AYGMyJune2015

THE ANCIENT PHILOSOPHIES OF YOGA and

Aboriginal spirituality have a great deal in

common. Both emphasise, over and over

again, the interconnection between all living

beings and our connection to our

environment; a responsibility to care for the

land we live on.

In a yoga asana practice we

look for symmetry and balance through the

physical form of the body. Through this

exploration of the physical form we gain

knowledge of connection, on many levels. We

also, in time, come to know a deep respect for

ourselves, and ultimately for all other beings.

This idea of respect is also integral to

Indigenous spiritual teachings.

In his book Treading Lightly; the Hidden

Wisdom of the World’s Oldest People, Swedish

knowledge management professor Karl Sveiby

comments on the Nhunggaburra People (who

originate from Lightening Ridge in outback

NSW), saying: “Nhunggaburra laws are

summarised by a single word: ‘respect’. Rarely

do we regard respect in the Nhunggaburra

terms: as a powerful means to create

symmetry, balance, empathy and positive

relationships between individuals and the

land.”

A journey towards justiceA journey towards justiceA journey towards justice

Exploring the commonalities

between Aboriginal spiritual

teachings and yoga

By Katie Manitsas

63

may/june 2015

yogajournal.com.au

PHOTO: TIM PRYCE PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

yj43_62-66_Aborigional spiritual teachings and yoga.indd 63 31/03/2015 2:25 pm