Message on the International Day of Yoga

　　国际瑜伽日致辞

　　21 June 2016

　　2016年6月21日

　　Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India and is now practiced in various forms around the world. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

　　瑜伽术是一种古老的身体、心理和精神锻炼方法，发源于印度，现以多种形式为世界各地的人们所习练。“瑜伽”这个词来自梵语，意思是接合，或曰统一，象征着身心合一。

　　Yoga balances body and soul, physical health and mental well-being. It promotes harmony among people, and between ourselves and the natural world. Recognizing its universal appeal, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga.

　　瑜伽兼修身体与精神，使人体健康与精神愉悦达到平衡。它既增进人际和睦，又促进人类与自然界和谐相处。联合国大会认识到瑜伽深受大众喜爱，因此宣布6月21日为国际瑜伽日。

　　This year’s observance of the International Day of Yoga highlights the important role healthy living plays in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted last year by all 193 United Nations Member States.

　　今年国际瑜伽日活动所强调的重点是，健康生活对于实现联合国193个会员国去年全体通过的可持续发展目标有着重要作用。

　　As exercise, yoga has multiple benefits. Physical inactivity is linked with a number of non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which are among the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. By improving fitness, teaching us how to breathe correctly, and working to diminish stress, yoga can help to cultivate healthier lifestyles.

　　瑜伽这种锻炼方法有多种益处。现已发现，缺乏体力活动与癌症、糖尿病、心血管疾病等非传染性疾病相关，而这些疾病在全世界都是致人生病和死亡的罪魁祸首。瑜伽让我们增强体质，教我们如何正确呼吸，帮我们减少精神压力，有利于养成更健康的生活方式。

　　Practicing yoga can also help raise awareness of our role as consumers of the planet’s resources and as individuals with a duty to respect and live in peace with our neighbours. All these elements are essential to building a sustainable future of dignity and opportunity for all.

　　修习瑜伽还有助我们认识到自己是地球资源的消费者，认识到个人有义务与邻居相互尊重、和平共处。所有这些因素对于建设可持续的未来、使人人拥有尊严和机会，具有至关重要的意义。

　　On this International Day of Yoga, I urge everyone to embrace healthier choices and lifestyles and to commit to unity with our fellow human beings, regardless of ethnicity, faith, age, gender identity or sexual orientation. Let us celebrate this Day – and every day – as members of one human family sharing one common, precious home.

　　值此国际瑜伽日，我鼓励每个人都积极采纳更健康的生活选项和生活方式，同时决心与我们的人类同胞团结起来，而不论其族裔、信仰、年龄、性别认同或性取向如何。作为分享宝贵共同家园的人类大家庭成员，让我们庆祝这个日子，也过好每一天。

（编辑：何莹莹）