Master yoga 2024 UNESCO PARIS

The Master Yoga exhibition, held at UNESCO House in Paris from June 14 to 21, 2024, marked the 10th anniversary of International Day of Yoga proclaimed by the United Nations. Organized by the "Yoga for Unity" collective under the aegis of the Heartfulness Foundation, the event brought together around twenty partner organizations and thirty renowned teachers. CLAIRE BIGAND was the exhibition coordinator, and here shares an overview of the week-long celebration.

-  CLAIRE BIGAND

The visual exhibition covered an area of 600 square meters and attracted over 5,000 visitors. Visitors were able to explore the various philosophies, histories, and fundamental texts of yoga, reflecting the plurality of practices, through richly documented and illustrated panels.

A full program of lectures, meditation workshops and yoga sessions, led by different schools, was on offer, and this varied approach gave the exhibition a creative, immersive, and educational dimension, captivating a large audience with a passion for the spiritual and physical disciplines of yoga.

Interviews with top sports people explained how they practice yoga in their quest for performance, with testimonials from free diver, Alice Modolo; Anne Lejot, who works with players at Lens football club; and footballer Ada Hegerberg.

A projection area also featured an interview with Daaji, spiritual guide and leader of the Heartfulness movement, an extract from the documentary film Respire by Stéphane Haskell, and a teaser for Brighter Minds, an innovative educational program aimed at developing children's cognitive and emotional capacities.

These elements enriched visitors’ experience by offering a variety of perspectives on the impact of yoga in different areas and on different personalities.

At the heart of the exhibition, a statue of the Great Master Babuji guided visitors into the meditation bubble built from recycled materials, including bed slats. This unique space welcomed passersby with Heartfulness Relaxation sessions, offering a haven of peace and rejuvenation.

A wheel of postures was designed to inspire children to practice yoga by imitating different animals.