Recent reports on reservations towards yoga by some church establishments are not unexpected, uncalled for, or unfortunate. It is good that it has happened, so that yoga enthusiasts can take rational and corrective measures. A little thought on “branding” yoga is perhaps called for.
For far too long, we have neglected to brand yoga to suit the new millennium, or to rid it of all the age-old trappings. And, it’s time we consider it in all seriousness, taking care not to be frivolous, but firmly embedding yoga in sculpting a positive mind-body structure.
It is unfortunate that yoga today has come to be strongly associated with one particular “religion” or “faith” after nearly four or five thousand years after the evolution and perfection of a system of physical-cum-mental culturing practice. The responsibility for such misunderstanding heavily rests with those who propagate this, no doubt, with good intentions, but unwittingly bestow particular religious colour to the practice.
Right from the clothes these “gurus” wear, to the décor and the paraphernalia associated far too long with yoga may have to be discarded; and attention must be given to a universally acceptable, non-controversial dress code and decor, trappings and trimmings. In no way, this will mean compromising on the core of yoga principles or practices.
Let us take a lesson from that towering personality soaked in ancient Indian tradition and culture, Swami Vivekananda and see how, just a little over 125 years ago, he presented, among world stalwarts, the laudable aspects of our country in Chicago and earned a vivid, indelible status for our country. In his own inimitable and forceful style, he did it because he believed and presented our culture as truly accommodative.
If one would with a hundred per cent rational approach adhere to the textbooks of psychology, laid out for our personal and social well-being, there are pointers for personal grooming and wellness of the mind-body complex such as self-awareness, empathy, critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, decision making, stress and emotional management.
We can and should reject yoga if it does not enhance our skills on the above essential attributes or if in any way yoga proves to be counter-productive to this. In fact, many feedback tests have proved the efficacy of yoga, time and again, on aspects like body-mind coordination.
In view of the danger of yoga being stamped as “un-something” or the other, it has become almost crucial for yoga preceptors and mentors to be careful to avoid painting it with “misleading hues” and give a little thought for suitably “branding” yoga so that it is accepted for its universal and therapeutic values and not mistaken as a tool to propagate or instill in anyone a particular religious viewpoint.
In the new millennium, when “branding” plays a pivotal role for acceptability, it is a pity that we have neglected this singular marketing exercise. It is time genuine, bonafide yoga gurus shed their somewhat misleading garb and trappings and change the perceptions surrounding this everlasting, enduring, time-tested treasure, yoga.
