Journal 7
The origin of yoga can no longer be identified in the West because of the non-traditional form of yoga that is now performed. Yoga began with the primary purpose of connecting to a higher power. Channeling that higher power through particular actions or lack thereof (austerities) were combined with mantras and rituals for yogis to serve as a vessel for the deity worshipped. Over time there has been a transition from this traditional culture, to counter culture, and now to pop culture.
Living in America, I do not have to be apart of a yoga session to make observations on it. Yoga is present on various platforms. Entertainment through movies, commercials and television showcase yoga. When yoga is referenced in the media or used for advertisements, there is no sense of being informed. At this point Americans are expected to know about yoga. The way in which its popularity is displayed as a well known lifestyle, is responsible for this lack of information.
Yoga has been effected in the West by way of modernization. The religious connotation has been lost and traded with a physical fitness fad that consists of other components that make up this new definition of yoga. Western culture has established yoga as pop culture through various modalities. Yogic fashion statements are emphasized through "yoga pants" and other yoga gear like expensive mats and fancy water bottles. Body image is important to westerners, causing them to use yoga as a go to for the maintenance of their physique. The demand for stress management has also been geared toward yoga. It is in these ways that yoga has been effected in the West, establishing it as a pop cultural lifestyle.
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