Thems big words for a Yogi

"It's not like McDonald's; it's not like popping out a hamburger," Lee said. "I don't want to have to commodify it."

Those words are from Cyndi Lee, 52, founder and owner of New York's City's popular Om yoga center. Lee said she has turned down numerous buyout offers through the years, worried a loss of control could erode the sense of community she has helped to create. The article is about how the commercialization of yoga goes against the fundamentals of yoga's spirituality. Bitch, Please. I went to Om. I didn't see any monks. I saw a lot of rich yuppies trying to tone their ass. What's wrong with that?

"We've taken this ancient tradition, science, and art of yoga out of a culture and a religion and world view and we've tried to transplant to the other side of the planet," said Judith Hanson Lasater, a longtime yoga instructor and author who holds a doctorate in East West psychology. "I believe there's not a complete match up."

So what you're saying is that we've taken this-



And made it this?



Is that really so bad?

Why do we always have to assume that if something is profitable, it has no spiritual value? The minute you can make a dollar we all think we've lost the real meaning. Why can Dr. Judith Hanson- Lasater who has a doctorate, a pretentious double-name and a book deal- why can she teach yoga? But when the rest of us westerners do it, we somehow commodify it. That is, take the art out of it?


These messages are only for the pure:
"Strength and flexibility of body, breath, energy, and mind are all encouraged, but the focus of our practice resides in a deeper arena - awareness of the Self. Compassion and self-respect are the watchwords. Rather than a strict adherence to classical forms, beliefs, and concepts, the understanding of and sensitivity to one's experience in the body and in relationship to other lives is the touchstone of Kripalu's approach to yoga. Pleasing the teacher, doing it right, and looking good are de-emphasized. Establishing personal boundaries, listening to the wisdom of your body, and responding to what brings healing and fulfillment to your heart is the emphasis."