One group, the Hindu American Foundation, has launched a “Take Back Yoga” campaign to address what they see as a fundamental disconnect between yoga and Hinduism.
Sheetal Shah, senior director at the foundation, says the group started the campaign when it noticed that while “Vedic,” “tantric” and many other words appeared regularly in yoga magazines, the word “Hindu” was never mentioned.
So, the foundation called up one of the country’s most popular magazines to ask why.
“They said the word ‘Hinduism’ has a lot of baggage,” Shah says. “And we were like, ‘Excuse me?’ “
Shah says she understands why some people have a problem with linking yoga and Hinduism. Many American practitioners associate the practice with something pure and serene, she says. But when they think of Hinduism, she says, they think of “multiple gods, with multiple heads and multiple arms. Colorful [and] ritualistic.”
It may be difficult for people to see how these things fit together, Shah says.
With the Take Back Yoga campaign, the Hindu American Foundation is hoping for broader acknowledgment that yoga has Hindu philosophical roots — while also emphasizing that it is universal and appropriate for everyone.
“What we’re trying to say is that the holistic practice of yoga goes beyond just a couple of asanas [postures] on a mat. It is a lifestyle, and it’s a philosophy,” Shah says.
“How do you lead your life in terms of truthfulness? And nonviolence? And purity? The lifestyle aspect of yoga,” Shah says, “has been lost.”
And all of the fandoms can be personified in characters.
The Harry Potter fandom is bookish and shy on the outside but incredibly fiery on the inside. When talking about politics or something Potterfan believes in, they are very passionate and stand up for what they know is right. Loves the holidays, but gets a little weepy… a lot.
The Doctor Who fandom is the mad scientist house mate who’s always trying to build a time travel machine in the basement and trying to tell everyone how things are done on other planets.
The Sherlock fandom is the broody genius who likes to sit alone in their room and read mystery novels while chain smoking. Will occasionally come out of hiding for a cup of tea or when buggered to help someone solve a problem. Sees homo-subtext in everything everyone does.
The Supernatural fandom is the person who loved ghost stories as a kid and did things like playing Bloody Mary to see if it would actually work. Has grown up into an expert on all things paranormal and is also an excellent pie-baker. A bit superstitious.
The Avengers fandom is the most sane of the group. Has an extensive comic book collection, is outgoing, likes to take the lead. A snazzy dresser. Has some family issues but makes up for a troubled past with kick ass friendship.
The Homestuck fandom is like the weird, adoptive kid brother to all of the fandoms. Spends a lot of time in their room, only to emerge wearing grey makeup and orange horns. Makes a lot of references to things even the other fandoms don’t get, but they love Homestuckfan anyway and try to be understanding.
“so how are your cheekbones, ben”
“it’s been great thank you, how are your eyebrows, matt, you’re growing some.”
It’s going to be one of those nights where I’m up until 3am cleaning my room and doing voodoo because it is much too unbearably hot for sleep in this house.
A polar bear smells a seal under the ice. Unfortunately for the bear, the ice is too thick. (Planet Earth Live - BBC)
(via bowtiesandbiscuits)
Old Samburu godess woman - Kenya by Eric Lafforgue on Flickr.
