Yoga is a tough subject to discuss in this century. Under the influence of globalization, the true meaning of yoga has been severely distorted. The whole philosophy of yoga has been reduced to a simpler concept to help people understand the concept better. The intricate nature of its full contents might cause some confusion among people from the western world. It is a very dangerous and unethical to merely dabble on the surface and then talks about this subject as an expert! Often, westerners choose to focus merely on the physical aspects of yoga. The rich philosophies behind yoga practice have been reduced into a simple form of art that focuses merely on achieving inner balance and peace.
It originates from the Hindu religion and it is actually a part of the Hindu philosophy. Any Indian would assure you that it is a spiritual experience that is manifested through a series of complicated physical practice. Viewing yoga as a physical activity is definitely a mistake. The hidden intricacies of this mysterious practice with its strange looking symbols may be successful in making the average westerner aware that there are more to yoga than physical moves alone, but nevertheless they are often misunderstood. It is practiced as a popular sport. Additionally, people who desire inner tranquility would often find this practice to be beneficial.
The so called experts in this industry have been quick to use these promises and people have been fascinated. The numerous amount of fatal errors found in the practice of yoga outside of India shows that this art has been widely misunderstood at large. Closer observation reveals that the unique culture of each race has dramatically influenced the way yoga is practiced. It appears that the west is not prepared to pay the price necessary to gain a deeper understanding of this philosophy. Sometimes, the most important part of this practice is neglected, for instance the essential meditation. The Hindus have a different set of value system that is very different from the west, and places low importance in the mere accumulation of physical wealth. Perhaps the western man shall never reach the peaks of wisdom according to the parameters set by the Hindu religion and culture. It takes patience and time to experience a successful meditative session. The westerners do not consider spending time in meaningful meditations, contemplating about life and existence is an investment worthy to pursue.
Yoga has been accepted as a fashion. There are plenty of materials promoting it as a form of sports; you can practice yoga anywhere and anytime you want. During the early years of yoga practice in the US, a lot of yoga ‘gurus’ have emerged, claiming to be experts of this discipline; yet they gradually dwindled into what they actually are – merely fake gurus and yet they still have real support from their disciples. Obedient disciples of this distorted form of yoga have become agents of growth of this unhealthy philosophy.
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