Is yoga “esoteric”?The answer is simple: It depends on how you define "esoteric." Some people understand it as an interesting secret doctrine, perhaps with a mystical approach; new insights into unusual things that most people neither understand nor recognize. Others use it to dismiss "unreasonable" things; for them, anything is esoteric that science can't prove, that sounds strange and is beyond their comprehension, or that they instinctively reject.
Incidentally, this derogatory attitude has only existed since the 20th century. Before that, esotericism was very elitist, something only for select groups of people like scientists, and sometimes even only for initiates. This gave it this mysterious, fantastical, and even cult-like character. Esotericism essentially means nothing other than "relating to the inner."
Esoteric content
Today, these two groups—esoteric fans and those who reject it—continue to oppose each other. Esotericism encompasses a wide variety of topics: Native American and Far Eastern myths, gurus and lunar calendars, crystal healing and pendulums; geomancy, clairvoyance and clairaudience, fortune-telling, card reading, and the famous round table readings for contacting the deceased. Alongside the spectacular, there are deep religious mysteries that elude conventional knowledge; dream interpretation, spontaneous healing, theosophy, telepathy and telekinesis, and the spiritual relationship to numbers.
Yoga seems downright "harmless" in the context of some of the rather dubious practices, which we find almost indistinguishable from charlatanism. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out today that some of these topics will one day gain conclusive evidence or become as widely accepted as we know them to be.
Gymnastic exercises and spiritual experiences
So, the question is what your personal yoga looks like, or rather, what you want to adopt from the ancient tradition. If you view yoga purely from a sporting perspective, the asanas have no esoteric elements, but are on a par with Pilates and gymnastics . The breathing exercises can also be explained quite well by biological processes, such as nasal cleansing, more oxygen for the organs, and so on.
Meditative exercises, on the other hand, are already in a transitional stage. Here, sensitive people can experience extraordinary and strange experiences; some might even speak of soul journeys or other flights of the mind that are difficult to explain and thus esoteric.
If we now consider the concept of meridians, which originates from TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and only slowly gained acceptance in the West, we are already entering a realm that was once considered esoteric but is now considered entirely acceptable. Health insurance companies have even begun to cover acupuncture treatments under certain circumstances. In contrast, areas like kinesiology are still not recognized treatments. Nevertheless, they work wonders in many cases, and even people who have never dealt with them respond and are healed.
Various forms of exercise
The current influx of yoga classes is greater than ever. Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Zen , and similar practices are also popular, but by a considerable margin; perhaps because yoga can also be seen purely as relaxation and exercise. No one needs to change their diet or delve into the deepest secrets of yoga; they simply practice dog , cat, and tree poses . In contrast, Tai Chi and other forms offer special exercises such as rooted walking, the swimming dragon, and the visualization of capturing the chi and directing it to the lower core. Some people may have difficulty with this.
Yoga is therefore less esoteric in our part of the world, as so many people now practice it that it can hardly be described as a teaching "only for the initiated." Incidentally, (unlike in the Far East) more women than men attend classes with their yoga equipment ; some others may prefer to practice secretly at home.
In this respect, we suggest: simply enjoy “your” yoga, whatever your stance on the subject of esotericism!
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