Traditional vs. Modern Yoga

... In this active inquiry into the nature of our true being, it is irrelevant what tradition, form, or style of Yoga we practice and weather we manage to touch our feet to the back of our head as a result. How we practice and weather Yoga involves asana, pranayama, prayer, meditation, chanting, devotion, study, or altruistic work is of no great import. The best practice can only be defined as the one that works. What matters is that whatever we do we hold to the intention and spirit of the practice, which is to bring

together rather than to pull apart. If our practice cultivates superiority and divisiveness, as it is so often does between those practicing, then we have clearly missed the point and purpose of practice. ...
Donna Farhi/ Brining Yoga to Life/ Kindle Edition/ Location 598

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Yoga is for everyone, but everybody finds their own way to it. If this means they favour a purely mat based practice at THIS POINT IN TIME, then who are we to criticise? Yoga is a journey and not a destination where the mat is usually the starting point in our western society. Who knows what will develop from this starting point which should be supported rather than criticised and/ or belittled.

We create barriers by enforcing eastern philosophy, spirituality, sanskrit ... as a MUST for yoga practice, turning away many in the process instead of giving them choice. This part comes for many at a later stage to deepen their practice on a different level, or might never. A strict spiritual practice simply does not appeal to everyone. Respect. Honour. Support. Live and let live!