Yoga has become so popular because it mixes aspects of meditation and physical relaxation which people enjoy. I believe that the Americanized form of yoga does focus on flexibility over the spiritual aspects, but mainly because Americans do not believe in the spiritual path and views that are yoga-sutra. Instead they enjoy the physical relaxation aspects and focus their attention on that. I also think that the different positions in yoga are meant to bring about different kinds of relaxation, and that flexibility increases the amount or positions one is able to do. Thus, it also increases the amount of relaxation one undergoes.
Americanized yoga does go a bit astray, however, it can still be related back to some of the core elements of the Yoga-Sutra. Internal discipline, posture, and breathing are key elements in yoga, and just by practicing them one should find their lives happier and more fulfilled. External discipline and concentration are also two major limbs that are also key in Americanized yoga. I believe withdrawal of the senses is necessary for meditative absorption and integration, and since using one’s senses helps us relax and feel comfortable it has been set-aside in American yoga.
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