Yes, it is certainly true that much has been written over the past decade about the misappropriation and misuse of Eastern religion/practices by the “New Age” spirituality movement.
However, this article is from my own experience over two-plus decades and my own life experience as a practising Hindu for most of my life. Whether it is yoga, mantras, kundalini, tantra, or chakras and the like, it seems there are many variations and off-shoots of these practices.
What one must discern is how appropriate use of these ancient practices to bend them to the “New Age” practices. As someone who has practised yoga since I was a teenager, I get very incensed and outraged when someone uses yoga just for pure profit, play and entertainment.
Whether it is goat yoga, beer yoga, or hot yoga or the like, these are not traditional practices and they are quite far removed from the original practice of yoga and the traditional branches of yoga including ashtanga yoga, which comprises the eight limbs of the ancient yogic system as prescribed in the Hindu ancient texts.
It is not a aerobic or just a physical Exercise akin to cardio or a dance class. It is much more, an expression of the mind-body and spiritual connection.
As a Hindu American of Indian origin, I cannot fathom the depths to which it has been misused for both profits and turned into “entertainment” in some cases. It seems every town has its own brand of yoga and there are endless “yoga” variations when in truth there is one system.
Another example is breathwork, such as pranayama or other breathing techniques, it seems that other forms of breathwork at least in part rely on the ancient systems. The real question is how much credit are the original systems given and whether are they being respected or simply being tainted for only profit motive.
The list goes on with mantras and the use of chakras. How can someone trademark the “chakras” whether in dance or other systems such as energy etc. They have been around for 1000’s of years and are part of the ancient practice and traditions, not some “New Age” fad or next trend to build an empire off.
The use of Gods and Goddesses on objects such as t-shirts, mugs, yoga mats and the like is also just a profit game. There is no respect in using religious symbols in the wrong context as the use of mantras outside of traditional context is offensive also, especially without having a deep understanding of them.”
I have first-hand observed a whitewashing of Hindu religion/practices by the New Age movement including well-known figures, who make a huge profit from the ancient practices.
It is hypocritical to preach love, unity and light when one is misusing and profiteering from practices that are available and part of traditional practices.
These are my thoughts based upon my extensive experience both in my Hindu faith and background as well as in the spiritual development path over decades.
Author Bio: Archana is a Best-selling Author, Leader, Influencer, Change enabler, Intuitive Mindset and Mastery Coach. Her goal is to help leaders/executives/visionary leaders of colour into their inner mastery to fast-track their life and business results with the help of healing modalities including theta healing, breath work, and energy healing.
