Extra Credit Blog

I am a frequent Yoga person usually doing it twice a week at the local YMCA. I often that the I was getting the full culture of yoga in the classes because the instructor stated how we relate the poses to the world. After reading the article I found myself slightly offended. Going into yoga I fully realized that it was a type of meditation but that is not what I wanted to get out of it. I instead wanted to get the benefits of the poses and stretches and to help me relax more. The article stated that their are the equivalent of the 10 commandments.  "Most people are not aware that the practice of the Asanas or stretches is actually the third step in the classical school of Raja Yoga. The first step is the practice of 5 Restraints: Non-Harming, Truthfulness, Non-Stealing, Self-Restraint and Non-Possessiveness. The second is the practice of the 5 Observances: Purity, Contentment, Austerity, Self- Study and Surrender to God. (Notice there are 10, as in the 10 Commandments)." I guess this can be taken in a way that Americans have taken it to a new level. 


After every yoga session you have a relaxation time where the teacher has you relax your body and mind to fully reach your spiritual self. The teacher then states the beauty and peace in everything and to relate things to your personal life. I come out of yoga feeling relaxed and a new state of happiness, although the instructor does not specifically mention the religion aspect of yoga; I feel as if I am coming out of a church sermon with the strength to carry onto the following days. 


I appreciated that Professor Rasnic wanted to inform our class of the Americanized way of yoga but I have to disagree with it. I think that the article is bias as to the way that Americans practice this tradition. Another link that Professor Rasnic posted said that the only real way that Western yoga will hold its appeal for Westerners is if it continues to possess its degree and intensity. I can agree with this on the lines that as long as the teachers continues to relate yoga to religion is the only way that it will survive the next "big" movement of exercise.