The Journey of Yoga to the United States: An Intriguing Tale

Yoga has become a part of the American lifestyle. Most fitness centers have a yoga wing that caters to people of different ages. But Yoga was originally an eastern concept. So how did it manage to infiltrate the west? To investigate how Yoga found its way into American life, we must travel all the way to Asia.

The Discovery and Conception

In the 19th century, sacred Indian texts were introduced in Massachusetts, where they began to be explored by the people. Indian philosophy was a happening topic among both intellectuals and the common people. This fascination soon found its way into other parts of America and subsequently gave rise to several associations and groups that indulged in the study of Indian philosophy. Some of these books had elaborate chapters on Yoga and its benefits. Some of the books even explored the trajectory of postpartum Yoga.

Practice

Initially, the texts were read and examined only as documents meant for contemplation. But with time, a few groups began practicing the asanas described in the books. However, it was not successful due to the lack of teachers who could help Americans perfect the poses and guide them, but the Americans did not lose hope and continued to strive. Finally, a Hindu monk called Swami Vivekananda came to rescue these persevering people. His 1893 speech in Chicago was a raging success, and he aimed to spread Yoga in the western world.

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The stage for his speech was already set, as thousands of people had already begun to take an interest in the subject. However, his contributions did not end with the speech. He traveled throughout the country teaching about Yoga and its practice for two years.

Expansion of Yoga Tutelage

Yoga continued to expand in the States long after Swami Vivekananda returned to India. Several teachers followed his footsteps and traveled to America to share their knowledge. One of the most notable teachers to make a massive contribution in the field was Patthabi Jois, who not only brought the teaching of his guru Sri Krishnamacharya to the States but also modified it.

The Ashtanga school of Yoga was started by Sri Krishnamacharya, who passed on his knowledge to his best student. Jois taught Ashtanga yoga as a moving meditation, which gave birth to the very popular Vinyasa flow yoga. It is among the most sought-after forms of Yoga, and every reputed yoga school teaches it.

In the 20th century, Yoga became even more widespread and powerful, with notable western figures like George Bernard Shaw, Huxley, and Chaplin talking about it.

America Seeks Yoga

After the immigration laws in America became tight, yogis were finding it difficult to travel, but Yoga and its craze in the States were not to be curbed. Americans began to travel to India in search of more knowledge of the subject. Several Americans have also settled in India, while some have gathered knowledge to open schools and centers in the west.

The journey of Yoga is an incredible one. Two opposite cultures have found their meeting point and converged so organically that Yoga has almost become a part of American culture. Today all physical therapy services offer yoga classes to people of all ages. Yoga’s true universality lies in the fact that it caters to people of all ages.

If you are also fascinated by Yoga and wish to transform your mind, body, and soul, making you a more poised and fit person, join the best yoga classes in Madison and reap the benefits of this amazing form of meditation.