Pumsacali's

True to all that is weird, those who are aware of the genuine Yoga Sutras will cringe (eee- sutras) at the following new-age sutras or loose threads:

Step 1. SAMONEY. Thanks to the powerful drive of the ego, so many adhere to the dogma that Yoga is an exercise business. In this step, the pramana or standard towards the goal of some money is established. The would-be Yogi/Yogini is given direction in establishing their Yoga studio and client base. The all-important fee structure is discussed as well as how to effectively deal with delinquent payments. As the hip gym crowd will proudly state: "We leave the samadhi to samadhi else!" No wonder.

Step 2. SADNA. In this step, the NAY (New-Age Yoga/Yogi) is admonished to demonstrate compassion and truly be sadna (slang for sad now) for all those Hindu Yogis who, dedicated to the Hindu religion, spent decades upon decades in sacrifice, devotion and meditation and perhaps (without self-assertion) became teachers. NAY says "No" to all these old-fashioned religious traditions. In the New-Age, Yoga certifications are easy to purchase. Sometimes a weekend course or even a on-line course is enough to qualify to be a Certified Yoga Teacher. In a further exhibition of sadna for all those who took the long route to become medical professionals, this step also helps those in therapy to quickly become Yoga Therapists. With new-age professional authority, the YT is certified to offer their services not only to the general public but also to the deluded Hindu Yogis.

Step 3. VBOOTY. In this step, the true powers of New-Age Yoga are explained--Victory over the Booty. Yoga is everywhere. Your local gym, adult schools, hospitals, wellness centers, etc. all sport Yoga classes. Yoga Booty Ballet says it all about the physical Victory of Yoga having given the boot to Hindu religious/spiritual Yoga. Yoga class is a prime place to "hook-up." Being all about the body and picture, personality and price tag, NAY dictates that "Yoga is for everyone." Yoga is even for your dog. There is Hot Yoga, Nude Yoga, Power Yoga, Couples Yoga, Corporate Yoga and of course a slew of personal Yogas such as, Mary's Yoga, Wendy's Yoga, etc. Unlike the outdated austerity and depth of Hindu/Yoga, New-Age Yoga makes a more contemporary fashion statement and is especially enticing to women. Vbooty also not only aids in the Yoga Teachers and students dating/sexual life but also offers a quick recovery from the modern divorce lifestyle.

Step 4. KANIBUYA. The last step in the New Yoga Sutras is to establish the goal of converting others to NAY. Now that one is a Certified Yoga Teacher, one can set-up Yoga Teacher Training Courses. Not only is Yoga Teacher Training a great way to entice new converts into the fold but also a great boost to one's ego as well as the bottom line. Yoga Teacher Training Courses can bring in big bucks which is, of course, very liberating. With this new-found license, the sky is the limit. One can establish Yoga magazines with slick, high-paying ads complete with sexy photos. There is also a myriad of related Yoga products to add to your ever increasing material wealth. Emancipated from the confines of right and wrong, bring it: Home

$hanti, $hanti, $hanti

To logically and rationally begin an understanding of what truly is Yoga, one must first look at the language and then the word meanings. Yoga is a Sanskrit word. Sanskrit is defined as, The Aryan [noble] language of the Hindus. The Sanskrit word "Yoga" is a general term denoting the purpose of these Hindu teachings and practices. Yoga means, Union of Atmana (individual Soul) and Brahman (Greater Soul). To clarify the practice of Union of Atmana and Brahman, a prefix should always be applied to the word "Yoga."

The classic forms of these Hindu religious/spiritual practices are: Karma Yoga (union through ethics), Bhakti Yoga (union through devotion), Raja Yoga (union through meditation) and Jnana Yoga (union through intellectual study as well as the inner state of Enlightenment). There are numerous subsidiary Yogas that fall within these classic Hindu/Yogic practices such as: Hatha Yoga (union through worshipful postures), Mantra Yoga (union through chanting) and Nada Yoga (union through Divine music), to name just a few.

True to any religious/spiritual tradition, teachers are, of course, qualified members of the religion in question. These teachers naturally guide their students in a progressive manner. Grounded in the Hindu/Yoga lifestyle which includes Hindu scriptures, oral teachings and Temple services, the Hindu is guided through Karma Yoga; to Bhakti Yoga (which includes Hatha Yoga and Mantra Yoga); to Raja Yoga and into the ongoing process of Jnana Yoga.

Unfortunately when the word "Yoga" is misused today, many are referring to Hatha Yoga and perhaps Raja Yoga. Of course since this "Yoga" is taken out of its natural Hindu context and taught by phony teachers, it is not genuine Hatha Yoga or Raja Yoga. This phony modern "yoga" exercise business (and sometimes a vague so-called "universal spirituality" or "science") is especially delusional in the fact that Hatha Yoga is actually considered a very deep aspect of Hinduism and is supposed to be kept more or less secret!