Yoga Journal Singapore — December 15, 2017

8

december 2017 / january 2018

yogajournal.com.sg

editor’s letter

Dear Readers,

Yet another year passes us by, and the unpredictability of events sets a reminder

to cherish what we have and not take for granted. Change and disruption were

witnessed throughout the year, kicking off with the inaugurations of new

Presidents in the U.S. and France; Brexit confusion in the UK; Rohingya crisis in

Myanmar; deadly shootings and terror attacks; and earthquakes in many parts.

In the yoga world too, one big company filed for an IPO (Yogaworks) while

another filed for bankruptcy (Bikram Yoga) after the hot yoga chain got burnt (pun

intended!) from a spate of legal troubles—an embarrassment with an absconding

founder accused of sexual assault. Come next year, yoga studios may just erase

the tarnished Bikram name from their class schedules, and revamp the Hot 26

sequence.

The likes of Bikram Choudhury are responsible for misrepresenting yoga and

spirituality by creating cults for monetary gains. Just as with many other ills

governing the world today, followers are blinded by misinterpretations and

misrepresentations, placing on pedestals those more deserving of a reprimand.

What we need is a regulatory body for the yoga world which should ensure that

the true spirit of the ancient tradition and wisdom are maintained, not floundered

by fake teachers who add beer, wine and sensuality (ugh!) on the mat. A true

yogi would steer clear of such idiosyncrasies, in my opinion.

Let’s hope 2018 brings more peace and sanity around the world. The power

of healing is what we need to advocate more, be it through social media or

yoga studios—just as they did in Mexico City in November when more than

200,000 people came together to meditate for peace. Now, that’s the kind of

cult following the world needs. Let’s pray for more of that.

Enjoy the magazine!

Wishing you a very happy, peaceful and healthy new year!

Kind Regards,

Kavita Chandran

Editor & Publisher

[email protected]

ART DIRECTION : ANUJA BAGADE, PHOTO CREDIT : GARGI MAZUMDAR, ILLUSTRATION : DESIGNED BY FREEPIK