Entering a shala -a yogic dance- in the midst of the smoke of incense, unknown deities, the “om” sound and people who emulate positions of dogs or snakes, can intimidate those who are curious.
And if we add the prejudices that prowl the discipline the feeling will be even greater.
On the occasion of the International Yoga Day, held on Wednesday, the press consulted yoga instructors about the most common myths and truths about this discipline of Indian origin.
Esteban Salazar of Krama Yoga and Edgar Ortíz of Yoga Mandir agreed that one of the most common and wrong beliefs is that it is a religion or that it involves changing creeds.
Yoga means union. It nourishes the body and the heart, but it is not something religious, it could be directed towards a religion or belief, if the person wishes it, but it is not a dogma or religion. Many refuse to practice it due to their beliefs, when in reality they will never go against it. They could actually see benefits in their backs and in stress reduction,”
assured Salazar.
For more information, visit Facebook or the website of the Costa Rican Association of Yoga Teachers (AsoYoga).