International Yoga Day: Pure yoga's identity crisis

Heard of jazz yoga, detox yoga, hashish yoga or hot yoga? Or how about aerial or acro yoga, moonlight or better still moksha yoga?  Many yoga masters have over the years created a system of practices designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. On the International Yoga Day today, purists in Bengaluru share their views.     

Patanjali is considered the father of yoga and his yoga-sutras still strongly influence many yoga styles. Grand Master Akshar, Akshar Power Yoga  who has been practicing yoga for many years, states, “Yoga hails from the Himalayas.

There is no hard and fast rule that one needs to practice yoga only in one particular manner. The onus lies on the master who designs these forms and he or she must take complete responsibility of teaching this pious and holy art form and ensure everyone benefits from this yogic practice. Mindfulness is an important factor to consider.”

Bindu Madhavi who has been practicing yoga ardently adds, “Most styles of yoga are based on the same basic yoga poses or asanas, however the experience of one style can be radically different than another. While the method may be different, the end result of all these yogasanas is the same – to help one rejuvenate, spread peace, love and ultimately to connect with the universal energy.”

For someone who started the trend of yogi brunches, yoga retreats and moonlight yoga it is more about adapting a lifestyle. Neetu Singh and Manish Pole, Total Yoga believe that there’s no such thing as modern yoga Vs traditional yoga.

“When we speak about traditional yoga, we’re talking of Patanjali. Different yogis throughout history have explored yoga differently. It could either mean meditation, pranayam or asanas that can be performed either at sunrise or at night. Variations have existed throughout history. It’s not a dogma and no one owns it. Every yogi teaches a form which appeals to them. Even in ancient times, there was not just one form that everyone followed. Many yogis have created their own methodologies. Once you know how to concentrate and reap its benefits, you can practice this art differently,” says Manish.

These new forms of yoga are not necessarily rooted in or aligned to the core objective of traditional yoga feels Pradeep G Gowda, 1000yoga. “Most of them are an outcome of short term need to differentiate. Most yogis advocate various other forms and there’s nothing wrong with it, but most of our current and future needs have been beautifully incorporated in our traditional practices. If not, yoga that has been practiced for two millenniums wouldn’t have stood the test of time.”