Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Namaskar Shanthi,

I am so sorry to hear this. This reminds me of a lecture subject at Paulji's center in Attleboro, Massachusetts. He mentioned teaching breathing and stetching in a Christian center, without using the word "Yoga" or speaking Sanskrit. In the US, there is also a fundamentalist Christian movement that is against Yoga in churches, Yoga on church property, and Yoga in schools for children.

You can design a class and materials that cover stretching, muscle toning and breathing. Think of it like this - If you open a physical therapy manual it contains many asanas, but do they call it asana? No, they call it physical therapy.

The same can be said for Pilates, Tai Chi and Silat. If you look at the warrior postures, they can be easily seen in any martial art. Observe a Tai Chi calss and you can easily change the hand movements from traditional Hatha to a martial art.

Stretch and Tone classes also contain movements that can be seen as originating from Yoga, but we cannot say "Yoga." As you know, when man-made religious dogma is involved in every part of life there is conflict. The truth is this has nothing to do with God because it is all about controlling thoughts.

Speak to your client about a "stretch and tone" class with no mention of Yoga or Sanskrit language. My bet is you will get permission.

Peace be with you.

Sheryl