Introduction of Yoga during the early 1950’s into the mainstream west brought a renaissance of cosmic relationship and nifty life. Since then remarkable visibility of this phenomenon, Karmic Yoga become pervasive and perch high above all the geographies. B K S Iyengar, Paramahamsa Yogananda, Osho are few of the many Indian masters who practised and taught Yoga in the West. Simple, transcendental, vibrational meditations and many other types of meditations became immense popularity in the last few decades. People in the west are known for their sheer unrestrained dedication and exploring the intricacies of 21st century through the medium of Yoga. Yoga masters, books and videos are of high demand in the west.
During my visit to Brazil, Dani introduced me to her Yoga teacher, who practises and teaches Yoga for over two decades. She taught the session at her beautiful house. She charmed her students with eloquence and benevolence. Without cringing and premeditating I accepted her invitation to take Yoga session at her beautiful residence. It was a formidable challenge because of the time constraint and the language barrier. She gifted me a t-shirt which had an inscription
“Yogapelapaz” and very traditional Brazilian coffee chocolates. Dani is her favourite student, friend and daughter.
On my first session, I was introduced to a bunch of mixed aged pretty female students. I gave a very short and crisp introduction about Yoga. I enchanted couple of prayers in a hushed rhythm before commencing with the asana. I showed them the extended and hybrid version of Pranayama. The session continued for almost 30 minutes and I wrapped up the session without dawdling on lectures. Later session was attended by my family. Pai, Mae, victor, uncles and aunts represented from Dani’s family along with other students. Initially I was in a swamp of decay as my beautiful family glued their eyes on me. After the session I smeared Vibhuthi on all my students’ foreheads. Photo sessions followed after the every session. I saw a halo of happiness worn around my students which gave me confidence and an indication that I have something to cherish. Dani was my translator and she was remarkable, spontaneous and synchronised. She cajoled, “Pooja you can do it”.
Next days, I took couple of sessions exploring some new techniques to the next bunch of students thereby expanding my service. Some of the students were kids, teenagers, and Dani’s patients. The students were smart, liberal, inquisitive and calm. The students crawled in my proximity and posed for the photo session. I was treated a like celebrity Yoga guru and they lined up for hugs and kisses. We formed the famous “circle of love” with a radiant smile and place our arms around the shoulders.
My Learning: I was not simply an instructor there, but I was a keen learner and an explorer. The sheer and ardent dedication of my students enlightened me the significance and the magnitude of this incredible culture. No wonder why yoga has found a place in their heart. The west has an impression that, all the people in/from India are either yoga masters or religious followers of yoga. But to unfold the truth, Indians are breached by contriving vicious globalization and yoga finds oblivion under the concrete blocks. Recently an increasing trend has shown up for giving high importance due to the change in lifestyle. People rather forget the fact that yoga is not a set of predefined exercises or asanas for good life, but it is a culture irrespective of any religion or creed, a magnanimous path to tranquillity and salvation.
