I have to chuckle to myself as I read peoples response to this question. Its pretty much a resounding No! No! No!. It goes against the very essence of yoga. People who compete have completely missed the point. And yet the history of yoga is one of free instruction: how many here pay for led yoga classes. And there is naturally competition between the various types of yoga already: A is better thenB, and C isnt really yoga, at all... We have yoga celebrities. And why are these people yoga celebrities? In essence, because they make pretty poses. What difference to each of us, does it make is some yogis want to compete? Competition in asana has been happening for a long time in India: why not bring that opportunity to the world? And if you were to actually speak to an asana competitor, you would most likely hear that most of them dont see it as a competition, but as an extension of community, an opportunity to learn more about their own practice through the practice of others. I think that the people who are saying No way!! need to let go of their own insecurities, ego and attachment because what they are breeding is NEGATIVE competition. You dont stop playing sports because you will never be a professional. You dont stop painting because your work will never be in a museum. And people will not stop yoga because they will never compete. Looking at asana competition photographs and videos are what first introduced me to yoga and inspired me to attend. I look at competitors as inspiring and brave people, who are able to block out the world in an instant and simply be in the moment. If I was ever to compete, it would be one of the most brave things I would ever undertake. And maybe one day I will, and I hope that the ENTIRE yoga community would be accepting and supportive of MY personal journey. Asana is only one part of yoga... it is too bad that those that are stuck on taking this part away from some are not actually practicing all branches of the yoga tree. If you have an issue with competition, that is YOUR yoga, YOUR practice, YOUR issue. Asana competition is not YOGA competition. If it was, most of us wouldnt make it to the competition, because we don;t actually practice true yoga as a way of life.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 19:39:58 +0000
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