Each of us establishes a foundation of knowledge about a specific subject. When we consider the field of Yoga, there is more knowledge about this science of life than one person can learn in one lifetime. Each of us has a different view of Yoga, whether we study Bhakti, Jnana, Karma, Raja, Hatha, Kundalini, or something else.
With that said, our point of origin will affect our perception of Yoga. For example: If one studies Bikram Yoga, it may be hard to appreciate japa (the meditative repetition of a mantra). In addition to this, our original guru will also influence our viewpoint and our direction of Yogic study.
We learn the fundamentals, until we have established a firm foundation of knowledge. It is common to observe Yoga students who translate fundamentals in the same manners as their gurus. In a way, each of us is programmed to be a reflection of our first Yoga teacher.
Some people refer to disciples of strict Yoga styles as "parrots." The point being, some Yoga students recite their guru's opinions, without any deep thought as to the reactions of the rest of the world. To follow a discipline is one matter, but to blindly follow a leader off the side of a steep cliff is a sad existence.
Therefore, let's look at methods to develop our best potential as Yoga practitioners, once we have mastered the basics. Objective observation of our Yoga teacher, and other teachers in the field, is now more possible than ever. With the help of the Internet, we can see many styles of Yoga. We can also find Yoga conferences, intensive training, and workshops, within a reasonable distance from home.
There are more Yoga books, DVDs, and CDs accessible to the public than ever before. Information, alone, does not give birth to creativity. Yet, the translation of existing information may take a few twists and turns when it is communicated to others.
There may be no intention to reword or change anything, but two human minds will translate the same ideas in many ways. This is one example of how there are so many different forms of Hatha Yoga. Some people tend to create for different reasons.
If a Yoga teacher has learned a system that needs to be adapted to his or her students, the teacher may modify the practice to suit the student's needs. On the other hand, a teacher who resists change will make the student conform to the style, or encourage that student to leave. This is another way we see innovation, or the intentional lack of creativity, in some Yoga instructors.
In summary, creativity is spawned from our imaginations and our subconscious minds. If there is a need, the human mind will find a way to meet it - if it is allowed to be creative. Beware of systems that claim to have all the answers. Human history is filled with cultural declines that resulted from the suppression of innovation and creativity.
? Copyright 2011 - Paul Jerard / Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of yoga-teacher-training.org Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org yoga-teacher-training.org/
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