International Yoga Day 2024: Equality in yoga can be understood in connection to how people of different races, genders, sexual orientations, and other characteristics can feel welcome and accepted in this traditional Indian practice. This includes but is not limited to, racial and ethnic diversity, cultural differences, physical appearance, age factor, sex, gender, and sexual orientation. In creating a culture of inclusivity, yoga can alter individuals and societies positively, consequently enhancing their health, relationships, and quality of life. A more diverse practice goes beyond improving one’s quality of life but also adds depth as a means of making people feel more connected, complete, and unified.
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Difference Between Western And Indian Yoga Practices:
Swami Vivekananda introduced Yoga as the ‘Science of Mind’ in Western countries with new kinds of Yoga asanas. In Western culture, ‘Hatha Yoga’ is associated with bringing harmony among the different energies that are related to the action of the sun and the symbol of the moon in Sanskrit. It involves different exercises done for the overall flexibility of the body and stretching.
On the other hand, yoga centres established in India mainly focus on kriyas and conventional asanas, including hatha yoga or Iyengar yoga. While the West has introduced novel hot yoga, aerial yoga, and acro yoga; Iyengar and other similar forms have continued with the tradition in India.
This difference is regarding the cultural perceptions of the physical and spiritual components of yoga in diverse world settings.
Different Forms Of Yoga In The West:
In the West, Yoga is practised within a closed space or a studio and is more associated with flexibility and muscle strength. It is executive yoga which consists of Vinyasa yoga and sometimes contains performances with elements of dance.
There are unconventional styles that are popular among the users such as Dog Yoga, Naked Yoga, and Beer Yoga (for beer drinkers).
Certain forms of yoga such as Kemetic Yoga for Afro-Americans, Queer, and Trans Yoga for gay people seek to meet the ethnic and sexual minorities' practice needs.
A new Caribbean twist, called Dubasana, is done by incorporating hip-hop, reggae, and drums with yoga.
There is also a ‘Paddle Board Yoga’ which is done by performing yoga asanas on a surfboard.
Practising yoga in an environment of diversity widens the horizon making it deeper and more impactful. It eradicates prejudice, encourages the understanding of multiculturalism among practising professionals and enhances its understanding abroad.