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RE: Yoga is so much more... A few thoughts from the EcoKnowMe
Thanks for acknowledging the deeper aspects of yoga. I moderate a decolonization group on Facebook and every once in a while a discussion about the appropriation & commodification of yoga comes up. I haven't looked too deeply into the subject but most classes I see offered follow this pattern. :/
It is a tricky topic and I think it speaks to the feeling of our times and the selectivity we have about appropriation. My background is in Antrho, so I kindof get what you mean and struggle to find the right answer. Most yoga isn't even traditional yoga anyway. Krishnamacharya, BKS Iyengar's teacher is one of the main founders of the systems we see today or how the practices are taught. He adopted the traditions to the times and made things more dynamic and suited to western exercise mentality. If people were to learn what might be considered traditional yoga. There might be a lot more cooking, cleaning and taking care of the community than just some stretches and exercises. At what point can we really claim that yoga comes from any place? And if people want to wear what they want or do what they want with their bodies where is the line between freedom of expression, appropriation, imitation and the collectively shared heritage of humanity. I also live in India and find it weird to be the westerner talking about Sanskrit or some obscure indian yogi to Indians who in turn tell me about bands from home I haven't heard of. Do I get to be justified for them appropriating my indigenous musical traditions, the right of my country's people alone? Or they can be upset about a Westerner telling them about their history? "What do YOU know" we'd shout in unison. Who is right? I dunno, but I hope it is ok to learn about and benefit from the practices of other cultures because mine is lacking such tools. But there are lots of shows. Oo