Yoga is no longer just a practice from ancient India; it's now a global phenomenon. Everywhere you look - Instagram, wellness retreats, fitness studios - you’ll find people doing yoga.
That’s fantastic in many ways, but as yoga has spread, it’s often lost its essence, being transformed into something far removed from its roots. We're seeing yoga being stripped of its cultural, spiritual, and philosophical significance, and what's left is often just a fitness trend or exotic commodity. This is what we call cultural appropriation.
Let’s break down what cultural appropriation is, how it’s happening to yoga, why it’s a problem, and how we can all do better moving forward.
What Exactly is Cultural Appropriation?
Cultural appropriation happens when elements of a marginalized culture are taken by members of a dominant culture and used out of context, usually for entertainment or profit. It's not the same as cultural exchange, where there’s mutual respect and understanding. Instead, appropriation often distorts or erases the original meaning behind these elements.
In the case of yoga, it’s more than just borrowing a few moves. It’s taking something sacred and turning it into something trendy, while ignoring or disrespecting the culture it comes from. And yes, there’s a lot of this happening right now in the yoga world.
The Cultural Appropriation of Yoga
Yoga in the West has changed drastically from its origins. The practice, which is a deep, spiritual journey in India, has often been watered down to fit Western ideas of health, fitness, and self-care. Here’s how it shows up:
1. Pranayama as “Breathwork”:
Pranayama, the ancient yogic practice of controlling the breath, has been reduced to trendy "breathwork." While breathing exercises are excellent for mental and physical well-being, the way Pranayama is taught in its traditional form is linked to spiritual growth, self-discipline, and awakening. When it’s marketed as just another wellness hack, it loses the depth and purpose it’s meant to serve.
2. Sacred Symbols as Décor:
Ever walked into a yoga studio and seen the Om symbol plastered on walls, yoga mats, or even as earrings?
The Om is a sacred sound, representing the vibration of the universe and the divine. Turning it into a decoration item is not just appropriation but also a misunderstanding of its profound significance.
The same goes for other symbols like the lotus or mala beads as trendy accessories instead of meditation tools.
3. Misusing Words Like 'Yogi' and 'Namaste':
The word “yogi” refers to someone who has dedicated their life to spiritual practice, often with years of deep study and discipline.
Nowadays, anyone who does a few yoga classes can call themselves a "yogi." Then there’s "Namaste," a word that signifies deep respect and recognition of the divine in another person.
In many classes, it’s thrown around casually at the end, sometimes even pronounced wrong, with no explanation of its true meaning.
4. Commodification of Yoga:
Yoga has become big business, and along the way, it's been commercialized to the point of absurdity. We have things like "yoga playlists," "soulful music," and even "beer yoga."
Turning yoga into an exotic commodity to sell more memberships or products misses the point entirely.
Yoga was never about needing the perfect playlist or trendy leggings; it’s a deeply personal practice for the mind, body, and spirit.
5. Yoga Festivals and "Spiritual" Experiences:
Yoga festivals have popped up everywhere, often blending music, dancing, and spirituality in ways that feel more like a party than a true practice.
It’s great to have fun, but when these events market themselves as authentic spiritual experiences, they risk trivializing what yoga really means.
What’s Wrong with All of This?
When yoga is appropriated, we end up with a distorted version of the practice. The core teachings of yoga - self-awareness, discipline, ethical living, and spiritual growth—get overshadowed by aesthetics, profit, and consumer culture.
Here’s why this is problematic:
- Erasure of Indian and Hindu Roots:
Yoga is deeply connected to Indian culture and spiritual traditions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. When we strip yoga of these roots, it becomes a hollow shell, disconnected from its true purpose.
- Superficiality Over Depth:
When yoga becomes all about perfecting postures, looking good on social media, or listening to the right playlist, we lose the deeper aspects of the practice like meditation, breath control, and mindfulness.
- Cultural Insensitivity:
Many Western practitioners use words, symbols, and practices from yoga without understanding their significance. When sacred words like Namaste or the Om symbol are misused, it shows a lack of respect for the culture these practices come from.
- Exclusivity:
Yoga is being turned into a luxury experience, with expensive retreats, gear, and classes that not everyone can afford. Ironically, this goes against yoga’s teaching of inclusivity and unity. Yoga should be accessible to all, not just those who can afford the latest trends.
How Can We Practice Yoga More Respectfully?
If we’re truly committed to yoga, we need to make sure we’re practicing it with respect for its roots. Here are some things we can do:
1. Acknowledge Yoga’s Origins:
Yoga didn’t come from Instagram or a fitness studio—it’s a spiritual practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. Acknowledge and honor this. If you’re teaching or practicing yoga, make sure to learn about the history and philosophy behind it.
2. Go Beyond Asana:
Yoga is so much more than physical postures. Explore the other aspects of yoga, such as the ethical guidelines (yamas and niyamas), meditation, and pranayama. By deepening your practice, you’ll gain a fuller understanding of what yoga is truly about.
3. Respect Sacred Symbols and Language:
If you’re using words like Namaste or displaying symbols like Om, take the time to understand their meanings. Don’t use these elements as decoration or casual expressions; instead, honour them for what they represent.
4. Be Mindful of Commodification:
It's easy to get caught up in the consumer side of yoga - buying the latest gear, attending trendy workshops, or signing up for expensive retreats. But yoga isn’t about stuff or status. Focus on the inner work rather than the outward trappings.
5. Create Inclusive Spaces:
Yoga should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background, body type, or financial situation. If you’re a teacher, consider how you can make your classes more inclusive and welcoming.
6. Support Indian Teachers and Voices:
Yoga is a gift from India to the world, so it’s essential to uplift and support Indian teachers, scholars, and voices in the yoga community.
When possible, learn directly from the source and seek out teachers who are knowledgeable in the philosophical and cultural roots of the practice.
The Future of Yoga Education: A Way Forward
The future of yoga education needs to move away from superficiality and back to its spiritual, philosophical, and ethical foundations. Yoga teacher training programs should place more emphasis on the history, culture, and philosophy of yoga, not just on asanas.
Additionally, it’s crucial that we create spaces for open conversations about cultural appropriation and inclusivity in yoga. This isn’t about gatekeeping or saying only certain people can practice yoga—it’s about practicing with mindfulness, respect, and understanding.
Conclusion: Embrace Yoga’s Fullness
Yoga is a beautiful practice that belongs to the world but has deep roots in India’s spiritual traditions. By understanding and respecting those roots, we can all benefit more fully from the practice, while ensuring that yoga remains true to its origins.
One of our Yoga Teacher Training Course students mentioned it very beautifully. She said, replace cultural appropriation with cultural appreciation. I thought it is a very simple but opt way of expressing everything we discussed so far here.
Read: Arundhati Baitmangalkar's article on 'Cultural Appropriation in Yoga'
It’s time to stop turning yoga into a commodity or performance and embrace the richness and depth it has to offer.
Whether you’re a teacher or a student, remember that yoga is about more than just moving your body - it’s about connecting with your mind, your breath, your spirit, and the world around you.
Let’s make sure we honor that.
