Yoga in America?

a does not seem to command the same form ofmade by their yoga instructors. Outside of India, that
respect from modern day society as it once did inthere is a high level of misunderstanding of its true
the past. The real meaning of this ancient conceptnature, hence the monumental amount of mistakes
has been inundated by the quick-fix approachthat can be found in its implementation. Closer
mentality of the modern day globalization. Theobservation reveals that the unique culture of each
ancient art of yoga has been represented as a simplerace has dramatically influenced the way yoga is
concept to help people gain a better understandingpracticed. Apparently, the west is not prepared to
of the overall philosophy. Yoga in its true form mayspend too much time in meaningful contemplations of
be a little complicated for the western world tothis philosophy, hence the resulting fatal error due to
understand. It is a very dangerous and unethical toa lack of understanding. For instance, meditation is
merely dabble on the surface and then talks aboutthe crux of this philosophy but busy Americans do
this subject as an expert! Yoga is often viewed as anot possess the time to spend in a few hours of
physical journey, instead of a spiritual one in therelative sessions every day. The west seems
western part of the world. It is represented as aobsessed with the desire to accumulate massive
physical activity that is directed towards theamounts of wealth and gaining power, which is a
achievement of inner balance and meditative statespriority according the principles of Hinduism. Unless
of mind.these values are changed, it is impossible for
It originates from the Hindu religion and it is actually awesterners to achieve the true wisdom and
part of the Hindu philosophy. In India, yoga isenlightenment as defined by the parameters of the
considered a very spiritual experience that has aHindu religion. Patience and time is crucial for
physical aspect to it. But the western world prefersmeditation. The westerners do not view investment
to refer yoga as a mere physical practice. Yoga within such contemplative moments for the attainment of
its strange looking symbols may seem mystical tophilosophical wisdom to be beneficial.
the average Joe, is often enough to perk up aHere, yoga as been practiced by those who desire
considerable level of interest in the hidden aspects ofto look good and stay in style. There are plenty of
this ancient practice, but sadly, they are oftenmaterials promoting it as a form of sports; you can
misunderstood. Operating from the wrong paradigm,practice yoga anywhere and anytime you want. Fans
yoga became a form of sports in the western world.of famous people who later become fake gurus are
It also does a good job attracting those who wish toadamant about supporting their idol and his practice.
obtain inner peace and balance in the midst of theObedient disciples of this distorted form of yoga
hectic modern lifestyle.have become agents of growth of this unhealthy
Disciples of yoga are often fascinated by the claimsphilosophy.