The Importance of Decolonizing Yoga / Re-Indeginizing Yoga…
Despite completing over 1000 hours of certificate trainings, I have many issues with the spiritual industrial complex, Yoga Alliance, and how capitalism’s infiltration in an ancient tradition has completely ruined it in the West / Global North. I take decolonizing yoga (re-indeginizing yoga) very seriously and am trying not to be a snob about it.
Some simple ways of Decolonizing / re-indeginizing Yoga:
- Understand Why and How Cultural Appropriation Causes Harm – For most white yoga practitioners and teachers this is a confusing nuanced concept. It is easy to assume we are truly appreciating South Asian culture by participating in anything we would consider yogic… while it is crucial to recognize what those in the Desi Diaspora have gone through in their migration, assimilation processes. Consider how it may feel to witness white people (with a cultural history of stealing from indigenous cultures), adopting cultural practices, attire, names, etc. (most often awkwardly or poorly imitating), when you and your family endured teasing, bullying, or down right violent oppression from merely expressing the culture of your roots. When someone calls you out / in, rather than be defensive, be grateful, be open to feedback, and adjust your behaviour accordingly. If this is new to you, a good place to start is by listening to the Yoga is Dead Podcast.
- Boycott Yoga Alliance – There is no need to register yourself (despite having accumulated over 1000 hours of certificate trainings I refuse to register with this organization), as an American based organization, they are not the authority they claim to be.
- Participate in trainings run by South Asian Yoga Teachers – You don’t have to travel to India to do this (however I chose to do so), many South Asian Teachers among the diaspora are most likely also teaching near where you live and definitely online. If you are not sure where to find them you can start by following @abcdyogi on Instagram.
- Do Seva (Karma Yoga) for and Learn From Teachers Who Do Not Issue Certificates – Most of my real training has been living among sanyasi yogis with in the Śri Panch Daśnām Juna Akhara (the oldest and largest organization of ascetic renunciate yogis) and other Nāth Yogis, where guru / disciple relationships have nothing to do with earning certificates. Traditional Yoga comes from a student teacher relationship based on cycles of 12 years of seva (selflessly serving your teacher), various initiations and dakshina (donation according to your capacity). Furthermore my most impactful teachers have nothing to do with social media.
- Decolonizing Yoga = Detaching from Capitalism – Yoga is not routed in Capitalism. But Capitalism has co-opted yoga and turned it into a business model, which over the past few decades has snow balled into what I call “The Spiritual Industrial Complex“. You don’t need all the “products”… yoga clothes, fancy mats, etc. the wellness industry tries to sell you. And while not eveyone living in Capitalist domniant culture can just renounce and live like an ascetic yogi in the forest, if you have to earn a living from yoga, at least adopt the business ethics of donating a percentage of your income to South Asian organizations in the Sub Continent or in your local community.
- Seva is not Work Exchange – Seva is the action of being of service, while a Sevak is the person doing Seva. True Karma Yoga (seva) is completely outside the realm of Capitalism, and therefore not work trade, because the entire point is to be of service without expecting any (one to one) return, rather it’s more of a pay it forward kind of economy. Seva is doing something because it is needed, we are capable and willing, while not being at all concerned with the fruits of our labor. While yes it is ethical to not expect sevaks to also pay for their retreat tickets or room and board, calling it work exchange is using the language of Capitalism.
- Hire or Collaborate with South Asian Teachers in the Subcontinent or within the Diaspora – If you are in a position of power, like owning your own studio or running your own retreats, consider hiring or collaborating with South Asian Teachers. If you are unsure where to find them here is an online request form via abcdyogi who can help you source an authentic staff.
- Study Original Sanskrit Yogic Texts with Translations and Commentaries by South Asian Authors – Although my several years of Sanskrit study has indeed helped me, you don’t have to know Sanskrit in order to get as close to source as possible. But do know that when an original text has been translated several times, from Sanskrit to Hindi to English to any other European language… many things get lost in the translation. I have found it is beneficial to study several versions to compare translations. I have also found it even more beneficial to study these texts along side a Sanskrit Scholar. I realize not everyone has the privilege (I have had) to do so with an Indian Sanyasi Sanskrit Scholar who was in his 80s during the years he taught me.
This is an ongoing draft… as I go through my own process of decolonizing my own yoga practice and facilitation. Resources to help you in moving through some of these bullet points will be added soon.
Escaping the Spiritual Industrial Complex: Essential Reading to support you on your Journey of Decolonizing Yoga and Detaching from Capitalism…
