Yoga teaches you that the entire universe is inside you, so you don’t ever have to feel alone. The emergence of Yoga is a treasured-miracle found by the ancient saints and sages nearly 5000 thousand years ago. Now, the debate of the traditional and Modern Yoga is still going on, but the conclusions are many, not one. So, what do you think, which Yoga art form is better, the traditional or modern? Place your bets accordingly.
What all things should be covered to know that this form of Yoga is the most efficient? Mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health should be the primary goals of every Yoga practice. If you are aiming to achieve a sense of enlightenment, peace, contentment, basic awareness by becoming consciously active through Yoga, then you are on the right path.
Evolution is a product of time! Without accepting and registering change, it is hard to maneuver the progress and growth. So, it is important to make some improvisations, if need be. In this regard, if we talk about Yoga, then it’s pretty evident that the old school lifestyle and hence the body requirements were completely different from the generations of an industrialized world.
Meditation creates marvels, embrace the experience. The traditional Yoga has a motive, an aim to achieve Moksha or Liberation. Further, to recognize the divine by deepening their inner-wisdom. On the other hand, modern yoga has become an incorporated or borrowed piece of art which has value but needs some furnishing to sell. However, the goal of modern-day Yoga is to stay fit.
- Traditional Yoga
The traces of Yoga are drawn back to the time of sage Patanjali when he wrote Yoga Sutras, many centuries ago. From there, the knowledge of Yoga spread using the Sanskrit scriptures, the Vedas, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Bhagavad Gita, and so on. The expansion of the ancient form of Yoga is unquestionably benefitting the major section of the society. The birthplace of Yoga i.e. India has used the ancient wisdom for mental peace all over the world.
“Yoga is that light, which once lit, will never dim.
The better you practice, the brighter the flame.”
~ B.K.S. Iyengar
Religion, castes, and society also played an important part in influencing the kind of ancient art form of Yoga. It all started with the practices of Hatha Yoga which is the first Yoga style that was ever introduced. Usually, sages or sadhus performed these practices and they were more spiritual in nature. In Hindu mythology, Yoga was conceptually believed to be a practice of Meditation before the real purpose of Yoga was understood. The overall wellbeing!
- Modern Yoga
The contemporary form of Yoga originated with the foundation of Ashtanga Yoga by K. Pattabhi Jois. Later, many other forms became a part of the Yoga style like Power Yoga, Yin Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, etc. The newer generation used more of its focus on fitness, flexibility, weight loss, beauty secrets, etc. while the traditional Yoga was centered on the idea of mental peace, bhakti, and surrender to the sattvic life of a yogi.
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy,
not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
~ Socrates
Since the physical body is suffering a great deal due to the material made things, unhealthy processed foods, poisonous pollution; the role of the traditional Yoga diminishes, and the adoption of new measures increases. Clearly, to maintain a balance and harmony between the mind, body, and soul; the traditional Yoga was used in a smarter way. From the soft transitions to intense Yoga asanas.
Still cannot decide which one to go for? Let me tell you something, the new-age Yoga Gurus try to keep the traditional culture alive with most authenticity, especially in India, but the demands of the people vary, the level of patience differ, and therefore the Yoga programs. If you are committed to exploring the limits of your potential, then you must keep yourself disciplined to learn Yoga.
Earlier yogis only needed the Himalayas for peace, well now; you need a good accommodation, your favorite location, the basic amenities, personal diet, hot water, and even your friends. Yogis send a message to the world that they are enough; they need less, not more! To conclude, whether it’s traditional or modern Yoga, 80% chances are that they are now merged together. So, cherish the practices of Yoga as long as you are ready to fully commit yourself to complete transformation.
Be kind to yourself, and others!
Author Bio:
Bipin Baloni is a yoga teacher from India and his core specialization is in Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga. He organizes Yoga Retreats in Nepal and Ayurveda Courses in Kerala. Bipin Baloni conducts Yoga Teacher Training in India in different cities. He loves writing and reading books related to yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda and Health.
Leave a Reply