Yoga and Skepticism
July 5, 2009 at 4:39 pm | In Atheism, Home Practice, Misc, Spirituality, Yoga Benefits, Yoga Class | 4 CommentsTags: benefits, brain, doubt, enlightenment, meditation, myths, naturalism, rationality, religion, science, unorthodox, yoga
I’ve said in a previous post that there is some tension present in being an atheist and a yogi. I think it’s more to the point to say there is tension between being a skeptic and a yogi. While in general the teachers whose classes I frequent usually stick with pretty non-controversial claims about the benefits of yoga, every now and then I hear things that make me smirk and squirm a little inside. Stuff like this (not exact quotes):
- We’re going to have a relaxed class today because it’s near the new moon. Our energy levels are lowest during the new moon.
- Anything about chakras.
- Anything about Kundalini.
- Anything about Ayurveda.
- Claims that any of the above must be real and good because it’s been practiced for 1000’s of years.
I’ve tolerated this stuff for the most part, and have even gone along with it for the sake of experimentation. I have found that, in general, these things have not been core to the classes. The chakra talk I can deal with as being symbolic for different areas and characteristics of the body. No problem. Same with Kundalini. The alternative medicine stuff does set me a bit on edge though. Especially when I read about things like this: http://whatstheharm.net/ayurvedicmedicine.html. Maybe I’ll ask my teacher about that. Were all these people just doing it wrong?
I’m into the holistic aspect of yoga, and this is why it’s been the only exercise program I’ve stuck with regularly going on two years now. I’m not in it “just for the workout,” it’s also about the mental and emotional benefit as well. I’m all for the non-rational–I don’t have to reason everything out and understand how everything works in order to accept it. What I can’t accept is the irrational. What if some of these things being practiced as part of yoga can actually be harmful?
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I stopped attending group-zazen sessions for similar reasons.
Hmm… Could there be a niche avaliable for secular yoga or meditation groups?
Interesting thought, that.
Comment by Ubiquitous Che — July 5, 2009 #
A yoga studio that only includes the rational bits of yoga philosophy? And also has really good teachers?
That would be a nice find.
I have a feeling that most of the people dedicated enough to be really good teachers are very likely to be caught up in some of the woo…I could be wrong though.
Comment by Mikel — July 5, 2009 #
I get the feeling you’re right.
Yet if we think in terms of niche markets, if enough people want a service, then eventually someone will come along to deliver that service.
I suspect the demand isn’t high enough just yet – but I suspect that particular niche might just be a growing market.
Comment by Ubiquitous Che — July 5, 2009 #
I have not been into yoga, but have been an atheist since a kid. Recently I learned the “Down Dog” pose as a recommendation by a colleague. I have plantar fasciitis and this pose and other techniques have helped spark my interest in yoga.
I’m hesitant to go to classes, particularly with the mysticism so prevalent in yoga. I do think some sports clubs that offer all sorts of classes (spinning) do not introduce mysticism in yoga. I would be wierded out the first time someone tells me to pray in a class. I’d wallk out!
Comment by billl — November 19, 2009 #