Navigating cultural appropriation
A guide for Yoga Teachers
By Denver Clark, C-IAYT, ERYT-500, YACEP
In recent years, the topic of cultural appropriation has become a significant concern within the yoga community. As yoga continues to gain popularity and attract practitioners from diverse backgrounds, it is crucial for yoga teachers to navigate the fine line between appreciation and appropriation. It’s important for those of us in the yoga community to educate ourselves about cultural appropriation and its impact on marginalized communities and strive to honor the roots of yoga while fostering inclusivity. In this way, we can ensure that we are authentically sharing the practice we know and love.
What is Cultural Appropriation?
Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption or borrowing of elements from another culture without understanding or respecting its historical, social, and cultural significance. It often involves the dominant culture appropriating elements from marginalized or oppressed cultures, leading to the erasure and commodification of those cultural practices.
In the context of yoga, cultural appropriation occurs when aspects of yoga, such as clothing, language, symbols, or rituals, are taken out of their cultural context and used for personal gain or without proper understanding.
Why should we care about this?
Cultural appropriation can have harmful effects on the communities whose cultural practices are being appropriated. It perpetuates stereotypes, reinforces power imbalances, and erodes the authenticity and sacredness of cultural traditions. Yoga originated as a spiritual and philosophical tradition in ancient India and when we become teachers, we are being handed ancient, powerful and sacred practices from the past.
If we share these practices without true understanding of where they come from, regardless of the population we are teaching or the language we use when teaching, then we are engaging in cultural appropriation.
Something as simple as educating yourself of the origins and application of Sanskrit can help inform the choices you make as a teacher for when and how you choose to use that language, if it suits your population. But choosing not to learn about it at all, perhaps because you feel your students won’t want to hear it, is where yoga teachers can begin the process of eroding, commodifying and damaging the authenticity of the yoga practice. When you decide to become a teacher of yoga, you are agreeing to understand and respect all of the elements of the practice, whether or not you teach them to your students.
It is important to recognize the potential harm caused by cultural appropriation and strive to create a more inclusive and respectful yoga community.
How can we do better?
1. Educate Yourself:
As a yoga teacher, it is essential to continuously educate yourself about the history, philosophy, and cultural context of yoga. Familiarize yourself with the roots of yoga in ancient India and the contributions of various yogic traditions. This knowledge will help you teach yoga with authenticity and respect.
2. Respect and Acknowledge Lineage:
Honor and acknowledge the lineage of the yoga practice you teach. Give credit to the teachers and traditions that have influenced your practice. By recognizing the roots of yoga, you can avoid diluting or appropriating its essence.
3. Mindful Use of Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is an ancient language deeply connected to yoga philosophy. While using Sanskrit terms in your classes can enhance the authenticity of the practice, be mindful of pronunciation and avoid misappropriation or misrepresentation. Explain the meaning of Sanskrit terms to ensure understanding and respect for their cultural significance.
4. Appropriate Attire:
Choose yoga attire that is comfortable and practical, without appropriating sacred clothing from specific cultures. Avoid using symbols or designs that hold religious or cultural significance if you do not have a personal connection to them. This also applies to tattoos depicting sacred symbols and deities.
5. Collaborate and Learn from Diverse Voices:
Actively seek out and learn from yoga teachers and practitioners from diverse cultural backgrounds. Engage in respectful dialogue and collaboration to promote inclusivity and avoid perpetuating stereotypes. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and ask the questions you need to ensure you are practice respect and inclusivity in your classes.
6. Create an Inclusive Space:
Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment in your yoga classes. Emphasize the importance of respecting different body types, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. Encourage open dialogue and create opportunities for students to learn from each other's experiences. Find training in trauma informed teaching, cultural sensitivity, non-violent communication and more. Remember that a teacher’s job is to set their ego aside and facilitate an experience for their students.
Practice all 8 Limbs of Yoga
As yoga teachers, we have a responsibility to honor and respect the roots of yoga. By understanding and actively addressing the issue of cultural appropriation, we can create a more inclusive and authentic yoga community. Let us strive to practice yoga with reverence, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that this ancient tradition continues to inspire and benefit people from all walks of life.
We’ll be discussing this topic in greater detail in our yoga professionals retreat in February of 2025 in Belize! Check it out here.
