“Real Perks for Canadians” or Spiritual Materialism?

Spiritual Materialism

The American Yoga Alliance is undercutting and competing with Canadian Yoga Associations.

For instance, The Yoga Association of Alberta is 35+ years old. It certifies teachers and offers insurance, training upgrades, workshops and retreats to the citizens of Alberta.

When they wished to partner with the American Yoga Alliance, they were told to re-certify their teachers through the American Yoga Alliance, whose training is not as well established as their own.

The Canadian Yoga Alliance is another well-established organization with a membership of over 4000. They offer insurance and partner with other Yoga Alliances, such as, the International Yoga Federation and the World Yoga Alliance.

The American Yoga Alliance’s motto uses the well know Yoga Motto, “Many Paths, One Light.” (Various paths become one in the light.) American Yoga Alliance says, “Many paths. One Yoga Alliance.” Thereby, twisting a spiritual premise into spiritual materialism.

The spirit of Yoga is ‘power with’, rather than ‘power over’. We hold hands with each other, and we move towards the Light, together.