Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Why is modern yoga so focused on the physical practice?
Yoga International: 7/20/16
“YOGA” CAN REINFORCE rather than challenge attention to individual physical health and psychology. This can lead one astray from a transformative process that has consistently been the authentic direction of yoga and, paradoxically, optimal health.
NOTE: the following excerpts only reference core global/universal aspects [rather than specific Indian emphases of a variety of pathways that are also discussed in the article as possibilities for developing a best personal pathway]:
...yoga means union between the individual self and universal consciousness,...
Today, however, ...we are stuck at the level of body consciousness....and energy is spent dealing with mental issues, and ...physical complaints....
...physical postures (asanas) and the simple breathing practices....[interest] the greatest number of students. After practicing for several years and studying yoga texts, some students begin to yearn for deeper dimensions of yogic wisdom....
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..the supreme goal of yoga--Self-realization.
The point of asana is...so that the body does not become an obstacle in meditation....mastery over your sitting posture.
[study] yourself--your body, breath, mind, and your worldly circumstances,...
