Yoga Manifesto

·       I accept yoga as an ancient practise derived from the Hindu religion and steeped in Tamil and Sanskrit traditions.

·       I accept yoga is not an exercise program but a way of life. It is more than fitness; it is a spiritual path with the goal of union (God with Jeevathma)

·       I will practise the eight limbs of yoga to derive the complete benefit of yoga, because it is more than the sum of its parts.

·       I accept that only those who come from its true cultural heritage are capable of teaching it correctly and fully.

·       Everyone can learn and practise yoga irrespective of their cultural and religious beliefs. However, only a few can teach it correctly and I will endeavour to find that true guru.

·       Yoga is a true blessing and only those spiritually blessed with their good karma, will be initiated into it. Hence, I will not force anyone to practise yoga.

·       I will seek my true guru and accept him once I have met him even if that meeting or encounter is brief and fleeting. I accept the influence of my true guru to be lifelong and to last forever.

·       I accept yoga as a universal practise being the most ancient and complete natural medical and wellness system needed in our toxic society.

·       I will not accept false gurus or teachers and reject those, culturally appropriating yoga.

·       I will teach all who come to me (if a learned teacher for the Hindu and Tamil culture) be they be rich or poor, good or bad, white or black, men or women, older young, straight or gay. I accept yoga should be available to all those who seek it, not just to the privileged few.

·       I will teach yoga only if I am from its ancient cultural and religious background for otherwise I lack the complete knowledge to teach it properly, causing more harm than good to the student.

·       If I am capable of teaching yoga in its original and pure traditional form, I will teach it freely and only charge a fee to make enough to live a simple and pious life.

·       I will reject all those who come to me to learn yoga as an exercise programme or those who consider it as new age spiritualism or part of the hippy upper-class culture.

·       I will not allow yoga to be sexualised or commercialised by those keen on making money and consider yoga to be resource to be exploited. I will not participate or support such businesses or commercial ventures.

·       I will study all aspects of yoga such as the asanas, pranayama, mudra, mantras, and the bandhas and integrate all of it properly so that the full benefit of yoga is achieved.

·       I will continue my quest in seeking my true guru and travel or go on pilgrimages to study and live the ancient traditions of yoga.

·       I will participate in Satsangh (spiritual discourses) given by learned gurus.

·       I will practise and teach yoga correctly so that I am well and never harmed by its practises.

·       I will not speak ill of any other exercise regimes since they are all single branches shooting from the large tree of yoga.

·       I will not disrespect other religions that do not accept yoga. I will logically analyse every argument and accept or reject yoga by coming to my own conclusions.

·       I will challenge continuously all those who class appropriate yoga.

·       I commit to practising yoga daily and at every opportunity made available to practise it.

·       I will learn yoga from a true guru and not by other means such as the Internet or online which can be more harmful than good.

·       I accept yoga as a journey and not a destination. I will undertake this journey with courage, love, and determination.

 Copyright - Skanda Kumarasingam (Sydney Yoga School)