RSSSan Francisco: Bikram, Yoga Chains, and Chakra Panties
Do you loathe the thought of yoga franchising? Get steamy when a studio gives more space to its clothing shop than its actual studio? Or not see either of those things as a problem at all? Whether you've pondered or praised the commercialization of yoga in Western society, you should see John Philip's documentary, Yoga, Inc. at it's SF premiere this weekend at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
Philip's film asks the question: Have we lost the spirit of yoga by making it a business? He talks to a whole range of people in the yoga world, including Rodney Yee, Cyndi Lee, Trisha Lamb, Baron Baptiste, John Friend, and Yoga Journal's own John Abbot about how they perceive yoga's place in the capitalist world. Philip focuses a large part of the film on Bikram Choudhury's memorable and controversial decision to copyright his style of yoga, as well as the development of his World Yoga Competitions. The movie raises questions, as well, about the ethical implications of high priced asana, yoga chains, and the selling of various accoutrement like yoga shoes and chakra panties. But in the end, the filmmaker leaves the decision up to you.
It's a tricky question. To be honest, I am a bit of a purist when it comes to my own practice. I study the texts and the poses more than the fashion labels on my yoga outfits. I try to eat with an ayurvedic conscience, I like to chant, and I steer away from materialism. But I don't think every yogi needs to be like me, nor do I think my yoga is the only yoga there is.
And in the end, I think a little yoga is better than no yoga, and that commercialized yoga is better than no yoga at all. People in the West, and specifically in the US, like to buy stuff. It's something that seems intrinsic to our culture. It is almost our national religion—and that's not going to change overnight. So, I say, if people want to spend, why not spend on something that will improve their health, make them nicer to people around them, and, maybe, even bring them a little peace of mind?
Have thoughts about Bikram's enterprise, the commercialization of yoga, or chakra panties? Please share!
Comments
Karen!
Thanks for directing my attention to this. I'll see it (maybe Sunday).
It's cool that someone's devoted a project to the subject.
Sometimes I wonder if the commercialization of yoga will change the meaning of the word--so that when "yoga" is said, the long tradition, its promise and mystery don't come to mind, but something more like when we say "guru"--it'll carry a mixed meaning with dark overtones.
In this case, "yoga" may draw to itself connotations of fakery or economic exploitation.
I hope that's avoided.
In the meantime, I'm just where you are. We Americans take things in as commodities-and if we're taking in this type of commodity--hot dog!
Best,
E
Posted by: Eric Shaw | June 20, 2008 07:39 PM
i also think that commercialised yoga is better than none, as those who are purists already will probably not be too affected by it, and it could cause otherwise disinterested people to take it up. however, i think it is a problem how expensive it is becoming to keep up in the yoga world! whether fellow yogis are scoffing at your less-than-couture outfit or you don't have the latest accessories, your practice can become rather distracted. i can barely afford lessons anymore, and of course others in the community look down upon someone who practices solely from home.
Posted by: jamie | June 20, 2008 09:27 PM
I believe we have to ask, why are we practicing?
Are we practicing for the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits, or are we practicing because it is fashionable?
Yoga is about balance. While there needs to be a certain amount of commercialization for those of us who do not have the skill or resources to create our own clothing and props, there also has to be a balance. Paying $65 + shipping for the same yoga mat that can be purchased in a discount store for $20 is not balance. Criticizing another because they dont have gucchi mats or versachi shorts is not balance. Being more concerned with looking good, than feeling good is not balance. Yoga is about balance.
Posted by: CL | June 21, 2008 03:31 PM
I agree with so much of what has been said here. This past weekend I went to see a spoken word/hip-hop artist that I love name Marc Bamuthi Joseph at YBCA, and as part of his performance he starting talking about the poor getting pushed out of cities and replaced by "some yoga studio on the corner." It's this perception of yoga that I fear - that it is an elite practice only for the white upper middle class. And when it is priced so high and becomes a real materialistic commodity, that impression becomes amplified.
Thanks for all of the insight! Please keep sharing.
Posted by: Karen | June 23, 2008 01:02 AM