Bill Text: CA ACR85 | 2021-2022 | Regular Session | Introduced

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

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Bill Title: The 2021 International Day of Yoga.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 58-18-1)

Status: (Passed) 2021-07-20 - Chaptered by Secretary of State - Res. Chapter 96, Statutes of 2021. [ACR85 Detail]

Download: California-2021-ACR85-Introduced.html

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CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2021–2022 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Concurrent Resolution

No. 85

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Introduced by Assembly Member Kalra
(Coauthors: Assembly Members Boerner Horvath, Chau, Levine, Nguyen, and Villapudua)
(Coauthors: Senators Caballero, Glazer, Min, Ochoa Bogh, and Wiener)

May 13, 2021

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Relative to the 2021 International Day of Yoga.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

ACR 85, as introduced, Kalra. The 2021 International Day of Yoga.

This measure would recognize June 21, 2021, as the 2021 International Day of Yoga in California.

Digest Key

Fiscal Committee: NO  

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Bill Text

WHEREAS, For many years, yoga teachers and students desired a collective global celebration of the over 5,000-year-old physical, mental, and spiritual practice of yoga, including yoga teacher Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who explained, “Yoga is a lifestyle and should not be mistaken for only asanas.” “Yoga helps a human being to unfold his full potential. Yoga improves the quality of life, which is so much needed today. Yoga can wipe the tears and bring smiles on every face. It can bring celebration and skill in everyone’s life”; and

WHEREAS, In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 the International Day of Yoga. During his address to the General Assembly in support of declaring the global celebration, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, observed, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature”; and

WHEREAS, The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means “to unite or integrate,” and one objective of a yoga practice is to harmonize the body, spirit, and mind through various breathing exercises, yoga poses, also called asanas, and meditation; and

WHEREAS, California is home to many yoga teachers, students, studios, and classes that have collectively contributed to the significant growth of yoga throughout the United States. A 2016 study conducted by yoga trade leaders estimated there are 36.7 million people currently practicing yoga in the United States, an increase from 20.4 million in 2012; and

WHEREAS, While yoga originated from Hindu and Vedic traditions, yoga is currently practiced by people of different cultures, traditions, religions, and nationalities, demonstrating that all people have the shared goal to uplift the human experience; and

WHEREAS, Yoga brings strength, stability, and unity within the body, mind, and emotions. Yoga, however, can be more than a type of mental or physical exercise. Yoga may be used as a means to discover a sense of oneness and connection within oneself, other people, the world, nature, and the universe. A regular practice of yoga may help promote a healthy body, a violence-free society, a clear mind, an open intellect, peacefulness with past experiences, a joyful soul, and a strong breath; and

WHEREAS, During the COVID-19 pandemic, yoga has grown in importance as a valuable tool for mental health and well-being. While many were not able to socially gather at yoga studios and gyms, many were still able to practice yoga as evidenced by the popularity of online yoga classes and increased demand for yoga equipment; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby recognizes June 21, 2021, as the 2021 International Day of Yoga in California and an opportunity to better understand the benefits of yoga as a path to uplift the human experience; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.