Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Hi Plato,

You're right. After so many hours of studying for your written yoga exams, it is easy to be confused. There are many answers within yoga books but you also have answers that you learn from life. For example: What is the goal of yoga? Unity! Unity with what? Unity of Jiva (yourself) with God.

Then a yoga students says: "But we don't learn about Jiva, Atman, Brahman, or Sanskrit in classes. What do you learn? We hold a few poses, learn how to breathe, listen to some music, feel relaxed and go home. Then the goal of Yoga is to feel good? Maybe not because Bikram says you must suffer in his hot yoga torture chamber.

You see there are many answers to this question. Bikram feels the goal of yoga is torture at 105 degrees. Is he wrong? Not really because his classes are full of people who believe him. And they should pay for their "bad health" in blood, sweat, tears, and a few insults from Bikram himself. He loves to insult big women. But people love him and the pain and agony.

But Paulji says Yoga's main objective is the end of suffering, happiness, developing self-awareness, tranquility, inner peace, and Samadhi. Who is right? Is it Bikram or is it Paulji? Maybe they are both right. But they attract different people. People are attracted to Gurus they can identify with. If you believe you must suffer, then the goal of yoga is pain. If you believe you should be happy the goal of yoga is the end of all suffering.

Maybe I made this confusing. But I wanted you to see that there are many answers to the same question.

Peace,

Amy