Does your background (race, ethnicity, gender, religious identity) shape how you view yoga (religious, spiritual, or exercise)? And Why Does This Matter?
Yoga for Beginners - A Dive into the Basics
I recently observed a yoga class designed for beginners, presented in video format on a YouTube channel.
The session began with a moment of profound silence, engaging participants in deliberate deep breaths, known as Pranayama.
The instructor emphasized relaxation to delve into the world of yoga. The central focus was on physical postures (Asanas), with varying complexity. Alongside the physical practice, the instructor delved into the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of yoga, introducing various types such as Hatha, Bhakti, Raja, and Karma yoga. (Yoga Field Journal 1)
Hatha Yoga: This branch of yoga focuses on physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama). Ideal for those seeking improved physical fitness, Hatha Yoga enhances strength, flexibility, and body awareness. By harmonizing the body and mind, it empowers individuals to experience a sense of wholeness and vitality.
Bhakti Yoga: This is the yoga of devotion, ultimately to the Divine, but it can initially be a guru, your family, a friend, or anything that creates strong emotional ties. It is the path of love which removes jealousy, hatred, lust, anger, egoism, pride, and arrogance. It replaces those feelings with feelings of joy, divine ecstasy, bliss, peace, and wisdom.
Raja Yoga: This is a comprehensive method that emphasizes meditation, while encompassing the whole of Yoga. It is the path of self-discipline and practice, leading to the ultimate goal of Samadhi, or union with the Divine.
Karma Yoga: This is the path of action, service to others, mindfulness, and remembering the levels of our being while fulfilling our actions or karma in the world.
The class concluded with the traditional greeting “Namaste” and insights into the holistic benefits of yoga, from physical well-being to spiritual liberation (Moksha). (Yoga Field Journal 1)
Yoga as a Transformative Journey Amidst Inequalities
Yoga is often perceived as a soothing endeavor, but it is intricately connected to societal inequalities.
Engaging in yoga sessions deepened my appreciation for its core, transitioning from a mechanical exercise to a comprehensive journey. Learning terminologies like Pranayama, Dharana, and Samadhi added depth to practical exposure.
Initially distant from the cultural aspects, I discovered yoga’s power to enhance both body and mind,
providing comfort and relief. However, the journey exposed the inequalities woven into yoga, urging a broader comprehension beyond physical postures, emphasizing unity, inclusiveness, and a profound voyage toward inner peace. (Yoga Field Journal 2)
Inclusiveness and unity are essential components of yoga.
The practice of yoga should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, race, or gender. Unfortunately, the yoga community lacks diversity, with practitioners and teachers being predominantly white.
This lack of diversity is a reflection of the larger society’s racial inequality and prejudice. It is essential to acknowledge these inequalities and work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse yoga community. (Yoga Field Journal 2)
The philosophical and spiritual dimensions of yoga emphasize unity and inclusiveness. The eightfold path of yoga stages begins with ethical principles (Yama and Niyama), progresses through postures (Asanas) and breath control (Pranayama), before moving onto sensory withdrawal (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana), and finally culminating in deep absorption (Samadhi)2.
The practice of yoga is a transformative journey that can lead to inner peace and spiritual liberation (Moksha). (Yoga Field Journal 2)
Observing Yoga in Practice – Video Analysis
For Module 1, I observed a 30-minute yoga class on YouTube. The class, featuring a female instructor and two participants, focused on āsanas to improve flexibility, strength, balance, and alignment. The instructor used anatomical, physiological, spiritual, and religious terms, creating a holistic experience. The class highlighted yoga as a practice integrating body, mind, and spirit, adapting to diverse needs. (Yoga Field Journal 3)
The instructor’s use of anatomical and physiological terms reflects the scientific basis of yoga. The practice of yoga has been shown to improve flexibility, strength, balance, and alignment, as well as reduce stress and anxiety1.
The spiritual and religious terms used by the instructor reflect the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of yoga, which emphasize unity and inclusiveness. The ethical principles of yoga, such as non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), and self-discipline (Tapas), are also emphasized in the class. (Yoga Field Journal 3)
Yoga has a rich history and cultural significance, with roots in ancient texts and traditions.
The Vedas, the oldest religious texts of the Hindus, contain songs, mantras, and rituals to be used by Brahmans, the Vedic priests.
The practice of yoga has evolved over time, with different schools of thought emphasizing different aspects of the practice. Today, yoga is a global phenomenon, with millions of practitioners worldwide. (Yoga Field Journal 3)
Vinyasa Yoga – Balancing the Physical and Spiritual
Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic form of yoga that emphasizes the integration of breath and movement. The practice of vinyasa yoga involves a series of postures (asanas) that are synchronized with the breath.
The use of breath rhythms tailored to the series for novices illustrates the tradition of sharing insight in yoga. (Yoga Field Journal 4)
Vinyasa yoga was founded by Pattabhi Jois, who was a student of Krishnamacharya, the father of modern yoga.
