Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th session of the General Assembly
—-
9th International Day of Yoga commemoration
(As delivered)
Mr. Prime Minister, Madam Deputy Secretary-General, Mr. Mayor, Madam Ambassador, Dear Friends,
Namaste.
Yoga is a way of uniting mind and body – and also the environment and us.
The most memorable university lectures I attended as a student many years ago were on cultural traditions of ancient Eastern civilizations.
They helped me understand that we are part of nature – despite regarding ourselves as aristocratically detached from other creatures.
I also learned that the energies in the universe, and inside us, abide by the same law – a desire to achieve balance.
Yoga changes our physical performance.
But more importantly, it can spark in us a different mental and intellectual performance.
With the control that it teaches over ourselves, we learn how to make change and impact.
Since that university lecture, I have been an admirer of yoga.
I am very proud of my daughter, who has already reached a high level of practice and is continuing her journey.
Thanks to her, I understand better yoga’s ethical guide.
The guide which includes the principles of non-stealing, non-greed, non-hoarding, and non-violence.
In other words, yoga’s ethical guide to living is a guide to sustainability.
Not overusing resources that belong to all of us.
Not prioritizing short-term gains over planetary boundaries.
And working for transformation.
Our world needs balance, self-control, and creativity, just as it needs a recognition of moral responsibilities, and cherishing peace and justice.
There are many ways to approach these aims.
Yoga is one of the means for which I have a special respect.
I am happy to be here with all of you today.
But let me apologize in advance.
I am not a yoga practitioner and the positions which you will show, might look very different from what I end up doing.
Still, I am here with an open heart and open mind.
Thank you very much.
