Yoga's Place in America

It's strange that people still associate the phrase "yogato associate gurus with people of Indian descent. With
guru" with a person of Indian heritage. Although yoganative Indian people in short supply in the United States,
has a slightly different meaning here than in India, therethey feel that they could not find or afford a guru of
are more people practicing yoga in the lower east sidetheir own.
of Manhattan than there are in all of India! Surely not allBut perhaps they need to let go of their views that
of those yoga instructors are Indian. Surely they didn'tgurus can only be Indian.
even all learn from Indian gurus of their own. No.In today's Westernized yoga traditions, who is better to
Cultural heritage truly no longer matters to yogabe a guru to you than a Western practitioner? Only a
guru-ship.Westerner can really understand the fierce
Yoga's continual evolution has taken a Westward turn.independence and pride installed in most of us from an
Americans in particular have turned yoga into anearly age. Only a Western yoga guru can
exercise regimen and ideal of perfect health. It hasdemonstrate the joy of surrendering yourself to
become an integral part of the multi-million dollar fitnessanother in order to allow him to show you the way to
industry. Some of this is due to America's fascinationGod. Pride and individualism have a high price in
with celebrity. When stars like Madonna embraceloneliness and we all pay it in the Western world. The
something like yoga, thousands of fans follow suit.right Western yoga guru can show you how to let
Madonna is known throughout the world as having oneyour sense of individuality slip away in order to feel
of the most fit physiques of any entertainer. Thisless alone. Loneliness shortens Americans lives, gives
inspires imitators.us more health problems, and makes us the most
But another industry, the fashion industry, is alsodepressed citizenry in the world.
tremendously impacted by the yoga trend. SomeThe word guru is derived from two Sanskrit words, ru,
celebrities increase their presence by coming out withmeaning remove, and gu, meaning darkness or muck.
their own yoga fitness wear. Fitness and sportsFind your Western guru and find peace of mind by
clothing, too, has become a leading American industry.move towards light. Most Westerners come to yoga
The original yoga concept is only partially met byfor the purposes of improving physical health. If you
American fascination with fitness and fashion. Yogatake that next step and find your guru, you'll really start
goes much farther than this, and many yogis strive toto understand what yoga is all about.
keep this full meaning alive. One concept they adhereYou'll find him anywhere. You needn't take the long trip
to and strive to bring to others is that of having a guru.to India; you may just need a walk around the corner.
The word guru has attained a negative connotation inYour guru will be recognizable by the way you feel in
the West, where society tends to reward personalhis presence. Be open and receptive and your guru will
achievement. And, as described above, they also tendfind you!