What You May Not Know About Yoga

Last year we considered writing a book called, Can Yoga Save The World? But when we discussed it with other people many were quite puzzled and asked: how can physical postures save the world? Which made us realize that modern-day yoga has, to a large extent, lost touch with the magnificence and breadth of its fundamental teachings. As blogger Waylon Lewis commented on our blog last week, "Unfortunately in the West it does seem yoga is forgetting its roots and is becoming just another cool new exercise."

Isaac, the manager at our local 24 Hour Fitness told us that people think yoga is just sitting in a room and humming, and, more importantly, that men won't go to a class as they think it is a woman's thing. This reminded Deb of when we were teaching in India and the participants were all men. They were very surprised to find a woman teaching yoga, as in India it is mostly men who do it. All this inspired us to talk more about what Yoga really means.

Ed trained at the Bihar School Of Yoga in India in 1969 and became a Swami (Yoga Master). He was taught how Yoga is an art, a science, and a way of life; that it teaches everything from the way we walk and talk to Self Realization. In other words it is not just learning how to stand on our head, but is, as Swami Satchidananda taught, actually learning how to stand on our feet.

There are various forms of yoga, just as there are different aspects to our nature, with a wealth of teachings for each form. Here we mention the five main branches of yoga, as well as Tantra Yoga, which little is known about and is the most misunderstood. The purpose of all forms of yoga is to enable the practitioner to develop a healthy body and mind, deep inner peace and, ultimately, to realize their true nature. For instance, through Bhakti yoga we awaken universal love and compassion; Karma yoga is the path of selfless action, where we surrender our own needs to the joy of service; and Jnana yoga is the path of philosophy and reflection, where we use the intellect to transcend the intellect.

Raja yoga, also known as the King of Yoga, is the most comprehensive and experiential path, and the one that can be most proven scientifically. Founded by the legendary Indian master Patanjali, he outlined eight steps. In the first two steps he gives clear instructions on how to live an ethical and caring life through practicing harmlessness (ahimsa), being truthful, not being greedy, or indulging in addictions. It outlines the importance of having a healthy lifestyle, and the need for self-reflection so that we become more aware of our own habits and mental tendencies.

The third step is the practice of physical postures or asanas, which literally means seat. The idea is to practice different postures so that our body is able to sit comfortably and without tension in meditation. The fourth step is pranayama or breath control, with a variety of different breathing techniques that calm the mind and body while increasing the inner energy. The fifth step is the withdrawal of the mind from the senses, as practiced in deep inner conscious relaxation (see Ed's CD, Yoga Nidra). Here we turn the mind within and do not identify with the objects of the world, with our desires or senses, but develop inner clarity.

Having gained some control over the body, released tensions and developed an inner calmness, the sixth step teaches concentration, bringing our attention to the fluctuating mind with its constant chatter, dramas and daydreams. By focusing on just one thing, such as a candle flame or the rhythm of the breath, the mind is able to rest and become one-pointed. Next we can enter meditation, where the mind is stable with no fluctuation, all sense of a separate self dissolves, and the mind becomes quiet and still. As the attachment to the ego lessons, so our understanding of truth deepens.

Samadhi, or the highest happiness beyond conditional happiness, is the final step of Raja yoga. This is a state of consciousness where there is no separation between self and other than self, there is simply union. The ultimate purpose of yoga is in order for us to awaken to this state. Samadhi is the unconditional, omnipresent, omnipotent reality. It is our true, authentic nature.

In ancient times Hatha was a separate science, with strenuous and challenging asanas, postures, and austere purification of the body through cleansing techniques or hatha kriyas, and the purification of the mind. Within the last 30 years many different types of Hatha have appeared that mostly focus on asanas, with pranayama and relaxation, which are steps three, four and five of Raja yoga.

Tantra yoga is a systematic method of how to make every aspect of our life sacred, yet it is mistakenly thought of as being primarily about sex and relationships. Sexuality is only a small part of tantric teachings, as tantra also deals with very powerful and often negative emotions, such as fear and anger, that are used to awaken the practitioner's dormant potential. What is being taught nowadays is not traditional tantra. The main purpose, as with other forms of yoga, is to transcend the individual ego to attain Self Realization. Also, the tantric master chooses the student, to ensure that the student has a foundation in other yogas and is mentally prepared, whereas in the other paths of yoga the student chooses the teacher.

