The Rishikul Yogshala family woke up to a splendid shinning morning this 15th August, celebrated nationally as the Independence Day of India. Our students hailing from different countries and cultures joined the traditional congregation of flag hoisting in the school courtyard, right after finishing the early morning asana classes. This date carries a history of devastation and war against the ages of foreign governance in India. It is also a history of determined struggle, will-power and strength of a nation that believes in the ultimate freedom. We at Rishikul Yogshala gathered in celebration to understand this freedom which is also the basis of our yoga teaching principles.

As the national flag was hoisted, fluttering skywards in the cool morning air, the Rishikul family broke into cheers for the motherland. It was a wonder to find these yogis who have come from outside the boundaries of the nation to embrace this day of freedom with such sentiment and in complete sense of unity. The message of freedom had somewhere struck a chord with all. It is indeed this sense of freedom in search of which these seekers had come from afar to learn and share yoga knowledge.

Our eminent teacher Shri Gangesh Chaitaniya addressed the congregation on this auspicious day, narrating the nation’s history of foreign invasions and the people’s struggle. Shri Gangesh took this opportunity to re-introduce the concept of “ahimsha” or non-violence in the context of the nation’s freedom struggle. The same idea has been imparted to the students when studying the yoga-sutras and other principle texts. A key concept of yogic studies, “ahimsha” is now explained in terms of direct application in the freedom struggle. The Gandhian ideology of non-violence, “swaraj” or self-rule and overall humanity were explained in simple language by this well-revered teacher and made relevant in everyday life. Swami Atma and Prana Ji followed this line of thought further to enlighten and empower the students. Through these engaging discussions on freedom and self-empowerment, this morning turned out to be an important steppingstone in the journey of the yoga-life seekers in Rishikul Yogshala.

The congregation ended with songs sung together, remembering the glory of the motherland. The Rishikul yoga family shared sweets in love and harmony. Before parting with heartfelt contentment, they promised inwards to take the message of love and freedom further, making this country a better place, free from crime and negativity.