So maybe it is just me, but after practicing yoga for the last 15 years, I couldn’t help but notice that I did not have any Indian teachers, or people of Indian origin in the classes, yet the origin of yoga and its’ principles come from India. I am being dramatic, but in all honesty as time has progressed, I have increasingly wondered about this phenomena, and how here I am person of not-Indian origin; teaching and appropriating a practice that belongs to and has been born in India.
Even more fascinating are yoga classes where the yoga has been so diluted, stripped and modified, as to become a frantic exercise program—where energetics and spiritual healing have no room. Chanting OM is seen as “religious” and might turn some people away. Yoga is adapted to be taught at a gym vs. at a studio where such behavior may be more acceptable; but not too much as – we don’t want to offend anyone; i.e. need the $$$. There is nothing wrong with that- but by definition that is not “yoga” as it was designed and understood by the teachings and scripts. Yoga is a complex system – and beyond just physical practice. The postures, or asanas, are just ONE small aspect of yoga. “Yoga is a whole system that includes breathwork, sound vibration, devotion, and meditation.” Bel, Hemalaya. “Raising the Vibration”. Yoga Journal, May/June 2019,112.
So I was most excited to see in this month’s Yoga Journal – addressing this very issue. It has highlighted the origins of yoga and how it is viewed in India- and how it has evolved and continues to evolve in the Western world. And MOST importantly: all the articles are written by women of Indian origin!!!!! So straight from the horse’s mouth so to speak.
“Yoga is an ancient principle of self-realization that originated in India, but, in addition to Indian devotional practices such as sacred dance, it was perceived as threatening, ridiculed, and banned among its own people in its own land under British colonization, beginning in the 1700’s and lasting until the mid – 1900’s. Today, yoga is often marketed by affluent Westerners to affluent Westerners-and Indians, ironically, are marginally represented, if at all. While this multibillion-dollar industry is offering much-needed well-being to Western practitioners, it’s re-inflicting the same violation on India and Indians: invisibility and misrepresentation.” Deshpande, Rina. "Honoring the Roots of Yoga". Yoga Journal, May/June 2019, 108.
So what Ms. Deshpande brings up is a very interesting point. Just by reading her article I learned about an aspect of Indian history that I was not familiar with: the suppression of yoga in the very country it originated. We are continuing the methods of colonization that had been imposed on India: appropriating by force and imposition, like taking from yoga what suits us, and not respecting the deeper cultural and spiritual history of this practice. Not everyone needs to be a scholar of Indian history, or stop practicing yoga all together --- but we really need to take a moment and review where this yoga we take from, use from, and gain money from; has come- by who’s and on who’s account? Meaning the Indians themselves have had a dear price to pay for THEIR VERY OWN PRACTICE, and now here we are making free with it, with no fear or consequences. I mean who will stop you? The yoga police? In today’s world for many yoga = money, but more so yoga teacher training programs is what brings the biggest revenue for studios. Unlike medicine or law; it is not a regulated practice.
The more I practiced yoga, evolved in my practice, studied with teachers who I thought “preserved” the classical roots of yoga: I became increasingly grateful for the practice and its depth—that only comes with time. Furthermore it has taken me thousands of dollars, time away from my family, hours in travel and all manners of stress to complete all my requirements, AND I AM NEVER DONE. It’s a life-long lesson. The yoga has seeped into my life- …..on an emotional, spiritual AND physical level. That transformation – if you are ready, and open, permeates you: that is the transformative power of yoga—hence why it has so many takers. You become aware of an inner awareness, of a centering…of feeling more grounded and mindful.
But on that same note: my gratitude for this practice has caused me to look to where this practice has come from: its’ country of origin, its’ roots, and then look at myself as a custodian who must take great care not to bastardize it, use it, or take it as my own. It is not mine for the taking. I should be grateful to be able to study it and benefit from it. I am appropriating, its’ norms and customs. Yes it has transformed me, but that does not mean I am the owner and inventor. I am just a servant to it- and I must honor it as such in all its’ facets and aspects; meaning yoga as a complex, rich modality and not a random series of exercises you learned to mimic.
Including as many of the 8 limbs should be taught in a class that calls itself yoga- studying sacred texts, mantra, japa and energetic alignement…it takes more work, and demands more spiritual commitment- yes we speak of yoga.
For those BIG teachers that taught me the philosophy of honoring and respecting my teachers—even though none of you are Indian, I bow to you: Suzanne Leitner Weise #532YOGA, #MaryRichards, #GinnyLoving, #GratitudeYoga in Princeton, #ShivaRea, and #CarsonEfird. I hope we can continue being honorable custodians of this practice, so it can continue to serve the healing that so many need—that comes only with a deeper practice, beyond the physical ability to touch your toes.