From this brief outline, we hope you can see the wealth and vastness of this ancient teaching. Asanas are certainly a fundamental part of yoga, but so also is meditation, philosophical teachings, and guidelines for living, for both men and women! May you enjoy this most wonderful gift of Yoga handed down to us from the Yogi's and Yogini's of ancient times!

So do make a comment and let us know what Yoga means to you.

*** Ed and Deb Shapiro are authors of over 15 books and 3 meditation CDs, and lead meditation retreats and workshops. Deb is the author of the award-winning book Your Body Speaks Your Mind. They are corporate coaches and consultants, and they are the creators of Chillout daily inspirational text messages on Sprint cell phones. See their website: www.EdandDebShapiro.com.

Follow Ed and Deb Shapiro on Twitter: www.twitter.com/edanddebshapiro

Comments

[Chandi Devi]

What is Tantra?

• Tantra yoga is the supreme path allowing the practitioner to find heaven on earth with his/her beloved.
• Tantric sex is not "free sex" or "pedestrian sex".
• Tantric sex is more than just orgasm or kama sutra positions.
• Tantric sex does not require toys to achieve maximum pleasure.
• Tantric sex is never boring even if you have sex every day.
• Tantric sex is not a "sport".
• Tantric sex involves the union of two people on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.
• Tantric sex bonds a couple and deepens your relationship.
• Tantric sex requires a daily practice of meditation and tantra exercises to prepare you for a profound experience.
• Tantric sex is the sublime, mystical worship between the opposite polarities of Shiva/Shakti, yin/yang, feminine/masculine for a mutually higher purpose, that is, for their self-realization.
• Tantric sex can establish a seeker in a permanent state of bliss and inner peace.
• Tantric sex orgasms can last for 20 minutes or more.
• Multi-orgasms are the norm.
• Sex for 4 hours or more are normal.
• Once you experience tantric sex, you will never settle for less!

Chandi Devi is co-author of "From Om to Orgasm:". She has appeared on radio and magazines, writes for LA2DAY.com, Concierge and the City and hosts The KarmaCaffe Spiritual Hour on blogtalkradio.

www.theworldoftantra.com
http://karmacaffe.com

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

There is much beauty in what you are saying but there is much more to tantra than sex! It is how a married couple can communicate and live a daily life. Tantra is absolutely not primarily about sex.

I trained in India with Paramahamsa Satyananda one of India's great Tantric masters. Tantra is taught by a tantric and the tantric master chooses the disciple. Tantra in America is watered down tantra. Most tantra taught is about relationships. But it is not tantra. Bliss, Joy, Ecstacy etc. are all wonderful but is not the point. Read the Indian Shiva Tantra texts-- Shiva Tantra Shastras.

In the Joy of Yoga,
Swami Brahmananda (Ed Shapiro)

[soundheals]

Dear Chandi Devi:

As the co-author with my wife Andi Goldman of TANTRA OF SOUND, the Visionary Award Winner for "Best Alternative Health Book", I first want to say that I honor your understanding of tantra. However, as we point out in our book, there are multitudinous meanings of the word "tantra". Most often the word "tantra" is often translated as "continuum" or "unbroken stream" and indicates a flow of consciousness from ignorance to elightenment. The word also translates as "web" or "warp" and encompasses all that is. Tantra representes the interconnecting energies between all things in this and other planes of existence. Other words used to describe tantra are: leading principle, essential part, system, doctrine, theory,and literally dozens of other terms.

Due to the brevity of this reply, I'm going to post the entire comment which you may find of interest.
Blessings of Light & Love through Sound,

Jonathan Goldman

www.healingsounds.com
www.templeofsacredsound.org
www.soundhealersassociation.org

[Chandi Devi]

Thank you for your reply. But, of course, there is so much to tantra that it cannot be learned in one weekend or even a year! Or covered in a blog or two! :) Tantra is an ongoing process that seeps into every aspect of our lives. To limit it to sex alone denies one of its full potentiality. Recitation and chanting of sounds and mantras, visualization and yantras, study of philosophy, tattvas, chakras, kundalini, dance and movements and more! --all contribute to tantra yoga.

To give a more complete understanding of tantra, and to dispel the popular tantric "myths" floating around, we wrote a book "From Om to Orgasm: The Tantra Primer for Living in Bliss" , which is a 350 page compendium of the principles that define tantra sadhana.

