Why I study with western yoga teachers

After class earlier this week I was discussing my personal yoga experience, answering questions from students about my background and training and so forth. One woman seemed surprised that at this time I am choosing to study asana with Western teachers.

While the international popularity of yoga means that good teachers are to be found everywhere, naturally one thinks of India as the best place to receive instruction. Indeed I have made several study visits to the subcontinent and elected to take my teaching qualification there. Without doubt India is my only option for the study of pranayama, mudra, sutra and mantra, the subtle, internal aspects of the practice.

When it comes to asana, I work primarily with western teachers. In Europe and the US we have seized upon the postures; indeed yoga in many people’s minds is synonymous with poses alone. Whether this is a desirable state of affairs is a matter of opinion, the strength of the western yogic tradition lays in the fusion of anatomical understanding with the timeless, ancient Indian poses. Western teachers continue to progress the method in a way that is relevant and accessible. I would cite Paul Grilley (US) and his yin yoga and Gary Carter (UK) for his bold evolution of Vanda Scaravelli’s work.