By 
0
0
Inform me if this has occurred to you:
You’re in the course of your favourite yoga routine, making an attempt to steadiness your self in some difficult pose. You understand the hot button is to remain targeted and current, however out of the nook of your eye, you notice the Nike brand on a yoga mat, and your mind goes: JUST DO IT! However as a substitute of doing it, your distracted thoughts makes you fall in your bum…
No? Properly, it occurred to me, and it bought me interested by how tightly the tentacles of stylish advertising and marketing have clutched this historical observe. It’s no secret that we stay in a world the place the religious essence of yoga contends with the attract of trendy leggings and the following ‘it’ pose plastered throughout social media.
Has this affect diluted the millennia-old knowledge of yoga, decreasing it to only one other commodity? Or, maybe, is it infusing yoga’s wealthy custom with modern relevance that speaks to our fast-paced lives, making yoga extra accessible and, in its personal method, reviving its essence for a brand new era?
To higher perceive the impression of immediately’s mass consumption on yoga, let’s begin from the start and map the evolution of yoga practices and teachings.
What We Know About Yoga within the Previous…
Yoga’s story unfolds on the Indian subcontinent over 5,000 years in the past. In historical past books, this era was often known as The Bronze Age, when historical civilizations developed the first writing techniques and invented the wheel.
The Vedas
The so-called Vedic Age on the Indian subcontinent was marked by the creation of the Vedas, non secular texts that detailed the lifetime of that interval. They symbolize the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. Right here, we’re launched to yoga for the primary time.
But when your thoughts tries to think about historical civilizations in tight leggings and mats, pause your thoughts’s eye proper there! The idea of yoga started as a philosophical and even non secular idea of unity — the notion (or concept) of a union between our soul and the divine (god or cosmic power).
The Upanishads
Somewhat later in time, round 2,500 years in the past, got here the Upanishads (post-Vedic Sanskrit texts), and yoga took a extra outlined form. It started to be perceived as a path to religious enlightenment, as a approach to detach oneself from the fabric world, and as a approach to dive deep into the self.
That’s all nice, besides… the Upanishads have been mystical and extra cryptic than your common crossword puzzle. They have been an try to speak the deep mystical states and religious contemplations skilled by historical yogis however have been far too overwhelming and poetic for the common particular person.
So, the idea of yoga underwent yet one more main transformation.
The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali
The subsequent outstanding milestone within the evolution of our beloved yoga is The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali, a set of 196 aphorisms. You’ve in all probability heard about The Yoga Sutras, however are you aware why they’re so essential?
Believed to be written by the sage Patañjali, who lived across the second century BCE, The Sutras symbolize the primary and doubtless most elementary try and systematize and arrange varied yoga traditions right into a single, extremely sensible information. In different phrases, the sage takes this sprawling, mystical idea of yoga and breaks it down into what’s principally the final word how-to handbook: the yoga sutras, one thing that everybody might observe and perceive. Basically, yoga turned a observe that helps us obtain whole religious liberation and stay harmoniously.
Right here, the “eight limb yoga” (Ashtanga yoga) is first launched, in addition to the idea of asana (postural yoga). Nonetheless, whereas bodily observe is a part of the Yoga Sutras, yoga continues to be seen predominantly as a religious observe.
And, whereas the affect of the Yoga Sutras on later systematizations of yoga is questioned, as the textual content appeared forgotten for practically 700 years till it was popularized once more within the nineteenth century, Patañjali will stay often known as one of many fathers of yoga as we all know it.
So, what occurred within the nineteenth century?
Yoga Involves the West – Type Of
In 1893, Swami Vivekananda, a younger monk from India, stepped onto the stage on the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago and captivated the viewers along with his opening phrases, “Sisters and brothers of America,” sparking a permanent enthusiasm for his teachings.
Not less than, that is how his story is being instructed…however there are two crucial issues to notice right here.
First, whereas Vivekananda’s success in bringing yoga to America made historical past, he didn’t preach about Instagram-worthy yoga poses. What he offered to the viewers isn’t the yoga that we’re conversant in immediately. As a substitute, he spoke of yoga as a religious and even non secular observe, as he was probably not a fan of postural yoga — he known as it “nothing however gymnastics” and “queer respiration workouts.”
Second, due to his view of yoga as a philosophical and religious journey, his concepts have been seen as controversial. America at the moment was intrigued however probably not receptive.
Because of this it’s finest to consider Vivekananda’s affect as a ripple on the huge ocean of religious thought within the West — not overwhelming in measurement however profound in its results, paving the best way for the kind of yoga and religious practices that will flourish within the years to come back.