There is a tendency to intellectualize the path which locks you in your head, but the true tantra path is an experiential path. Whether through sight, sound, sex, asceticism, meditation or any other conscious sensory experience, we can discover the bliss within.

Study we must, however, once we acquire the mental knowledge, we have to get out of our head and into our heart.

As you know, it would be impossible to cover it all even after years of practice. It is a full time self-regulated practice that requires mindfulness, diligence and discipline.

We are blessed that you are sharing sound as a means to merging with the Divine!

Love, Chandi

www.theworldoftantra.com
http:karmacaffe.com

[soundheals]

Pt. II

The etymology of "tantra" points to a combination of two words--"tattva" and "mantra". "Tattva" is the science of cosmic principles while "mantra" refers to the science of mystic sound and vibration. Our approach to tantra is to use sound to connect to the unity of all that is--the Oneness that indeed incompasses all including the harmonious blending of male/female energies--what many perceive of as the Web of Life. This Oneness transcends duality

I'd like to suggest that there is a certain specific path in the Hindu tradition that does include sex as a means of transcending this duality. Indeed, the path of tantra known as Vamacara, does work with physical union between partners. However, in truth, it really is simply one of the many different approaches to tantra. Here in the West, the word "tantra" has become synonymous with "sex", but that is simply not the case in terms of understanding the majority of tantric practice.. It is doubtful that a celebate Hindu or Tibetan monk would be engaging in the sexual activities you describe. And with many of the true Hindu tantric masters, their disciplines are actually extraordinary advanced practices in which the cosmic interplay of the male/female energy--what might be called the dance of Shiva/Shakti is in reality a symbolic union, which does not manifest as physical sex.

[soundheals]

Once again, I honor your approach and awareness of tantra, but suggest that interconnecting with the Oneness of all encompasses an extraordinary variety of different approaches--many utiilizing sound as a vehicle to achieve this Oneness. I wish you the very best with your continued work and if it feels appropriate, you might want to check out some of these other approaches.

Blessings of Light & Love through Sound,

Jonathan Goldman

www.healingsounds.com
www.templeofsacredsound.org
www.soundhealersassociation.org

[Lpeter]

Yoga can and will change the world. Practice and all is coming. Namaste.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

In the truest sense I agree with you, but since most people in the US think of yoga as Hatha, as mentioned in our blog, and yoga is greatly misunderstood, we are calling our book

HOW MEDITATION CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
with Voices Of Remarkable Spiritual People

we have interview over 100 brilliant individuals such as Ram Dass, Byron Katie, Jon Kabat-Zinn, The Karmapa, Marianne Williamson, Russell Bishop, Kathlyn and Gay Hendricks, Jack Kornfield, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Beckwith, Roshi Joan Halifax Jane Fonda, Seane Corn, Cydi Lee, Ponlop Rinpoche, Father Thomas Keating, Krishna Das, astronaut Edgar Mitchell, Joan Borysenko, and others.
Namaste, Ed

[krcok]

Ed and Deb, Thank you again for a clear, inspiring blog. Yoga has brought so much to my life. All the various forms. I can' imagine what mm life would have looked like if I had not started on the yogic path 42 years ago. Your posting of the forms of Yoga is very concise and complete. Blessings to you both and to all who do Yoga!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

I started yoga at that time. I was living in a hippie commune and one of my friend's living in the commune had met Swami Satchidananda. She brought me to meet him and that was my beginning. I have continued ever since.

Yoga is a great gift,

Joyfully,

Ed

[LAnancy]

Ed and Ded - Thank you for the beautiful conscice explanation of yoga. All I can say is, I absolutely LOVE yoga. I started in my 20's and have continued for these past 40 years. Not always to a great degree but at the least, a few minutes each day. I know it keeps me in good heatlh. Your idea about Can Yoga Save the world. I would say possibly. I think that even the people who practice only as a physical excerise are probably opening the channels in ways they are not aware of. It is subtle. I believe if I had not began a regular yoga practice, I would not have allowed for the path to open where I would begin to question and explore on a deeper level. (meditation and other sacred praticeses) I am grateful that yoga was and is a part of my life. It helps me sit plus many other benefits. Yes since all is an apparition, why not practice the activity of yoga with laughter. One other thing. ahimsa - don't eat animals. I think yoga leads naturally to becoming veggie., the root of ahimsa.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

LANancy you mention laughter. In one of our Yoga Therapy programs Deb and I teach laughing meditation. It is a popular and wonderful practice.