Jois developed the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga system, which emphasizes the synchronization of breath and movement.
The practice of vinyasa yoga focuses on activating core muscles, arms, and glutes, while also incorporating breathing exercises and postures. (Yoga Field Journal 4)
While modern yoga often concentrates on physical aspects, it’s crucial to acknowledge its roots in spiritual enlightenment. Vinyasa yoga aligns with traditional teachings, emphasizing the transmission of knowledge through parampara.
The use of breath rhythms tailored to the series for novices illustrates the tradition of sharing insight in yoga. (Yoga Field Journal 4)
Exploring Yoga Through Historical Perspectives
The historical context of yoga reveals evolving perceptions. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Europeans viewed yogis and fakirs with suspicion, labelling them as threats.
In the 19th century, colonizers deemed yoga incompatible with Western religion. However, its popularity surged in India and beyond, driven by physical culture enthusiasts and wellness seekers. (Discussion Posts)
Yoga has been featured in magazines, emphasizing the pursuit of the ‘Yoga Body’ and overall fitness. The ‘Yoga Body’ is a term coined by the media to describe the idealized body shape of a yoga practitioner.
The term has been criticized for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and for objectifying women.
Despite historical challenges, yoga’s integration into diverse cultures demonstrates its adaptability and resilience. Yoga has evolved over time, with different schools of thought emphasizing different aspects of the practice. Today, yoga is a global phenomenon, with millions of practitioners worldwide. (Discussion Posts)
Modern Yoga Influencers and Their Roots
Modern yoga has been shaped by key influencers who have drawn from pre-modern traditions.
Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga to the West, emphasizing intellectual aspects and universal spirituality. Pattabhi Jois popularized Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, which is rooted in parampara.
BKS Iyengar focused on precise alignment in Iyengar yoga, incorporating props for customization. Swaminarayan’s Bhakti Yoga tradition stresses devotion, aligning with pre-modern principles.
These influencers showcase diverse expressions of yoga in the modern era, rooted in spiritual principles and holistic well-being. (Discussion Posts)
Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk who introduced yoga to the West in the late 19th century. He emphasized the intellectual aspects of yoga and universal spirituality, which resonated with Western audiences.
Pattabhi Jois was a student of Krishnamacharya, who is considered the father of modern yoga. Jois popularized Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, which is rooted in parampara, a Sanskrit term that refers to the transmission of knowledge from teacher to student.
BKS Iyengar was another student of Krishnamacharya who focused on precise alignment in Iyengar yoga. He incorporated props such as blocks, straps, and blankets to help students achieve proper alignment and customize their practice.
Swaminarayan’s Bhakti Yoga tradition stresses devotion, aligning with pre-modern principles. This tradition emphasizes the importance of devotion to God and the guru, and it is rooted in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. (Discussion Posts)
These influencers have showcased diverse expressions of yoga in the modern era, rooted in spiritual principles and holistic well-being.
They have helped to make yoga accessible to people around the world and have contributed to its popularity as a form of exercise and spiritual practice. (Discussion Posts)
Conclusion – Uniting Diverse Threads
The journey through yoga encompasses various dimensions, from the foundational principles for beginners to the transformative power amidst societal inequalities.
Video analysis, practical experiences, and historical perspectives provide a comprehensive view, acknowledging yoga’s adaptability and resilience.
The exploration of Vinyasa Yoga and insights from modern influencers further enrich our understanding. As yoga transcends boundaries, it remains a timeless practice, uniting diverse threads and offering a holistic journey toward well-being and self-discovery.
Yoga is a practice that has been around for thousands of years, and it has evolved over time to meet the needs of different cultures and societies. From its origins in ancient India to its current popularity around the world, yoga has always been a practice that is adaptable and resilient.
The exploration of Vinyasa Yoga and insights from modern influencers have further enriched our understanding of yoga. Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic form of yoga that emphasizes the connection between breath and movement.
It is a popular style of yoga that is practiced by people of all ages and abilities.
Modern yoga has been shaped by key influencers who have drawn from pre-modern traditions. Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga to the West, emphasizing intellectual aspects and universal spirituality.
Pattabhi Jois popularized Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, which is rooted in parampara. BKS Iyengar focused on precise alignment in Iyengar yoga, incorporating props for customization.
Swaminarayan’s Bhakti Yoga tradition stresses devotion, aligning with pre-modern principles. These influencers showcase diverse expressions of yoga in the modern era, rooted in spiritual principles and holistic well-being.
As yoga transcends boundaries, it remains a timeless practice, uniting diverse threads and offering a holistic journey toward well-being and self-discovery. Namaste.
Bibliography
• Yoga Field Journal 1
• Journal Field Journal 2
• Journal Field Journal 3
• Journal Field Journal
• Discussion Posts
• Wind Wellness - Guest Blog - Anya Foxen
• The Guardian - Narendra Modi and Yoga in India
• BBC - Is Yoga Religious?
• Oxford University Press Blog - Is Yoga Religious? Encitas Public School Trial