The new documentary Yoga Maya offers an in-depth exploration into the many facets of yoga. One of the meanings of the word “maya” is delusion. The purpose of this film is to dissolve many of the myths and misunderstandings of what yoga really is. Yoga Maya offers a discussion around how far the West has strayed from the true purpose of the yogic lifestyle and its many personal, spiritual, and mental benefits. Some of the modern teaching of yoga is limited to asana while the breathwork and meditation practices help with stress reduction, coping with everyday challenges, and lowering blood pressure.
The expansive knowledge presented in the film is from highly esteemed master teachers with expert backgrounds in Tantra, meditation, spiritual entrepreneurism, yoga studies, kirtan, writing, therapy, and Ayurveda. One of the interviewees, Swami Sri Atmananda shared particularly fascinating historical stories. This documentary is an excellent resource for the yoga-curious and those new to yoga. It inspires those of us already on the yogic path to further our quest for more knowledge about its life changing benefits.
Some benefits of yoga discussed here include aging with grace and ease, improved health, better decision making, mental clarity, wholeness, healing traumas, improved food selection, character building, being of service, letting go of unhealthy habits, stress management, and much more.
I was intrigued by the ongoing debate about the westernization of asana and what has turned this limb into a sport/fitness routine. As master teacher Tracee Stanley put it, “use asana to move beyond the physical body and to realize there is actually more there than what we see, feel and touch.” This is what is missing when only teaching or practicing asana and not incorporating breath work, chanting, and meditation.
The cinematography was pleasing and I especially enjoyed the lush colors of nature, including ocean scenes and India. Seeing the sangha or community of students partaking in various classes warms my heart and the film’s soundtrack is hypnotizing.
Yoga Maya will answer questions you may not even know you had about yoga. Because yoga is a spiritual practice, it can be incorporated into any belief system. The film inspired me to continue my studies and personal journey for a deeper experience of life. Yoga is life changing no matter age, background, or degree of fitness. Yoga is for everybody.