Ahimsa non-injury is the foundation of yoga. As the great Yoga Master Swami Satchidananda taught me. If you practice one thing that will take you to Self-Realisation it would be ahimsa.

Life is Yoga,

Ed

[yoginilizzi]

What an interesting discussion! Thank you Ed-

I have been a Yoga practitioner for over 30 years and actually feel fondly toward most forms of Yoga.

There is a perspective in spiritual teachings that speaks of digging deeply into one well, one tradition - in order to receive the benefits. Although I see the value and logic of this, I'm also aware we live in era when so many powerful teachings are available to us- arriving at a time when we need all the help we can get!

I am particularly appreciative of the western teachers who have given us profound technology for awakening, teachers that have no connection to any lineage at all. (Byron Katie, Adya Shanti, Echkart Tolle, Michael Brown, etc.)

In my own teaching/practice, my passion is Partner Yoga. This form is viewed by some as not a serious or authentic practice although it is a synthesis of both ancient and modern techniques. I don't see it as a substitute for individual Yoga practice but more as a tool for awakening and developing in relationship.

In Partner Yoga practice, we have a clear mirror for how we truly are showing up. I've noticed how often the practice of Hatha Yoga develops more solidified egos, instead of greater compassion. In Partner Yoga practice, our 'progress' is interdependent on the 'progress' of others and the quality of our compassionate presence. In other words, "No one is enlightened until we're all enlightened!"

For more info see www.partneryoga.net

[quintus]

Thank you for your clarification on the different branches of yoga! Many Westerners still know alarmingly little about yoga even though it is far more widespread today than it was back in the 70's and 80's when it was just beginning to take hold. I spent 10 years or so doing Iyengar yoga and found it extremely beneficial, especially as a preparation for the intensive sitting meditation I encountered in Zen, and later, Tibetan Buddhism.

Regarding the eighth limb of Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, I have seen it translated variously as samadhi, union with the divine, bliss, super-cons­ciousness, and enlightenment. Actually, samadhi, taken by itself, is a Sanskrit/Pali word that simply translates as concentration.

In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the development of samadhi through the practice of mental quiescence or shamatha, for example, is not an end in itself. Such a highly refined state of concentration is used to empower a sustained investigation of self and phenomena in order to realize (non-conceptually) the innate emptiness of inherent existence. Without this realization of emptiness, complete and full Enlightenment or cutting the root of samsara, is not possible.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

I trained in yoga in India in the late 60's. Samadhi was taught as the highest realisation of Joy or happiness. The end of karma. I trained with Budddhist masters and met with & wrote 2 books with contributions from the Dalai Lama.
Buddha sat and was doing shamatha or samadhi, a different practice in Yoga. Much more advanced in meaning. as one is concentration and the other you may say leads to Nirvana.

In Buddhism it is said Samsara/Nirvana also -form is emptiness/emptiness is form..
Who knows what the Buddha said. what is real for you. We need to find out for ourselves.

isms are now wasms In Truth, Ed

[quintus]

Having trained with Buddhist masters, as you call them, you have no doubt had teachings on the emptiness of persons and phenomena, which is wholly unique to Buddhism. Without a realization of emptiness, full enlightenment is not possible. Without a realization of emptiness, the root cause of samsara, which is ignorance, can not be severed. Without a realization of emptiness, there is no end to karma.

It is not clear from your reply what you are referring to when you say, "Buddha sat and was doing shamatha or samadhi, a different practice in Yoga." Are you referring to the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree? If so, then you know that his enlightenment would not have happened without a realization of emptiness. Yes, shamatha, or refined concentration was also present and necessary. How, precisely, is samadhi, or concentration practice different in yoga? Can you explain? In the Hindu tradition, nirvana, or moksha, is offen defined as the reuniting with Brahman or the universal God. Since Buddhism does not posit a creator God such as Brahman, this conception of nirvana is problematic.

Yes, the Buddha was fond of entreating his disciples to be a lamp unto themselves and never accept anything he taught without testing it as a goldsmith tests a piece of gold.

