Gurudev addressed members of the Japanese Parliament during the inauguration of their Yoga Club
Tokyo: In yet another instance of yoga arriving big time in global political arena, yoga has been introduced in the Japanese parliament for the first time. Lawmakers cutting across political affiliations are now part of a parliamentary league for promoting yoga, which was inaugurated today by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. On the first day itself, more than hundred parliamentarians joined the parliamentary league for promoting yoga.
Welcoming Art of Living founder Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who is the inspiration behind this venture, the head of Japan-India Parliamentarians Friendship League, Hon. Hosoda Hiroyuki said he was confident that more and more parliamentarians will benefit from this.
Addressing the gathering Gurudev said, “Yoga is not new to Japan, but, we need to revive it again. Yoga helps not only on the individual level, but also can cure the ills of society. For lawmakers and decision makers, Yoga and Meditation will provide mental clarity, intuitive ability, heightened awareness and also help in coping with pressure.”
Senior member of Parliament Mr. Hakubun Shimomura said, “Japanese population was seriously affected by cults like Aum Shinrikyo and it turned people away from Yoga. Gurudev Sri Sri will instill the faith in authentic Yoga.”
Mr. Sujan Chinoy, Indian Ambassador to Japan said that Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar coming to Japan will be a boost in spreading yoga among the general population.
Elaborating on how yoga can benefit the Japanese population, Sri Sri said Pranayama, breathing exercises and meditation can definitely help to reverse the trend of high suicidal tendencies, citing a recent survey which shows 25 per cent of Japanese adults have considered committing suicide. He also mentioned that prisoners, police force, school teachers and college students would greatly benefit from yoga.