Yoga does not seem to command the same form of respect from modern day society as it once did in the past. It is sad that the beauty of yoga has somehow lost its brilliant luster, tarnished by the fast paced lifestyles of today's globalization. The ancient art of yoga has been represented as a simple concept to help people gain a better understanding of the overall philosophy. The complex nature of its contents may be a little challenging for westerners to understand.



Talking about an issue you do not have a thorough understanding of, and spreading the words as the gospel truth is a risky business. Yoga is mainly perceived as a physical activity in the western part of the world. It is represented as a physical activity that is directed towards the achievement of inner balance and meditative states of mind.

It is one of the six schools of Hindu thoughts has roots deep within the pages of the Hindu Holy Scriptures. In India, yoga is considered a very spiritual experience that has a physical aspect to it. But the western world prefers to refer yoga as a mere physical practice. The hidden intricacies of this mysterious practice with its strange looking symbols may be successful in making the average westerner aware that there are more to yoga than physical moves alone, but nevertheless they are often misunderstood. Operating from the wrong paradigm, yoga became a form of sports in the western world. The allure of yoga as an effective way to gain inner peace and balance has beckoned many to embrace this activity as well. Additionally, people who desire inner tranquility would often find this practice to be beneficial.

This perception is often strengthened by the various claims made by the so called yoga masters. There is plenty of evidence to show that yoga has been wrongly implemented in the West. A closer look revealed that these errors were caused by the cultural influence of each race. In order to truly understand this concept moments of quiet, peaceful times are necessary to contemplate on this philosophy, and that is certainly an element that is absent in the hectic lifestyle of the western civilization.

While meditation is an integral part of the practice, the westerners with their ever busy lifestyles certainly do not posses time for such luxuries. The greed for power and material wealth which is integral in the western culture has no place in the Hindu culture. Perhaps the western man shall never reach the peaks of wisdom according to the parameters set by the Hindu religion and culture. Patience and time is crucial for meditation. The westerners do not view investment in such contemplative moments for the attainment of philosophical wisdom to be beneficial. It places high degree of importance in the mere acquisition of wealth and power.

Yoga is often practiced more as a form of recreational activity to fulfill a stylish lifestyle. There is a lot of information going out promoting yoga as a form of sport. There are famous people who embraced this practice and become fake gurus and still they have enough support from their followers. The disciples of these fake gurus are responsible for spreading the influence of the wrong philosophy pertaining to yoga practice.