Understanding the Cultural and Political Actions of The 1900s
So why did the bodily facet of yoga — the hatha yoga — ultimately achieve extra traction within the West? To know that, we have to peek on the cultural and political actions within the 1900s that impacted which types have been most interesting to the folks again then.
Within the early 1900s, when Swami Vivekananda “introduced” yoga to the West, the world was ripe for a change. It is a interval of fast technological revolutions and new methods of pondering. However, most significantly, the health craze was in full swing, with society celebrating the human physique via bodybuilding, gymnastics, and different types of bodily train. Science and analysis methodologies concerning train turned common, which made bodily schooling a part of public colleges’ curriculum.
You possibly can perceive how, at a time like this, folks can be extra receptive and even actively on the lookout for new attention-grabbing methods to remain lively, and yoga as a bodily observe can be way more interesting than yoga as a philosophy.
And that’s precisely what occurred — posture-based yoga turned broadly common because of Swami Kuvalayananda.
The Rise of Asana Yoga
Because of Swami Vivekananda, yoga had already made its approach to America, opening minds and hearts to its religious depth. Then got here one other Swami, Kuvalayananda, who observed the waning curiosity in yoga’s meditative facet.
So, what did he do?
He tapped into the American fascination with science and well being, shifting the highlight on yoga’s bodily postures. By diving into the science behind these poses and exploring their well being advantages, Kuvalayananda not solely reignited America’s curiosity in yoga however gave it a complete new spin, displaying everybody the way it was extra than simply historical philosophy — it was a path to wellness backed by strong, modern medical science.
This strategy resonated profoundly with Western sensibilities, significantly in an period more and more enamored with scientific validation. The world was quickly modernizing; scientific developments have been glorified as the head of human achievement, and bodily wellbeing was turning into a metric of progress and civilization. It was on this fertile floor that the seeds of asana-based yoga discovered their good, fertile setting.
A Excellent Storm: Capitalist America, Curiosity in Science, and Yoga
Along with the numerous developments in science and the elevated curiosity in bodily schooling, the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in America have been characterised by fast industrialization and the rise of capitalism. Individuals have been turning into more and more acutely aware of well being and bodily health, mirroring the nation’s concentrate on energy, effectivity, and progress.
Now, add to this combine the Indian gurus who migrated to America to unfold their knowledge and information about India’s historical philosophy and observe. Yoga academics like Kuvalayananda acknowledged this shift and tailored their teachings accordingly, emphasizing yoga’s bodily elements. They offered yoga as a device for enhancing bodily well being, which aligned completely with the American ethos of self-improvement and the capitalist drive for marketable, consumable wellness merchandise.
This was a yoga reimagined via the lens of Western priorities and sensibilities — a yoga that may very well be measured, analyzed, and commodified.
In consequence, yoga in America started to morph right into a predominantly bodily observe. The religious roots of yoga, whereas not forgotten, have been usually overshadowed by the huge enchantment of its tangible, seen advantages.
So, the “Westernization” of yoga was not only a cultural translation; it was yet one more reinterpretation of yoga formed by the socio-economic and political currents of the time. Identical to a mirror that displays its object, Western yoga mirrored the values and priorities of its new house. In a method, we are able to say that this transformation was a pure continuation of yoga’s evolution and adaptation via time, though such a dramatic shift from its roots raised issues about its authenticity.
With the rise of social media previously decade, these issues have develop into much more pronounced and legitimate. How is social media shaping the perceptions of yoga and its objective?
Yoga Via the Lens of Social Media
Social media was a real game-changer in all elements of our day by day life. Not solely does it change the best way we work together with one another, however it additionally actively shapes our perceptions of the world we stay in, and yoga is not any exception.
Platforms like Instagram and Fb are awash with photographs of good poses in opposition to picturesque backdrops, making a visually beautiful however considerably skewed narrative of what yoga is all about. Dare to scroll, and also you’ll see what I imply. It’s like a parade of flawless yoga poses, flawless actions, flawless our bodies, and jaw-dropping, insane challenges that you simply by no means thought an individual might do!
This shiny, picture-perfect view is entertaining and attention-grabbing, little question, however it additionally deserves some actual speak about what we’re shedding in the best way of the true spirit and objective of yoga.
Concern No. 1: The Aesthetics of Private Development
Firstly, there’s an growing concentrate on the aesthetic side of yoga. Every little thing we see on these social platforms is edited, altered, and enhanced as a way to be extra visually pleasing. Not solely are the colours modified, however the surroundings is digitally reworked, and the physique proportions of yoga practitioners are unrealistically photoshopped.
