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

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.

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.

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.

February 3, 2009

Dear Yoga Journal:

Thank you for the interview of Bikram Choudhury in the February 2009 issue of Yoga Journal. It is good to occasionally have a COUNTER example of how to live. I have seldom read an interview of a (supposed) yogi that revealed such arrogance and ego.

Mr. Choudhury answers revealed much and left a lot to be desired. Learn to control your mind, but . . . don't even think. Really!? II had to patent, trademark, and copyright my excellent product. Mr. Choudhury seems to think that he can actually own yoga and can control other people without harm to them and himself. Truly delusional. For his karma, Mr. Choudhury seems to have taken the worst that America has to offer: unbridled competition [olympic yoga solves all problems?]; twisted law[patented yoga-please!]; and naked greed. If that is his karma yoga, he has my sympathy.

There is a vast range between live in a cave in the Himalayas and I have Rolls-Royces[plural!], a diamond wrist watch, [and] live in Beverly Hills. There are ways to live that are not only dignified, decent, clean, healthy, happy and peaceful, but are also LESS self aggrandizing and MORE compassionate for others. Here is some unsolicited advice to Mr. Choudhury. Live on half of your current expenditures and give the other half to a charity of your choice. However, do NOT donate to the buy Bikram another Rolls-Royce charity, please.

Sincerely
William Schnippert