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As yoga enthusiasts across the country celebrate Yoga Awareness Month this September, the evolution of yoga, especially in the West, is unmistakable. Originally rooted in spiritual and meditative traditions that date back centuries in India, yoga has transformed into a global phenomenon often focused on physical health and wellness. A 2022 study by the Centers for Disease Control found that nearly 17% of U.S. adults had practiced yoga within the last year, and of those, about 57% incorporated meditation.
But as the practice grows in popularity, questions arise about how much modern yoga still resembles its ancient origins. Loriliai Biernacki, a professor of religious studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, notes that today’s yoga, especially in studios, varies significantly from its traditional roots.
Mental Mastery to Physical Wellness
Yoga’s original purpose went far beyond the physical stretches and poses familiar today. Early practitioners focused on mental mastery and spiritual enlightenment, with historical accounts suggesting that accomplished yogis could even acquire extraordinary powers. “The goals are essentially what we might think of as enlightenment,” explains Biernacki, citing Sanskrit terms like moksha (liberation), kaivalya (detachment), and nirvana (karmic release) that represent the spiritual aspirations of early yoga.
In ancient times, yoga was about controlling the mind and achieving inner peace rather than physical fitness. The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered Hindu texts, describes a yogi as someone who meditates in solitude, controls their thoughts, and detaches from material possessions—far removed from today’s fitness-oriented yoga classes.
A Shift Towards Physicality
Over time, the practice has changed, particularly in the West, where yoga is more commonly associated with physical health, flexibility, and relaxation. The asanas (poses) that dominate most modern yoga classes were not emphasized until around the 12th century, according to Biernacki. The shift from spiritual practice to physical postures was further fueled by commercialization, transforming yoga into a global wellness industry.
“Commercialization has played an outsized role,” says Biernacki, referencing Andrea Jain’s book Selling Yoga, which discusses how yoga’s spiritual aspects were sidelined in favor of physical wellness.
While this transformation has made yoga more accessible and appealing to a broader audience, it raises the question of whether modern yoga has strayed too far from its roots. Biernacki suggests the answer lies in individual practices—whether people seek to reconnect with yoga’s mental and spiritual aspects or focus solely on its physical benefits.
Appropriation or Evolution?
As yoga’s popularity has skyrocketed, so have debates about cultural appropriation. Critics argue that Western adaptations, particularly those that commercialize or strip yoga of its spiritual depth, disrespect its origins. Phrases like “namaste” or concepts like “chakra” are often used without a deep understanding of their significance.
However, Biernacki views the issue as complex: “It’s probably a mix of cultural appropriation and some modicum of paying homage to the insight and wisdom in these traditions of yoga.” While commercialization can dilute the practice, she acknowledges that some modern instructors do strive to honor yoga’s roots, citing Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra, a foundational text focused on mental discipline, as an example.
The way forward depends on how individuals and studios approach the practice. For some, yoga remains a spiritual journey deeply connected to its history. For others, it has become a lifestyle trend, often disconnected from its ancient roots.
A Balancing Act
As yoga continues to evolve, it’s unclear whether modern adaptations will prevail or if there will be a resurgence of traditional practices. Biernacki suggests that both trends may coexist. “I suspect that traditional practices will probably be more popular, but there will be some modern adaptations,” she says.
This duality mirrors broader trends in wellness, where an increasing number of people are turning to mindfulness and spirituality to address mental and physical health. Research continues to highlight the benefits of yoga for conditions like depression, back pain, and even cancer, potentially driving renewed interest in its deeper philosophical underpinnings.
As yoga’s journey unfolds, practitioners and instructors alike may seek to strike a balance between its ancient wisdom and modern adaptations, offering space for both spiritual exploration and physical wellness. Whether for mental mastery or physical flexibility, yoga’s enduring appeal suggests that its evolution is far from over.
