From ancient times human beings have searched for "wisdom"
and tried to connect with a "higher consciousness". Different
names have been given to this search. Wars have been fought over the
differences. Countries have united over the similarities. In the philosophies
of the East, one strand has consistently run through the different
schools of thought. This strand is the instinctive knowledge that
we need to discipline the body, still the mind and look within us to
find a higher consciousness.
Yoga with its postures and breathing techniques, and Meditation with
its myriad ways of achieving inner awareness bring with it the possibility
of accessing the energy that seem to bind all things in the universe
together. Millions of people worldwide are discovering the ancient
Asian tradition of yoga and meditation, and see for themselves on the real
medical benefits.
Organization of Yoga and Meditation Associations (OYAMA) has been established
to bring together people of like mind from all over the world to see
the complementarity of Yoga and meditation and to encourage intellectual
discussion, to facilitate the practice of Yoga and meditation and encourage
a way of life that is conducive to peace and harmony.
The first World Yoga and Meditation Congress 2004 provided a
neutral forum to discuss and enrich our understanding of the different
schools of thought, and provided an opportunity to practice Yoga
and Meditation with the leaders in this field in a beautiful beach
side setting and in an ancient sacred site in Southern Sri Lanka.
The second World Yoga and Meditation Congress will build on this
foundation and progress the activities further.
