The traditional pedagogy of Yoga is based in knowledge transfer through experiential understanding. The Guru’s work was to direct the student experientially till the required teachings were experienced and not merely understood. Education was more than imparting information, it was about invoking experience. One major component of such education system was the aspect of Vichara, contemplative enquiry that happened under the direction of the Guru. The student was encouraged to think for themselves and apply their minds to solve a particular issue. This aspect of traditional Yoga has kept Yoga from succumbing to blind following. If we take a look at the vast body of Yogic literature, including Upanishad and Gita, we see that the student was led on the path of exploration, experimentation and reflection instead of authoritative injunction. For some reason, I feel, this aspect of traditional Yogic pedagogy has not migrated to the West as strongly as the aspects of asana and pranayama.
Looking at the over-supply and uber-innovation happening in the modern Yoga world, it is more than important that the Yoga student reflects on what Yoga is for them and what aspect of Yoga they need to focus upon. If this is not done, the seeker’s mind will be taken for a ride by what so ever popular narrative the Yoga media and industry creates. We can see this happening already, as more and more products and services, that have nothing much to do with Yoga, are neatly packaged and pushed down our throat through the power of suggestive advertising and peer-pressure based consumer manipulation. An unreflective mind will always be overwhelmed and compelled to play to the gallery. Where is the line between our need and want, our desire and contentment in the spiritual sense over here ?
This is why, in our Teacher Training, we are encouraging the students to think for themselves. I am sharing here some of the questions that have been given to the students for reflection.
- Are you a Yoga practitioner or an Asana practitioner ?
- Do you feel compelled to buy into the flexibility obsessed narrative of asana ?
- Do you feel compelled to buy into the ‘pose’ oriented goal of asana ?
- Do you feel pressured to look and feel bendy and trendy ?
- Do you feel pressured to innovate new things to stand out, especially as a Yoga teacher, if so, why ?
- Are you torn between personal integrity and customer satisfaction as a teacher ?
- Do you feel a lack of self-motivation and absence of community based support system ?
- Do you take enough time for personal sadhana and assimilation or spend more effort in gathering knowledge and information ?
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