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What is Yoga? Many times, Yoga is explained away as a Sanskrit word which means, union. In fact, Yoga means many things to many people. Yoga has been called a Hindu discipline, an exercise, a science of life, a self-improvement system, a gateway to God, and many more explanations. There are some who will argue that Yoga is all of these things or none of these things. Is Yoga good or evil? If you look at the foundation of Yoga, it is Yama and Niyama. There is no evil in moral codes of conduct or moral observances. Yet, someone will inevitably claim there is something evil in Yoga. Is training the mind for spiritual insight, growth, and tranquility, evil? Yoga is difficult to define. If Yoga falls into a category, which cannot be defined, then it is suspected by the "narrow minded" as a vehicle to undermine religions. We know that Yoga will improve mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. As a result, Yoga practitioners will enhance their physical and mental wellbeing. Yoga teaches us many things. Within Yama and Niyama, one is taught to love his or her enemies, to find peaceful resolutions, to seek purity, to enjoy solitary moments, and to embrace self-denial. It is worth noting, that every major religion, also shares these universal beliefs. Humankind suffers from limited thinking. Instead of cherishing cultural diversity, humans are too busy arguing about their differences. Yoga offers everyone, of every religion, a chance to see the good in each other. Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications Who Owns Yoga? Once in a while, you hear or read something that is completely ridiculous. Claiming ownership of Yoga, or claiming that someone stole Yoga, definitely falls into the ridiculous category. It is true that Yoga is a 5,000 year old system from India. The world is eternally grateful to the Indian people for many reasons, and Yoga is one of them. However, every once in a while, somebody has to try to trademark, copyright, or patent everything. If the Athenians had patented democracy, they would be swimming in royalties right now. The same is true for India: The birthplace of Yoga. Although they are different treasures, Yoga and democracy were shared with the rest of the world for the improvement of humankind. Getting back to the Grinch who stole Yoga, democracy, or Kung Fu - how is it possible? Yes, these are national treasures and some people do steal. However, each of these national treasures has been shared freely with the world. In Lacon, Volume I, No. 183, Charles Caleb Colton, is the first to have noted: "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." When Western civilization first encountered Yoga, it was not yet ready to absorb the message of "unity." It is debatable that our current western culture is ready to absorb Yogic concepts to this day. Of all the forms of Yoga to absorb, we embraced the physical form, which we know as Hatha Yoga. This is neither good nor bad, but it a logical step in the absorption of Yoga into Western culture. The reason is simple: People believe in what they can see, hear and feel. In the case of Hatha Yoga, many new practitioners believe what they feel. The most common reaction to a Hatha Yoga class, by a novice student, is a positive feeling in the mind and body. Who owns Yoga? The practitioner who benefits from regular practice, is the temporary custodian of Yoga, at this moment. Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
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Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html
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