Yoga UNESCO intangible heritage
Also called: Yoga ICH · Topic: The Vedic Age · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
In 2016, UNESCO added yoga to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. "Intangible heritage" means living traditions, such as practices, knowledge and skills, rather than buildings or objects. The listing recognises yoga as an Indian tradition of body, breath and mind that has been passed down over many centuries. It links to Yoga, the school of thought that grew from the Vedas and sought ways to realise brahman in one's own mind.
Example
Every year on 21 June, people in many countries mark the International Day of Yoga. It has been observed since 2015, after a United Nations resolution proposed by India. A year later, in 2016, UNESCO listed yoga as intangible heritage.
Don't confuse with
- Vedic chanting (2008): UNESCO recognised the oral tradition of Vedic chanting as intangible heritage in 2008, eight years before yoga.
- International Day of Yoga (2015): This is a UN observance held every 21 June. It is a separate thing from the 2016 UNESCO heritage listing.
Related concepts
- Upanishads
- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
- Chandogya Upanishad
- Uddalaka Aruni
- Tat tvam asi
- Katha Upanishad
- Nachiketa
- Mundaka Upanishad
- Satyameva Jayate
- Atman