Moving from my home in South India to the Pacific Northwest was a massive change, filled with excitement and a touch of sadness. During this transition, yoga remained my constant, a source of comfort and routine in a completely new environment. As I explored the yoga scene in America, especially in Seattle, I couldn’t help but notice some striking differences compared to my experiences in India. These observations highlight not just variations in yoga practice, but also broader cultural contrasts between India and America.
Observation #1: Mass Appeal of Yoga: America vs. India
Yoga in America has become incredibly mainstream. It feels like everyone here is practicing yoga to some extent. While yoga is certainly practiced in India, its accessibility and commercial presence are significantly different. The West has undeniably commercialized yoga, creating a vast market with incredible variety. In India, yoga is often seen as a path to spiritual growth, while physical fitness is often pursued through gym workouts or aerobics. Here in the US, the sheer variety of yoga classes available can be astounding. Coming from a traditional yoga background, the concepts of “chocolate yoga,” “live music yoga,” or even “naked yoga” were initially quite shocking. While some of these trends seemed eccentric and far removed from the yoga I knew, I learned to appreciate the diverse interpretations and adaptations of yoga in America.
Observation #2: Teacher-Student Dynamics: A Cultural Divide
I’ve encountered many wonderful yoga teachers in America. However, the teacher-student relationship differs significantly from what I experienced in India. In India, the ancient tradition of Guru-shishya parampara deeply influences the culture, including yoga. The guru or teacher is highly revered, their word carrying immense weight. The teacher is seen as a guide leading students from ignorance to enlightenment. Students show deep respect, avoid casual behavior, and wouldn’t typically challenge or “talk back” to a teacher. Serving the teacher out of respect and gratitude is common. There are established norms of respectful interaction with elders and teachers. In American yoga classes, the dynamic is much more casual. Students interact informally with teachers, some barely acknowledge them, some modify sequences independently, and some even engage in discussions or disagreements during class. Adjusting to this informal dynamic took some time for me.
Observation #3: Teaching Styles: Focus and Language
In India, teaching is considered a noble profession. Sharing knowledge is seen as an honor. I was fortunate to study under exceptional yoga masters. While English is often used for instruction in both countries, the teaching styles differ considerably. Indian yoga teachers typically focus their instructions on precise physical alignment, breathing techniques (pranayama), mental focus (dharana), and the asana’s benefits. The language used is straightforward and practical. In America, I noticed a different approach. Many teachers incorporate language related to emotional well-being, discussing “healing,” “relationships,” “heart opening,” “pain,” “joy,” and even “trauma” during classes. This was a new concept to me and might be considered an unnecessary distraction in traditional Indian yoga settings. However, I recognize that different approaches resonate with different individuals. As the Bhagavad Gita suggests, “there are as many yogas as there are people,” acknowledging the diversity of paths and approaches to yoga.
Observation #4: Yoga and Fashion: An American Phenomenon
Before moving to the US, the concept of specialized “yoga clothing” was foreign to me. For yoga class in India, comfortable track pants and a breathable t-shirt were the norm. While I appreciate the variety of yoga apparel available here, the multi-million dollar industry built around yoga fashion is quite remarkable. In India, people generally wear simple, comfortable everyday clothes to yoga classes. There isn’t a strong emphasis on expensive or fashionable yoga attire. Yoga, after all, is about detachment from the physical body and senses. It’s not uncommon to see women in India practicing yoga in traditional sarees, gracefully performing headstands in their everyday attire. Yoga is integrated into daily life for many practitioners in India, without the need for specialized wardrobes.
Observation #5: Hot Yoga: Popular in the US, Rare in India
Hot yoga’s popularity in America stands in stark contrast to its near absence in India. In fact, hot yoga is largely unknown to most yoga practitioners in India. Many have never heard of Bikram Choudhury or hot yoga. I first encountered the concept of hot yoga during my teacher training when someone mentioned heating the room. While a few studios in India might now offer hot yoga, it’s not a common practice, and the naturally hot climate often makes it unnecessary. Traditional Indian yoga teachers often don’t recognize hot yoga as a traditional form of yoga and express caution, emphasizing that it deviates from the original intent and method of yoga practice.
Despite these differences, yoga serves as a unifying force globally. While approaches and interpretations may vary, the underlying pursuit of well-being and liberation remains constant. The paths to yoga may be diverse, but they ultimately converge. No single path is superior to another. My experience of moving across the world has shown me the universality of yoga and how people globally have embraced and adapted this ancient practice. Yoga, in its essence, is a path to freedom that belongs to all of humanity.
