Archive for September 23rd, 2009

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Depending on where you live, Yoga classes can be filled with students of different ethnic origins, religions, social status, age, and gender. As humans, we tend to differentiate ourselves from others by our self image. Depending on how we our programmed, we readily accept others at face value or we reserve the right to make a judgment later.

Sadly, it is this judgment of others that has held humankind back for thousands of years. It is easy to see differences in someone else and think our way is the right way. Worse yet, some people feel that their way is the only way.

When students enter an ashram, studio, or class, they are often instructed to leave their stress, baggage, and judgment at the door. This is one of the hardest hurdles for a beginner to manage. Even if you put most differences aside, the ego loves to engage in self praise.

There are also Yoga teachers who claim to teach “real Yoga,” as opposed to “phony Yoga.” This is an interesting analogy, as most students, who attend these classes, often mention that teachers spend an extraordinary amount of time on indoctrination and dogma.

The purpose of Yoga was never meant to divide people into splinter groups. When Yoga teachers meet at intensives and conferences, there is a huge diversity in the backgrounds of the individuals. In general, most Yoga teachers embrace the melting pot we may refer to as “humanity.”

Rather than sit around discussing our differences, humans should spend more time discussing possible solutions to major problems. This often happens in a Yoga teacher conference. Unfortunately, it is rarely seen among political or religious leaders.

In order for Yoga to make a difference in the 21st century, we have to focus on solutions to problems that we and our planet face. It is easy to spot a personality who seeks to divide, polarize, and stir up conflict.

With that said – anyone in a teaching position, who seeks to divide, does not deserve your precious time. The path to ruin is easily discovered within our history books. This is the path of division. The path of unity is the Yogic path.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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