Yoga And America

This document, an excerpt from "Yoga and America" by Yogi Shantananda, discusses the reception and impact of Yoga in the Western world.

Yogi Shantananda asserts that Yoga has been beneficial in the West. He emphasizes that to truly grasp its influence on Western minds and culture, one must experience it firsthand in the West. While encouraging Westerners to visit and live in India for a deeper appreciation of yogic wisdom, he acknowledges the significant differences in lifestyle, habits, and nature between Westerners and those in India. These differences are attributed to factors such as diet, education, work systems, and religious influences.

The author highlights that studying Yoga in India presents different challenges compared to studying it in the West. Westerners often face social stigma, being labeled "corny" or "weird" for their religious or yogic inclinations. Furthermore, the practical application of Yoga and Indian spirituality often clashes with their upbringing, making it difficult for many to adhere to the ethical codes and moral principles outlined in yogic texts. For instance, the concept of purifying and restraining the mind, body, and nerves to reach the Ultimate Spirit, and viewing the body as a temple that requires a healthy vegetarian diet, can be challenging for a Western audience accustomed to consuming meat, particularly beef, from a young age. This diet, according to the author, contributes to a more "Tamasik" and "Rajasik" (qualities of inertia and passion) mental state, with the "Sattvic" (quality of purity and balance) quality being less prevalent.

Despite these challenges, Yogi Shantananda finds Westerners to be generally simple, honest, and straightforward in their approach to learning Yoga. He notes their sincerity and capacity for rapid growth when following a Guru's teachings. However, he points out that areas requiring deep understanding, high meditation, and complete devotion and surrender to a Guru are often difficult for them to accept and comprehend.

The excerpt concludes by reiterating the positive impact of Yoga on Western society. In a West characterized by fast-paced and stressful lifestyles leading to nervous and psychic tensions, Yoga provides a means to calm the mind and nerves, offer a deeper sense of purpose, and ultimately reveal the true meaning of life. As a result of practicing Yoga, many Westerners have reportedly abandoned drug use, overcome alcoholism, adopted healthier diets, and are experiencing more harmonious relationships.