As for "isms are now wasms" that's quite catchy. From the perspective of ultimate truth there are no isms, but we must still traverse a path to get there.

[kerryyoga]

Thank you for the article and lively discussion.

My background is in Restorative Yoga and classical Hatha Yoga, I received my training for Judith Lasater. We hold the poses for 5-20 minutes using props to support the body. Many of my students are experiencing serious health issues. I am grateful there's a type of Hatha Yoga that allows people with physical limitation to experience the benefits of the asana. As the poses are held longer, the students enjoy the sacredness of stillness. I believe many of them experience the beauty of life and themselves, no matter the disposition of their own lives.

Yoga changed my life. I was listless in life and lacked confidence. Yoga allowed me to accept myself with a smile. It has become a wonderful part of my life. It has taught me to "get off the me plan" because I when it's about Kerry, it's rather depressing.

Your article was an inspiration to me. Please continue to share/blog on Yoga.

Namaste,

Kerry

[rubyinparadise]

Kerry,

I trained with Judith Lasater in Restorative Yoga as well! :) Restorative is a very special form of yoga. I completely agree with you that yoga can be life-changing. In many ways, yoga saved my life. It continues to be my touchstone every day. And I've witnessed it transform the lives of many around me as well. I'm humbled and gratified to have yoga as a foundation of my life & worldview!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

kerryyoga you are fortunate to have studied with Judith Lasater. Deb and I taught at a Yoga Conference many years ago and she taught there as well.

The benefits of yoga are countless. Yoga deals with every aspect of our being. We are living in stressful and challenging times, especially with this financial situation. Yoga is like a good best friend, always there for you. when your mind is like a monkey the breathe helps calms it down. So much is available when you learn this wonderful science of Yoga.

In the Joy of Yoga,
Ed

[loozermama]

I practice daily yoga as well as meditation. It has allowed me to experience true love and peace in a way I never thought I could experience them. I have been able to train my mind as well as my body. Things that used to upset me now roll off my back. I see the rut people are in, and while I am not perfect yet, I feel I am on the right path- not to perfection by any means, but to one of true happiness and peace. And in this world, I would say that is a miracle!!! Namaste!

[feliznavidad]

Years ago, as a new teacher in a ghetto school, I thought my first grade students would benefit by better concentration. I taught them a few simple standing Asanas, and breathing from the belly. Each morning we did our Yoga as a 10 minute break. The kids couldn't wait to do it! They loved it! Best -- my class was incredibly well-behaved, caring, and cooperative. At the end of the year, my principal called me in to tell my my students had scored the hightest grades ever recorded for standardized tests in that neighborhood. Of course, not every teacher could teach yoga -- and I was very restrained in my use of it. I did not prosteletize -- and my students gained a great deal.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

yoga should be taught in the school system. Yoga relaxation, Yoga Nidra, is taught in France. It is extremely beneficial. Your work with you students is wonderful. I am so happy to hear this.

Yours in Yoga,

Ed

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

How wonderful! congratulations! I have taught yoga nidra to CEO's and pro skiers and the ski patrol team on a mountain in a ski cabin, and to school teachers in a gymnasium.

Yoga should be taught in the public school system. It has proven to be beneficial in France and children in India do yoga asanas.

Yogic relaxation, yoga nidra, has been used to help kids concentrate better. It is a great way to bring harmony to the classroom.

Joy in Yoga, Ed

[flyjet787]

I participate in a yoga class every Friday. It is a deeply meditative style - all performed in nearly complete darkness. I am an athiest (and a male)- not at all spiritual. Nevertheless, I have learned a great deal about myself and am particularly pleased at how far I've come in my practice (it's been about 3 years now). I can pretty easily "remove" myself from stressful situations and move into a space of near absolute calm and peace - it only takes a few seconds! What a gift! Also, I'd always been the type of person who would stop breathing or breathe shallowly while under stress - I no longer do that! I was very skeptical of yoga before I went to my first class; to me it sounded like more spiritual nonsense. And, of course, many who practice yoga go to woo-woo nonsensical places. I just choose to listen to the pragmatic teaching and leave the rest.

Give it a try - it can really improve the quality of your life.

[livinlife]

This is so true. Yoga in the US has become commercialized, pasteurized and fast food presentation.
The true spiritual connection that is derived from Yoga is lost and Yoga is just the latest fitness fad.

