Yoga Stops Traffic

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Originally uploaded by karenmagdangal

Today the entire staff at Yoga Thailand, as well as the teacher trainees and other residents join together for Yoga Stops Traffic, a one-day global event raising awareness of human trafficking in India. The organization hosting this amazing experience is the Odanadi Seva Trust. Over the past twenty years, Odanadi has rescued and rehabilitated almost 2000 children, conducted 57 brothel raids and brought 137 traffickers to justice. The central event is being held in Mysore, the Southern Indian city known to be the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga. However, people from all over the world are participating in this charitable day, rolling out their mats for a mass sun salutation and showing support for millions of victims.



Here at Yoga Thailand, the group slowly moves through 9 sun salutes to the beat of a tribal drum. Our teacher and organizer, Tiana, counts each move using Sanskrit numbers. She encourages us to remember why we are practicing, keeping our intentions focused on the people trapped in modern day slavery. After gentle backbends and a long savasana (rest), we mindfully rise and gather for a special satang. Jack Harrison, a well known musician in the yoga community, played his guitar as we sang along to the famous mantra “Om Namah Shivaya," which loosely translates into "I bow to Shiva." Shiva is the supreme reality, the inner Self. It is the name given to consciousness that dwells in all. As Jack voice booms, we join in loud and strong, yet full of compassion and tenderness. The room vibrates with aliveness, an energetic hug sent from miles away. Many were moved to tears, myself being one of them, as we connected on such a deep level to all those suffering. It is a profound opportunity to look outside the safe bubble we live in, reminding all the young women and children that they are not alone.


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Originally uploaded by karenmagdangal

A few facts for thought:

Every year, an estimated 2.5 million people are trafficked around the world, with the majority aged between 18 and 25.

There are thought to be more than 27 million people trapped in situations of modern day slavery.

Human trafficking, as an organized crime, is approximated to generate 32 billion in revenue each year.

Every day in India, 200 women and girls enter prostitution and 80% of them do so against their will as victims of trafficking.

A 2004 report by a Shakti Vahini confirms that Karnataka, where Odanadi is located, is one of the major trafficking-supply states.