Confused and Disoriented

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hello everyone,

 I have been practicing yogic exercise on and off for over a year now. When I first began, I couldn't touch my toes. Now, I can not only touch my toes but I can also bring my forehead to my knees. I have experienced other such improvements and benefits in my year of asana practice. However, I seem to be stuck and confused as to how I should proceed with my practice.

 I am confused over which path is right for me. I live in Canada, and here as in America and Europe, "Yoga", for the most part, usually refers to posture practice. Most, if not all, "yoga classes" emphasize the physical benefits of doing yogic postures. Whatever philosophy they attempt to bring into the class is usually a vague, watered down version of a teaching or some new-age inspired monologue. I can sum up my confusion in a single question. Why do we, or why should we, practice asanas?  
 
 I am currently enrolled in a Sivanada Yoga class. I made a post about it on these forums. Basically, I was concerned about the teacher, who seems to have only gone to a thirty day teachers training course, although such teachers are only allowed to teach beginners. My other concerns are over meditation practices. Can one practice yoga and at the same time practice a Buddhist mediation technique? Does Patanjali talk about Vipassana mediation? Is Mantra meditation a form of insight meditation, or simply a process in which one concentrates the mind?

I am also more inclined towards the atheistic teachings of Buddhism. Although I am not an atheist, I often feel uncomfortable with yoga’s seeming obsession with their gurus. Sivanada yoga certainly has an attachment to their guru, one which I do not share in the slightest bit. I suppose my confusion here is, with all these different forms and practices and methods of practicing yoga, how can I decide which one is right for me? Or rather, which form or practice of yoga is more inclined towards atheistic thought? Is there a form of yoga that incorporates yoga asana practice with Buddhist meditative practices?

Or am I merely over-analyzing? Perhaps I am too concerned with the presentation rather than the content.

Your comments, questions, and criticisms are very much appreciated.

-Sonrita

#2

Practicing asana can be great for physical health…if done correctly.
Giving better flexibility, increased strength, better posture etc (with better posture come better breathing and better digestion as well as just looking nicer).

A BIG problem that I have with sivanada is that they think a 30 day course is enough to teach beginners…beginners are MUCH more difficult and complicated to teach than advanced students…it make no sense at all for new teacher to be teaching beginners!!!especially if that teacher has not been practicing yoga themselves for a long time…and it is possible to join a sivananda TTC with NO yoga experience at all!!!CRAZY!!!

I suggest that you try some other classes for the asana practice and then explore other teachers for any spiritual teachings…

I do not know any type of yoga which teaches asana and Buddhism…you could find an asana class such as vinyasa flow or ashtanga where you are less likely to get the spiritual stuff and then go to a Buddhist meditation group…
Jivamuctti (???sp) is a great asana practice and their spiritual outlook is perhaps close to Buddhism.

Good luck.

#3

Such frustration and confusion is understandable Sonrita. In fact I am amazed more people are not experiencing or expressing this very thing. Much of the yoga has gone out of the yoga. Those teaching often lack commitment, integrity, understanding, or training of some worth. As we tolerate teachers who are trained in a weekend through the vote of our expended currency, this will likely grow.

Why you practice may be different than why I practice. And this may vary just as human beings vary. In my practice the purpose of asana is to ready the body, ready the nervous system, ready the vessel to hold light in the cells. This isn’t based on new age but rather the works of Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950) and when looked at carefully isn’t at all woo-woo.

When the practice of asana is done without purpose I don’t believe there’s a reason to continue doing it. And, of course, it should be mentioned that few beginners walk into the room and do the practice in order to evolve human consciousness. But this is the bigger picture of the practice and that which comes before it is merely preparation:-)

In a more simplistic view we can say that “asana is to prepare the body for meditation”. As to whether your meditation can be used or not…it is not for me to say. I have found a system with synergy. The parts work together to create a whole. I don’t personally believe that a path of this from here and that from there and another thing from yonder is a very effective brew. When you make a cake the ingredients are not only specific, they are measured.

However if it works for you in your living and brings you closer to your source, your soul, or your spirit, then for you it is perfect.

#4

Two very insightful posts, thank you!

To yogacambodia; The issue with having beginner teachers teaching beginners also confused me. It was a tad unsettling seeing the teacher slop her way through a Sun Salutation sequence. I chose Sivanada because I thought it would offer an ethical approach to yoga, or at least emphasize ethics are morality. As an asana practice, I find it lacking…

To InnerAthele: I was hoping to hear your input on the matter. I am aware of the confusion that arises when trying to build a practice based on a vast pluralistic approach. In fact, this approach is the very thing which makes the new-age movement so disoriented and nonsensical. However, I am discovering more and more that Yoga and Buddhism have much more in common than I first realized. I may also have no choice but to fuse the two together; yoga in North America has become either a wholly physical practice or a ridiculous new-age phenomena which emphasizes supernatural experiences over insightful experiences that are accessible to all.

#5

Hi Sonrita

Its difficult to maintain seperation between yoga and Hinduism, but its definitely possible.

FYI: Buddhist practitioners of meditation who are not clergy are known as…Yogis

Mantra meditation is absolutely not insight meditation.

Vipassana meditation and asana go hand in hand in the seated meditation position. All other asana are there primarily for this purpose. But people also practice for health, wealth, fun or fame…and really I dont see any problem as long as we are not hurting others physically, emotionally, financially or otherwise.

Seems your enquiring into the relevance of practice and are confused by the diversity of institutions. Best to look deep in yourself and all questions may be answered which is of course a type of yoga. Samadhi the non-questioning mind

#6

Thank you for sharing your insight sukashanti. I’ve been searching all summer. I have tried Moksha Yoga (Hot Yoga), Iyengar Yoga, and now I am trying Sivanada Yoga.Perhaps I should rather be saying I have practiced Yoga postures in the Hot, Iyengar, and Sivanada traditions of Hatha yoga.

Thanks again for your input!

#7

Yoga is a tradition. These are forms which are in the process of becoming. I imagine in thousand years, yoga will be still be around but the forms will keep changing.

If you find a form that works for you stick with it for at least a few years.

Changing form is usually confusing until you’ve found your yoga.

Best Wishes.