Ommmm......

[BelGazou]

Purists apparently need to perform a few more breathing exercises to calm the anxiety they feel about other people using Yoga just for physical fitness and rehab. Now that it is banned in some Muslim countries, you will be happy to know that fewer people will reap any benefits from it of any kind.

Some of the positions and movements in Yoga (and Tai Chi) are very close to those used in therapies for stroke patients. Yoga has the added benefit of being that more physically satisfying and allows those more cognitively able to practice some of it on their own as well, thereby increasing the benefits. It is also being used more and more as an adjunct to therapy for disabilities of all kinds.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

I have taught yoga in prisons. I have found yoga nidra to be especially beneficial as it helps calm the anxiety of prison life. More and more prisons are allowing yoga to be part of their program.

I taught yoga in a prison in England and it was a privilege to be with prisoners who were so receptive and looked forward to Deb and I coming to teach. Some of the prisoners were in for heavy duty crimes.

Joyfully in yoga,

Ed

[BelGazou]

Even without the spiritual element, Yoga is still good stuff for just keeping fit. I've used the easier exercises with old folks as it's great for helping ameliorate the lack of flexibility and loss of balance that comes both with aging and disease processes (some of the forms are very much like Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Bobath techniques for the treatment of strokes) . It seems that regardless on what level you use it, it is still beneficial.

[TailorMade]

I just started doing yoga about three months ago. I am an over 50 straight male. I tell my friends that I traded one set of aches and pains for a whole new set. But truth is, while I am far from being a spiritual person (the root of which is spirit, as in ghost...in which I really do not believe), the practice makes me feel great, I look better and usually I am the only straight guy in the room. Which, at my age, counts for something.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

The word 'spiritual' is really loaded. As you put it there are different ways to describe it. I like to say that I am a happier, more caring, relaxed and peaceful person. If someone disagrees with me or thinks I am a loser they may be right or wrong but as long as i can accept myself warts and all, it gets me through the day.

Yoga allows us to see things more clearly. Then the way I respond is from a caring heart.

TailorMade if you can just be you and comfortable with that, I call that 'spiritual' but don't get caught up in labels or definitions. Just enjoy, Ed and thanks for your comment

[Lizzypie]

Good outlineof yoga. However, some people are touched by yoga just from doing the asanas without knowing that they are doing only the surface of a deep and multi-layered ancient system. My mother did yoga for 20 years with no knowledge of what she was really doing - and I know it impacted her world (maybe only slightly, but nonethelsess it was something), even though she didn't know it!! So, don't underestimate the power of something like yoga to work beyond the rational mind. There is no right or wrong, good or bad about it - it can benefit many people on many diffferent levels.

[b-san]

True yoga and other forms of Indian spirituality will never be understood by westerners. Most practitioners and teachers know nothing about yoga beyond "asanas". It is disheartening to watch the commercialization and repackaging of Indian spirituality for western consumption. Yogi Bhajan, Bikram, Deepak Chopra, and others like them are laughable. Sadly, most people who "do" yoga do it to look good in their lululemon tights not to attain samadhi.
Why do westerners take on Sanskrit names? or get tattoos of "om" or Ganesh? And then ask them what it means and they are clueless. As someone who is of Indian heritage I find this very disheartening and quite frankly annoying.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

I went to India in 1968 and trained with one of India's great Paramahamsa Swami's and have been their many times. Yoga is India's gift to the world. I honor that. But ultimately their is no East and no West their is no America or England or India, or japan or Australia. There is no b-san or Deepak, or charon, or Ed or Deb or even no me or you. In yoga we say these are just labels.

Swami Satchidananda would say even this body is not yours. Yoga teaches love and tolerance. We are all in this life game together. If we can live a compassionate life, we are practicing Yoga. As Swami Sivananda said, "do good, be good." It doesn't matter if we are and Indian or American what matters is that we care. Inside hOMe is --OM---their is ONLY one of us. when we let go of e-go. We are free. Forgiveness is Yoga, Om Shanti- Peace, Love and Light, Ed (Swami Brahmananda)

[wedgie]

Personally, I would be surprised if anyone entering into Yoga as a "fashionable exercise" wouldn't sooner or later begin to find themselves in a calmer more spiritual place.

It's a function of breathing and moving in that way.

**