beyond simply closing one’s eyes. “Meditation is the awakening of one’s inner awareness,” he said, adding that the practice enables individuals to experience inner peace through spiritual realisation.
Organisers said the camp attracted enthusiastic participation, with many attendees expressing their commitment to incorporating yoga and meditation into their daily routines.
DJJS Melbourne said the event formed part of its ongoing efforts to promote holistic wellbeing and encourage greater awareness of yoga as a practice for physical health, mental balance and spiritual growth.
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