The Importance of the Yoga Lineage

My various students and clients have recently expressed concerns to me about what they have been told at studios, events and trainings with regards to using Sanskrit and that this is apparently “insulting” to yoga history and tradition!?! And using correct terms for Asanas during class and practice is no longer encouraged?

This seriously needs to be addressed as following or incorporating yoga into your life’s journey should be embraced and encouraged and this should include the history, the language and the practice as whole. We may do things slightly differently in the west but it should ultimately be encouraged to embrace or at least be open to learning about the culture and history of where yoga comes from and how amazing this practice and philosophy truly is. I think people need to understand and feel drawn to the true authentic practice of yoga. The same way that one would learn another language or study the history of another country to help with understanding where we are today and how we got here… For example most religious beliefs stem back to a few thousand years and people feel a certain sense of belonging when they uphold many of these traditions.

By continuing to teach the history, philosophy, Asana and Sanskrit practices in our classes we are not only keeping the true yoga way alive but we are sharing something that literally has helped so many people transform their lives. This practice resonates on a deep spiritual level for a reason and that does not come from trying to “change” or “remove” elements from Yoga but rather keeping it as real, authentic and true to its origins as possible.

The study of yoga should be respected the same way as when westerners visit Buddhist temples or attend gatherings that do not originate from the west. We feel drawn to a sense of peace, spiritual enlightenment and community in our yoga space and this is a positive thing.

Anyone trying to strip away tradition or anyone discouraging the elements of the history of yoga are not teaching true yoga and that should then be called something else. Yoga meaning “union” is for everyone, it is a practice that promotes spiritual awakening, healing, balance and connection. It is ad should always be a non-judgmental space which helps people transform in a very real way, bringing them back to themselves and allowing them to feel grounded and loved.

Focusing on how teachers are doing this or fixating on the use of Sanskrit as something negative defeats the unity that Yoga stands for, promotes and creates. Let us become aware of why we began this practice weather as a teacher or student or both. I encourage you to release the attachment of ego and feeling the need to try to take away from the tradition but rather to continue to dive deeper into the teachings and the incredible history of this ancient universal practice.

Trying to change the way Yoga has been taught and practiced for so many years is not where we should be focused. We should be encouraging our clients and students to be open to learning more. If the authentic practice does not resonate with you, that is okay too and there are many other classes and forms of movement you could try. Yoga is and should be sacred, it is a space of belonging to so many and it has helped so many. These people should not be made to feel “bad” or “wrong” for wanting to continue diving into this incredible practice. Our spiritual journeys are unique but the unity we have in our various yoga communities speak for themselves. If we go on how we feel instead of what we think perhaps we will have a better understanding. To anyone who is no longer feeling called or drawn to Yoga, that is your journey and there should be no judgment but, please respect those who love this practice as it stands and are eager to continue expanding and learning the philosophy, the Asanas and more.

As Swami Sivananda explained, “Yoga is the science that teaches us the method of uniting the individual soul with the Supreme Soul, of merging the individual will in the Cosmic Will.” Here is one more thought from his teachings: “Yoga is the master key to unlock the realms of Peace and Bliss, Mystery and Miracle.”

Namaste.