The Fusion of East and West
In a two-room yoga studio in the heart of Columbia, Missouri, soft strains of traditional Indian music envelop the space. Vividly colored mats adorn the floor, facing a shrine adorned with images of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, the progenitor of modern yoga, and Ganesh, the Hindu deity of beginnings.
Concurrently, thousands of miles away, a group of individuals unfurl their mats at the Mystic Yoga Cafe in Kolkata, India. The ambiance here evokes a distinct dance studio, with minimalist decor and mirrors reflecting the length of the room. Despite the absence of music or chanting, the sweltering heat does not deter the attendees, primarily motivated by fitness and weight management goals.
The Impact of Globalization
These contrasting scenes embody the multifaceted evolution of yoga in the 21st century. While American practitioners delve deeper into the spiritual roots of yoga, many in India find themselves influenced by Western commercialism and consumerism.
Yoga reflects the profound interconnectedness of our globalized world, facilitating an exchange of ideas that shape cultures worldwide. This exchange contributes to a thriving yoga industry. In the United States alone, 36 million individuals spent $2.5 billion on yoga classes in 2016, according to the Yoga in America Study conducted by Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance.
India, too, has witnessed a surge in yoga practitioners, with a 30% increase in the past year alone. This has fueled a 35% demand for yoga trainers catering to Westernized natives and international tourists, as reported by the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India.
East Meets West: The Roots of Yoga
Yoga traces its origins to ancient Indian philosophy, designed to cultivate self-awareness, heightened consciousness, and inner tranquility. Its popularity in America soared in the 1960s, fueled by the Beatles’ incorporation of traditional Indian instruments into their album “Help!” sparking Western interest in Eastern cultures.
Over the following decades, yoga took root in the United States, acquiring a distinctly American flavor. By the 1980s and ’90s, its practice had become more consumer-oriented than traditional Indian yoga. Americans increasingly adopted it as a form of exercise to maintain health and fitness, as revealed by the Yoga in America Study.
The Commercialization of Yoga
By 2016, Americans had invested $16 billion in yoga classes, clothing, and accessories. Businesses have capitalised on consumer interest in yoga, none more so than the retail giant Lululemon, which retails yoga pants for up to $128.
Some yoga instructors believe this commercialization has positive aspects. “I appreciate the aesthetic of yoga pants,” said Kathy Kessler, a yoga teacher at Halcyon Spa & Salon in Augusta. “And it has brought yoga to a wider audience.”
West Meets East: Reconnecting with Yoga’s Spirituality
Despite the commercialization, many American yoga practitioners seek to recapture the centuries-old spirituality at the practice’s core. Lucille Sherman, a University of Missouri senior, credits yoga with fostering her self-awareness and well-being.
Yoga variants that delve into the deeper aspects of practice, such as Kundalini, are gaining popularity. Kundalini combines physical and spiritual practices, including dynamic breathing and mantra chanting, to activate consciousness.
Kundalini practitioners opt for plain white garments made of natural fabrics, adorned with a headscarf to preserve their personal energy. They utilize the sound of gongs and the recitation of sacred texts to delve into the depths of their souls.
East Meets West: Adapting to Global Demands
While spirituality finds its footing in the United States, India’s yoga scene is evolving to cater to American consumerism. Stressed Americans seek solace and rejuvenation in yoga retreats in India, making the country a burgeoning destination in the global wellness tourism industry.
The Indian government promotes yoga through global events such as the International Day of Yoga, increasing its international visibility and facilitating the
