Towards Ethical Praxis in Yoga Instruction: Synthesizing Historical and Academic Inquiry for Practical Application

Abstract

This project explores the history of modern postural yoga and suggests ethical considerations for yoga instructors. Galtung, often referred to as the “father of peace studies,” separates violence into three categories: direct, structural, and cultural. While we have most agency over our complicity in direct violence, as leaders of a community, yoga instructors are uniquely positioned to address cultural violence and, through that, work toward structural change. Cultural violence, as Galtung defines it, “represents the existence of prevailing or prominent social norms that make direct and structural violence seem “natural” or “right” or at least acceptable.” In the yoga community, some common examples of cultural violence are evident in rhetoric such as variations of “suffering is a choice,”“people get what they deserve,” “you create your reality,” language that implies one’s physical capabilities are reflective of their personality (or soul) or that their experiences of racism or poverty are self-inflicted. While this rhetoric may be empowering to some, it fails to take into account larger structural issues and perpetuates the neoliberal ideal that the individual is the maker of their own destiny when, the truth is, individual successes and failures are influenced by a variety of different factors (including structural inequity). This manual explores the history of this rhetoric and envisions an alternate path forward in pursuit of safety and freedom for all people.