Yoga has come a long way from its roots in the East. As it has become more popular in the West teachers have added their own twist -- both literally and figuratively. In the process of becoming so widespread, however, it often gets misunderstood by both teachers and practitioners.
Yoga is a way of life, the uniting of the body, mind and spirit. Its real purpose is not just to become physically fit or mentally relaxed but also to deepen our own spirituality, enabling us to be more caring and aware, ultimately leading to self-realization. It is about making friends with our world, true inner happiness, and having a clear mind that is free from delusion.
Developed thousands of years ago, yoga has many different aspects: ethics, discipline, relaxation, service, meditation, devotion, and knowledge, as well as movement, in order to develop every aspect of our being and bring awakening. And it is in some of these other areas that we are seeing a lack of awareness, real misuse, and even abusive behavior.
In the early days, when yoga first became known in the West, the only way to train was by going to India or by a Swami or yoga master coming from India. They were the experts who embodied the wisdom of the ancients. For instance, Ed trained at the respected Bihar School of Yoga in India in 1968, in an unbroken lineage of yoga masters. He was initiated as a Swami by Paramahamsa Satyananda, whose guru was the renown Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh.
Nowadays, trainee teachers are being taught in "yoga schools" by western teachers, many, sadly, without the benefit of the traditional lineage. As a result, misunderstandings get passed on from teacher to student, in particular the idea that yoga is basically just exercise, without the addition of the rest of the teachings. For example, relaxation is sometimes included just for the last five minutes of a class, whereas the practice of yoga nidra (pratyahara), a deep, dynamic relaxation also known as yogic or conscious sleep, is traditionally practiced for at least 20-30 minutes. Similarly with dharana (concentration), and dhyana (meditation), that are rarely emphasized enough and yet are main teachings.
We went into one yoga center near us and no one there had heard of any of the "other" yoga teachings, they just knew and taught hatha yoga as an exercise class. This is not unusual, but hatha is only one aspect of a rich and expansive system and these teachings are there for a reason: to develop conscious awareness.
In particular, we see yoga teachers wanting to be the most well known -- my yoga, my meditation, my practice is the best. And even though the traditional methods are well proven over thousands of years, in an attempt to stand out from the crowd many create their own "brand" of yoga, often loosing the essence of the original meaning. It's gone so far that, as reported in the UK Daily Mail: "Babies left screaming in terror as they are swung around head of 'baby yoga' guru who claims it is good for them."
Being in the role of a teacher is a position laden with responsibility. As notoriety grows we see how easily the ego can get involved and how deluding power can become. Some teachers use their role in order to make more money (a lot of it!), to have sex with students, or, as reported in a recent case, to use students to receive drugs. Gone are the teachings of yama and niyama, instructions on how to live an ethical and caring life through practicing harmlessness (ahimsa), being truthful, not being greedy, or indulging in addictions, as well as the importance of self-reflection so that we become aware of our own habits and mental tendencies.
Anyone can be a teacher as long as we chose that person to guide us, which doesn't mean that person has practiced all of the teachings or is living a yogic life. Those that have tasted the beauty of yoga and embodied the depth, breadth, and full intent of its different forms could not harm, use or abuse another. They will have realized the beauty within themselves and be able to bring that out in their students. There is really no true yoga without love. A teacher with a loving heart is like a precious jewel.
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I think that there should be a lot more education on this subject. Many times when I talk to people and explain what the word Yoga really means they are quite surprised. Not to talk about the practices of yama, niyama or pratyahara... the subjects are widely unknown.
Although there is a benefit of Yoga in any form, as even this popular Yoga has increased awareness of spirituality in the west and was the beginning step to bring some people to sadhana, still we should keep spreading the full truth further.
The spiritual website that I volunteer for has posted a similar article, which you will probably find interesting so sending you the link below: http://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org/articles/id/aboutspiritualresearch/spiritualpractice/Yoga_Classes_Spiritual_growth
Namaskar to both and keep spreading the truth :)
You ended your column with the marvelous observation that "there is no yoga without love." The late Douglas Harding observed that where the world told him he had a head, his experience was of open space- capacity for all that exists to exist. I've found that just allowing oneself to notice that simple, utterly mysterious reality is love.
funny you should mention Douglas Harding -
He was a dear friend of Debs mother -
I remember taking a walk with him in through -
the English countryside to the sea!
