SHAH ALAM: Yoga students opened their hearts, minds and wallets during a fundraiser for quake-hit Japan at Hotel Saujana Kuala Lumpur on May 2.
Yoga instructor Manoj Kaimal led a class of 70 students in releasing the tensions of their daily lives, and explained how each yoga movement or stretch was aimed at opening their hearts and minds.
“We are always so caught up in life, but with yoga I can take away the frustrations and fears of one’s life and grant pure awareness, which opens [one’s] eyes to the plight of others,” Manoj said.
He also explained yoga principles of compassion, and lectured the class on how they could make a difference in the lives of others.
The event, organised by Manasa Yoga, charged a minimum contribution of RM25, with the proceeds going to Red Cross Japan.
To help bolster the fund, stalls selling second-hand and yoga-related goods were also set up.
Manoj said this was the second event that had been held for the Japanese cause within the last two months.
“At Manasa Yoga, we try to do this every two months even if there is no major crisis,” he said.
He said they usually contributed the proceeds to an orphanage in India.
Students like property developer Selvam Selvarajah were happy to help out for a good cause, and get some exercise at the same time.
Selvam, who has been practising yoga for the past seven years, said the event was really effective, and also served as an opportunity to meet new friends.
He has been practising yoga for the past seven years.
Performance by senior yoga students held at Hotel Saujana Kuala Lumpur. (Picture – Selangor Times)
Ima Mohamed and Rowena Baker said the event demonstrated that people could do something collectively.
“Yoga teaches numerous good traits such as being charitable, and it is something that spills over into your daily life,” said Rowena.
Both Ima and Rowena have been practising yoga for the past eight years. They used to jog, but injuries forced them to make a switch.
Among the beginners in the class was sales and marketing officer Marisa Saud. She found the class quite challenging but said it was very different from other activities she had tried, such as pilates.
Marisa added that the class made a difference to her physically and spiritually, and she felt more empathy for the Japanese people.
The event closed with lunch and performances by senior students, as well as another performance by the Shudokan Institute of Aikido.
Manasa Yoga collected about RM12,000 for the day, but they are keeping the fund open to donations until May 15.
About 70 participants practising yoga during a special class organised by Manasa Yoga. The event was held at Hotel Saujana Kuala Lumpur on May 2 to raise funds for Japan quake victims. (Picture – Selangor Times)
They will later hand over the donations to the Japanese Chamber Trade and Industry, which will then present it to Red Cross Japan.
For more information on how to contribute to the fund, visit Manasa Yoga’s website at www.manasa-yoga.com.
Originally published in Selangor Times
Yoga fundraiser for Japan
SHAH ALAM: Yoga students opened their hearts, minds and wallets during a fundraiser for quake-hit Japan at Hotel Saujana Kuala Lumpur on May 2.
“We are always so caught up in life, but with yoga I can take away the frustrations and fears of one’s life and grant pure awareness, which opens [one’s] eyes to the plight of others,” Manoj said.
He also explained yoga principles of compassion, and lectured the class on how they could make a difference in the lives of others.
The event, organised by Manasa Yoga, charged a minimum contribution of RM25, with the proceeds going to Red Cross Japan.
To help bolster the fund, stalls selling second-hand and yoga-related goods were also set up.
Manoj said this was the second event that had been held for the Japanese cause within the last two months.
“At Manasa Yoga, we try to do this every two months even if there is no major crisis,” he said.
He said they usually contributed the proceeds to an orphanage in India.
Students like property developer Selvam Selvarajah were happy to help out for a good cause, and get some exercise at the same time.
Selvam, who has been practising yoga for the past seven years, said the event was really effective, and also served as an opportunity to meet new friends.
He has been practising yoga for the past seven years.
Ima Mohamed and Rowena Baker said the event demonstrated that people could do something collectively.
“Yoga teaches numerous good traits such as being charitable, and it is something that spills over into your daily life,” said Rowena.
Both Ima and Rowena have been practising yoga for the past eight years. They used to jog, but injuries forced them to make a switch.
Among the beginners in the class was sales and marketing officer Marisa Saud. She found the class quite challenging but said it was very different from other activities she had tried, such as pilates.
Marisa added that the class made a difference to her physically and spiritually, and she felt more empathy for the Japanese people.
The event closed with lunch and performances by senior students, as well as another performance by the Shudokan Institute of Aikido.
Manasa Yoga collected about RM12,000 for the day, but they are keeping the fund open to donations until May 15.
They will later hand over the donations to the Japanese Chamber Trade and Industry, which will then present it to Red Cross Japan.
For more information on how to contribute to the fund, visit Manasa Yoga’s website at www.manasa-yoga.com.
Originally published in Selangor Times