Mainly, the web world turns into a mirrored image – not of actuality – however of our creativeness and is, due to this fact, undeniably higher and maybe depressingly not attainable. And whereas we could concentrate on this, our mind is nonetheless getting excited and stimulated by these photographs, which is an issue as a result of then our actuality fails to attain that very same impact.
Not solely does this result in frustration and dissatisfaction with oneself, however it stands in stark distinction to the entire objective of yoga: the liberation of the fluctuations of the thoughts and a path of non-public progress.
Certainly, this emphasis on the bodily and visible elements can overshadow the deeper, extra private journey of yoga. It dangers decreasing a profound observe to merely a device for reaching a sure physique ‘perfect“ or a snapshot-worthy pose, thus probably alienating those that do not match this slender mould.
Concern No. 2: Unrealistic Expectations and Self-Picture
We already touched upon this within the earlier part, as all the pieces is tightly interconnected. Nevertheless it is a standalone difficulty: social media can domesticate unrealistic expectations and a damaging self-image.
For a lot of, these picture-perfect representations may be disheartening, creating a way of inadequacy and discouragement. Yoga, in its true type, is about self-acceptance and private progress, however the social media portrayal usually leaves little room for the messy, imperfect, and exquisite course of that private progress entails. So, as a substitute of being empowered, we find yourself feeling “not adequate.”
Concern No. 3: Neglecting Integral Practices
Even Kuvalayananda, who studied yoga extra scientifically and promoted postural yoga for its well being advantages, didn’t have such a slender and superficial understanding of yoga as we eat it via social media immediately.
The concentrate on visually interesting poses implies that different very important parts of yoga, akin to breath work (pranayama), meditation, and self-reflection — practices that provide profound well being advantages and religious progress for many who search it — obtain far much less consideration, if any. These practices don’t all the time make for spectacular and awe-inspiring photographs, so that they’re barely talked about. But, they’re the spine of yoga, no matter method you select to have a look at it.
And – I’d like to say – a “profound” description that accompanies a picture of a difficult yoga pose feels extra like an empty platitude than a critical concern with the non-physical elements of yoga.
The Silver Lining
In fact, it’s not all doom and gloom. Our complete deep-dive can be incomplete and partial with out acknowledging a few of the advantages which have resulted from our fashionable tackle yoga.
As an illustration, social media performed an enormous position in knocking yoga off its mystical pedestal and making it extra accessible to us common of us. Gone are the times when yoga felt like this secret membership for the chosen few. Now, it is for everybody – no matter your beliefs, wants, background, or physique, there’s a spot for you within the yoga group.
And the most effective half? There’s a complete universe of on-line yoga communities, free how-to movies, versatile lessons, in addition to suggestions, all simply a few clicks away. Yoga’s by no means been this pleasant or simple to get into.
The Good and the Dangerous
So, the place does this depart us?
The connection between yoga and the web area is a nuanced one. It’s not a clear-cut narrative of excellent or unhealthy, proper or incorrect. It’s in all probability finest to have a look at it as a mirrored image of our occasions and the larger tendencies in our modern-day way of life. It’s finest that we transfer ahead with out harsh judgment however with a discerning eye.
We should always acknowledge each the positives and the pitfalls as a way to discover a steadiness. And we – the yogis – can contribute to how yoga is seen and offered. As an illustration, we might share our bodily progress with our family and friends every time we really feel pleased with ourselves, however with out skewing actuality and neglecting our inside progress! In doing so, we’re clear about our journey and we honor not simply the bodily observe of yoga however its wealthy philosophical roots and its transformative energy as properly.
Discovering Steadiness Between Custom and Development
Hopefully, you now have a greater understanding of how yoga modified when it got here to the West, the way it stored altering, and the way the form it’s taken immediately displays our personal tradition. Understanding and accepting that turns into the inspiration on which we are able to then construct our personal extra subjective, maybe authentically private, interpretation of yoga and use it extra holistically.
It doesn’t matter what you see on-line, keep in mind that yoga is extra than simply fancy poses and funky photos. It is about feeling grounded, discovering peace, and attending to know your self higher. So, whereas we’re all for these Insta-worthy yoga moments, let’s not lose sight of what is on the coronary heart of all of it.
I’m a agency believer that fashionable applied sciences convey folks collectively and we are able to leverage them to search out one thing that matches our wants completely, however provided that we use it ethically and properly.
And, like most issues in life, all of it boils all the way down to steadiness. Don’t be afraid to discover yoga and make it your individual.
