https://youtube.com/shorts/fjg62ksYHmA
Cultural appropriation is a significant concern in the yoga community. Despite our best intentions, we may unknowingly engage in it due to an unquestioned assumption: that yoga was invented in India by indigenous yogis. But does the yoga wisdom tradition state that yoga originated in India? Well, no; it tells us that yoga originates in transcendence.
Yoga wisdom differentiates between spiritual and material cultures, not Western and Indian. The Sanskrit term apauruṣeya, meaning “not man-made,” indicates that yoga wisdom comes to us by way of divine revelation rather than by human invention.
Many people think we have to view yoga philosophy through a modern lens to make it relevant. But if we do, we mythologize India’s religious culture and project that mythology onto yoga’s spiritual teachings—echoing what European colonizers did to undermine and belittle Hindu culture.
To truly honor yoga’s roots, we should challenge this modern worldview and acknowledge that a science of self-realization logically originates in transcendence.
Here are a few practical ways to honor the transcendental origins of yoga:
- Contemplate how the idea that yoga originates in transcendence might change the way you relate to and practice yoga
- Actively question modern interpretations of yoga philosophy that might distort or dilute a traditional understanding of yoga’s teachings.
- Consider how yoga’s transcendental origin makes it a universal science accessible to all, regardless of background or belief. This fosters a more inclusive yoga community that honors everyone’s true spiritual nature.
Respecting India’s spiritual culture is important, but appreciating yoga’s transcendental origin encourages respect for all spiritual cultures and wisdom traditions. This aligns with broader values of cultural sensitivity and appreciation.
What are your thoughts on cultural appropriation?