It is true that there are some Hatha classes, which resemble "exercise classes." There has been some mixing of Pilates and Yoga, within the past two decades. In the West, some styles of Hatha Yoga, teach very little about Pranayama, Mantra, Japa, Mudras, Bandhas, Meditation, Shatkarmas, Doshas, the Subtle Body, the History of Yoga, or Yogic Philosophy.
As a result, some Yoga classes have become more like calisthenics classes. So, why has Yoga changed so much, when it left India? Why is the practice of Bhakti so popular in India, and is scarcely known in the West?
Quite simply, Yoga has transcended cultures, and it is going through another evolutionary phase. Many people "try" Yoga, but the serious practitioner continues to practice for decades. A Yogi, or Yogini, has decided to continue his or her practice for life, because of the benefits.
When we are young, we experience the physical aspects of life to their fullest potential. We challenge our bodies to their limits. No matter what age we are, being physically aware of our bodies, comes first. This same awareness happens in a class.
For most of us, the mental, emotional, and spiritual, planes of existence are developed as we age. The same is true within Yoga practice. As we continue to practice, and the years go by, we begin to realize the many benefits, which are not physical.
If we practice Yoga for decades, we are at peace with ourselves and our surroundings. The many benefits of Yoga are not visible to the human eye. If a person has stress under control, good health, peace of mind, self-confidence, or a stronger relationship with God, we cannot detect it at a glance, and that is the deception, which most people make.
Yoga has so many benefits, which a superficial person would miss. If you want instant results, you will not have the patience to practice for years. The impatient person, who is quick to judge everything, and wants to instantly lose weight, should find a liposuction surgeon. The mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of Yoga will be missed, but this person would not appreciate them anyway.
Getting back to the spiritual aspect - It is part of the Yogic package; if you continue to practice Yoga - spiritual health will reveal itself to you in the form of the religion you are most comfortable with. For those who say spiritual health is a bad thing, I am sorry they have tunnel vision. It is a shame, when people cannot live in harmony with other people and the world around them.
Intolerance has caused many wars, holocausts, and witch hunts. The intolerant person needs Yoga more than any of us.
© Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
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 at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. riyoga.com riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
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