Wonderful man!
Joyfully,
Ed
fanned & fav'd
Thank you for this wonderful article that sets the record straight about the true meaning of yoga.
What you both often tell us applies especially to youse guys, "You Rock!"
Namaste
Pratitya
You are a delight - a light, a smile!
Om Namah Siviaya,
Swami Brahmanandaji (aka) Ed
Fanned & Fav'd
This is really really good:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AECYId2n32c
http://donttouchtheplate.com/
AmritDev Singh
unless you have a genuine connect to the heart of yoga-
as you said:
"Yoga is an inside job and was not intended for its practitioners to follow any fad, click or a guru that is a cult leader who is trying to sell enlightenment."
Om Tat Sat.
Swami Brahmananda (Ed...)
but this is a different understanding
It's gone so far that, as reported in the UK Daily Mail: "Babies left screaming in terror as they are swung around head of 'baby yoga' guru who claims it is good for them."
If you want to be truly accurate -
there is only Radiant Emptiness!
No yoga, no thing - like the finger that points to the moon isn't the moon!
it is best realized when you are quiet!
In stillness the essence of yoga is known!
but also yoga came from India to the west & is often misunderstood-
for some it has lost it's core-
others see it as physical fitness - even as a fad!
Joy in yoga,
Swami Brahmananda (Ed)
It will survive in the hearts & minds of those whose hearts are open & ready to wake up & be free!
I have experienced numerous teachers that are pretty much, full of shit. Yes, they can recite the sutras in sanskrit. Yes, they kinda resemble Gumby. Yes they are a host of endless knowledge. But you have to walk the walk. Because Your students will eventually see through them. It is all about the INTENTION. And if a teacher's intention is to sleep with younger girls, fitness without spirituality or just to satisfy their ego, it's not ok, and it's not yoga, but it is their choice. And we too have choices. I purposely took classes with some of those teachers that i could see through easier than the pane of glass reference in trichonasana because it challenged my "living yoga". Non- judgement and remaining present and sattvic in a time of unease.
We can either accept that there will be these kinds of teachers in the world, and choose to consciously attend their classes, or find a more fitting studio. OR we can waste our precious energy bitching about it.
Keep your awareness and people-reading skills on the up and up, trust your gut about people and that will lead you to a yoga studio to call home. And remember, people who are currently in our lives act as mirrors to our inner self, and there is always an opportunity to look within .
your comment is great!
worth a read for sure!
Lots to share!
Thank you for sharing!
Enjoy the journey!
Ed
That being said, I think it is best to cultivate compassion toward those who may seem deluded. They are there as reminders to love and they serve that purpose well.
Congratulations on your book.
Jai Sivanandaji Ki Jai - Peace!
It takes one to know one!
Yes Yes Yes!
Yoga is love
I have been in the joy of yoga for so many wonderful years!
Love is the guru!
Love is all!
A person is not the guru!
the guru is within all beings!
The love, the peace, the truth!
Be still - be quiet, be happy!
Enjoy the journey!
Ed
May all beings be happy & free from suffering!
Om mane padme hum!
you may check out our website
EdandDebShapiro.com
or
email us & let's see how we can be of service to you!
Treasure yourself.
Ed
Have a good attitude & trust yourself-
your inner feelings!
google them!
learn more in our book
BE THE CHANGE
The reports that Friend depended on staffers and senior teachers to stay mute about his whereabouts during sexual dalliances, and to receive drug deliveries at their studios on his behalf *proves* that he (and they) knew that what he was doing was wrong, unethical and illegal. He compromised his organization, his confidants and his followers, who made significant financial, professional and emotional commitments to Anusara.
On the other hand, yoga centers and ashrams are not the only places where adherents look away from unethical or illegal behavior as we have seen with JFK and others at the White House, Herman Cain at the National Restaurant Association, and "Godfather" knows where else, and in your Catholic diocese, to name only a few.
you can chant the sutras you can stand on your head but it's
another thing to open your heart & to embody the truth!
Living a yogic life is not about the intellect!
Living in the heart happens without effort-
Like a flower that opens!
The mind is no longer in charge!
The heart is a blessing!
without love yoga is dry!
The intellect can be an obstacle to yoga!