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  • Essay / Yoga with African traditions and culture

    The principle of yoga has been lost to us as Africans because we have not taken the time to understand it. There are a number of things we may not agree with in yoga, but some are completely acceptable and consistent with the natural laws of the universe. In fact, most of them do. It is a way of approaching human health in the most profound way from a physical, mental and even spiritual and not necessarily religious perspective. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get an original essay This approach has been reviewed and studied by many teachers (sensei), gurus and yogis around the world and they have a consensus on the makes it a beneficial practice to adopt. When I think back to our own tradition, some of the things that were done by the elders had many similarities to what yoga teaches. I will cite the Luhya tradition where I come from. On the third day after the circumcision, the circumciser will come home and have the boy sit by the door of his little hut facing outside. Covered in nothing but his blanket, the boy will receive a lecture that will guide him on his journey as a young adult. The excisor, with his hand on the boy's shoulders, will say something like this: "your heart beats strong, it is the beat of a man who has withstood the test of the knife and will assume the responsibilities of a man without blinking. The knife you hold now is a symbol of your growth into a man old enough to plant a seed in a woman. Keep your ways and do not find yourself in another man's house or hearth. Be grounded in your belief in our people and in the traditions of our ancestors. Maintain respect for your home, your father and your grandfather. Respect your elders and never deviate from the norms of our culture. We call it “Khubita”, my friends might compare it to guided meditation…and many other things that would have been praised by ancient yogis. The Maasai do a lot of chanting, which is common in many other tribes and is similar to many different forms or styles of yoga. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized paper now from our expert writers. Get a custom essay At present, I think yoga should be encouraged in all kinds of institutions. The reason I say this is born from the understanding that some people are more visual learners, including myself. Some very vital life lessons could easily be applied through a physical practice like yoga. Yoga infuses awareness into our daily actions and creates a space for inquiry that would be essential in forming a mannerism that moves forward and sustains all. I'll correct myself if I'm wrong but that's my opinion..