By Meera Subramanian, Religion Dispatches, Sept. 19th 2011. http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/culture/5094/what%E2%80%99s_in_an_%E2%80%9Com%E2%80%9D%3A_how_women_are_transforming_yoga/
Today for class we briefly read about how yoga is a way for Hindu's to find liberation from their 'self' (which is a whole different discussion as 'what really is the 'self' has endless discussion points.) and try and get to the higher power of spirituality. This article discusses how yoga was originally a female practice but the male Brahmins took over that practice so that the Goddesses were the only females with any type of spiritual power. I'm not sure how much of that is legitimate since I have about 5 days of Hindu knowledge under my belt, but assuming that is true, I'll continue on...
It's hard for me to accept that any religion or culture still holds men to a higher power than women. And especially since Hinduism is a way of life and not only a religion, then females are basically destined to be contained and submissive in all aspects of their lives.
So in that regard, I love the fact that females are embracing yoga not for the health benefits as it's modern claim to fame is, but for the actual spiritual part. (Notice I said spiritual, and not necessarily religious. I hope you are able to notice the difference I am inferring!) The experience that seasoned 'yogists' have while practicing yoga is in a lot of ways a practice of "Vendanta" ideology to connect your self with other parts of this universe. Which of the 3 main sects of this..I guess that is up to each yogi. Whether that 'connecting' is trying to connect yourself with the god Shiva, or Jesus...or even if its only trying to UNconnect yourself from the thought that your homework is the only thing that defines your 'self'...what a nice outlet for people of all different religions.
If the extreme Hindus are mad that yoga has gotten to be so mainstream, I guess I can understand. But I don't think the mainstream followers are claiming to be seasoned Hindus or knowing all the religious context behind yoga. The thing I like best, and deem most important, is that this is one very popular way that people are recognizing this material world, this day, this drama, are not 'us'. I think that is probably a very liberating (a-ha!) and reassuring feeling for females and males, Hindus and non-Hindus alike.
Explore the gender role irony in this article: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Arab+women+take+their+place+front+lines/5434302/story.html
ReplyDeleteAs the woman's role in the Libyan society is transforming from subservient/repressed to the front lines of battle, there is still debate over whether they will obtain the 'human rights' they deserve. How sad for them.
Check out this article from the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/28/nyregion/28yoga.html?pagewanted=all
ReplyDeleteIt provides a lot of different perspectives on the relationship between Hinduism and yoga as well as opinions from practicers of the religion, religious experts, yoga instructors, and Westerners.
I see the mainstreaming of yoga practices as being a part of the growing acceptance of an undefined spirituality. The article "More Americans tailoring religion to fit their needs," talks about how people are beginning to pick and choose parts of differing religions that represent their own personal beliefs and morals. (http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-09-14/america-religious-denominations/50376288/1). Practicing yoga allows people of all different religions to understand, respect, and benefit from a central part of hinduism. Even as you said, if the people are not participating solely for the spirituality of the activity.
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