> The problem here is not invention. The problem here is that aliabramovitz and company "like to stay away from those [theological] aspects as it can be off putting for people who don't subscribe to a certain philosophy or theology", in a subject matter where the original theology is a core part of it, and that too a theology that is not aliabramovitz's own theology in order to cater to people who dislike the theology of the original owners of the practice.
And as an Indian who used to practice Yoga as a child (too boring for me now) I'd say that this is completely fine. If the theological aspect was indeed crucial for deriving value from the whole experience, people would eventually lose interest because they wouldn't be gaining anything from the aliabramovitz's venture right?
Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?[1]
And as a Hindu (the aforementioned theology in this discussion) I will point out that yoga is not a stand alone exercise or something that needs to entertain you in order for you to continue to practice it, but rather part of a whole discipline of preparing your body in order to sit down and meditate for long periods of time.
And this is the exact reason that these practices should not be divorced from their theological fundamentals in the way that White Abrahamics practice it.
And this is also why you as an Indian should not be happy to let the whole be stripped into parts and sold for money and commoditized down to an entertainment or sport that you are "bored" by.
>but rather part of a whole discipline of preparing your body in order to sit down and meditate for long periods of time.
The implication being that this is the sole purpose of Yoga and there is no benefit in viewing it as yet another point of exercise? A hypothetical:
I have no interest in meditating for long hours, but practicing yoga and the "it helps you calm down" kool-aid that marketers promote actually helps me. It's not the "real thing", and I have an inkling that without the spiritual aspect I am missing out on a lot. However, I continue to practice it since I derive some benefits from doing so, and have no inclination to pursue the matter deeper.
^ I honestly see nothing wrong with the above scenario. I would accept someone who "dabbles" in Yoga without caring for its spiritual aspects the same way I accept someone who lifts weights 5 days a week but completely ignores nutrition. Sub-optimal? Yes. Should it be condemned? No.
And as an Indian who used to practice Yoga as a child (too boring for me now) I'd say that this is completely fine. If the theological aspect was indeed crucial for deriving value from the whole experience, people would eventually lose interest because they wouldn't be gaining anything from the aliabramovitz's venture right?
Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?[1]
[1] Quote by Douglas Adams