Commercialization of Yoga : From way of Life to Business
Yoga, an ancient practice with roots stretching back over thousands of years in India and the Himalayas, was once practiced as a holistic discipline for the mind and body. However, in recent decades, yoga has transformed into a multi-billion-dollar glob
The “Business” of Yoga
Yoga's journey from a sacred practice to a “for-profit” enterprise has been driven by its growing popularity worldwide. What was once a way of life for a few, has now become a mainstream fitness trend, with yoga studios, retreats, and teacher training programs being provided all over the world. While the accessibility of yoga to the masses is good, it has also led to becoming a fashion statement of a deeply spiritual practice.
In many parts of the world, yoga has become a lucrative business. High-end yoga studios charge ridiculous amounts for classes, retreats, and teacher training programs. In destinations like Bali, yoga retreats are marketed as luxurious getaways, with prices reaching up to 6000 US dollars. Rather than it being a serious commitment to learning and practicing yoga it has become what is “Instagramable”. In contrast, India, and Nepal the birthplace of yoga, offer significantly lower prices for a more authentic experience, highlighting the difference that raises questions about the true value being offered.
The Role of the Yoga Alliance
One of the biggest players in the commercialization of yoga is the “certificate” one needs to teach. Yoga Alliance, the organization that is well known in today's yoga world, requires you to have a minimum of 200 hours to be able to teach. Many studios will not allow you to teach if you are not certified by them. you cannot be a master just after 3 weeks of training. I personally felt comfortable and confident to teach only after completing over 1000 hours of study and intensive learning.
The ease of obtaining certification has led to an influx of newly minted yoga teachers who lack the depth of understanding and experience necessary to guide students safely and effectively. This situation has turned yoga teacher training into a business venture, where the primary goal is profit rather than preserving the authenticity and integrity of the practice.
Price disparity
In India and Nepal, aspiring yoga teachers can often find comprehensive training programs for a fraction of the cost compared to those offered in Western countries or popular tourist destinations. In my opinion, the trainings in Nepal and India offer a more authentic learning experience.
In many Western countries, yoga teacher training is marketed as an exclusive and transformative experience, often accompanied by luxurious amenities and scenic locations. This marketing strategy drives up prices, and loses the true essence of what yoga truly is.
The Loss of Authenticity
As yoga continues to grow in popularity and profitability, there is a concern that it is losing its authenticity. The commercialization of yoga has led to a focus on the physical aspects of the practice, rather than a balance of the mind and body. Many modern yoga classes resemble fitness workouts rather than a holistic practice that integrates the breathe with movement.
The traditional teachings of yoga emphasize self-discovery, inner peace, and a connection to the divine through breathe and movement. However, in the rush to cater to consumer demand, these core principles are often forgotten by the pursuit of profit. The result is a diluted version of yoga that may offer.
Conclusion
Like anything in life, it takes practice, it takes time, be patient, learn and your path will unfold before you. Through my experience, people look for the experienced teacher, the teacher whose energy will calm and direct the room, which i believe can only be attained through self practice. do some research, you will find many qualified teachers not to far from you. Take a chance, do something you wouldn't normally do. BETTER YOURSELF
