Yoga is generally still an issue in Malaysia and I can only hope the matter will resolve in a peaceful manner.
I was very anxious and angry when I first heard Malaysia's plan to ban Muslims attending yoga lessons. But later, I realised, I didn't need to. Even when I did have muslim yoga students questioning their practice with me and some have sadly decided to stop coming to my classes, I have not taken it personally. Yoga has been a personal practice to me and I am very glad share it with all my other students. I have made a leap from nursing to this amazing job as a yoga teacher and have not regretted making that change. Whatever comes my way, should it meant a change my career due to unforseen circumstances, then I will always find a way to do other great things. I believe in abundance. There are far worse things out there in the world that I feel a blessing to have already achieve what I have done with myself and in life.
I came across Ninie Ahmad yoga instructor diaries blog site and think it's great her passion lies in yoga. She also has very interesting comments on yoga and the effects it has on her faith and religion. Kudos to her for standing up for her rights as a muslim yoga teacher. Just maybe not so keen on a photo of herself doing a certain rude gesture. I know she's frustrated, but the best thing to do is have an open invitation yoga class to the opposers and clear out their misconceptions about yoga.
I too have been judge by my own faith (christianity) about yoga as a cult. I was probably as mad as Ninie A about it, but now, I just shrugged it off. I believe yoga is a growing industry in places like Brunei, Malaysia, Phillippines, Japan and Jakarta. The word 'growing' as in early days. Yoga is still in a nutshell to a lot of people here and I do believe it's the misunderstandings and general 'fear' of not knowing is the main problem for the strong accusations against yoga.
Soooo, I do think as yoga teachers, we have a duty like any other teachers, to teach with an open heart with patience and compassion for the less non-enthusiasts. So, let's teach with courage rather than anger or fear.
I do wish Ninie all the best and hopefully she carries on with her yoga teaching........
Ps. If you are interested in reading Ninie's blog, click http://www.yogainstructordiaries.blogspot.com
2 comments:
Jac! Thank u for dropping by my blog. Yes! I enjoy reading your blog as I hope to join u classes one day. I have been doing yoga for two years now with the last 12 months in Australia.
As a practicing Muslim, I found yoga useful for me to take charge of my life instead of life controlling me. I sleep well and my productivity increases. It also helps me be focus in life and my religion. I totally disagree with the recent banning for Muslims to attend yoga classes. I guess someone is fear of the unknown.
Oh! I listened to you on the radio last Thursday and it was awesome. Great job!
Hope to come and say hello to you in your studio! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this blog! Namaste!
Thanks Senor! It's fun reading your blog. Love the pics and family life.
Today's BB paper was a surprise. I do hope the muslim council in Malaysia rethinks again on their latest ruling. I think they have just misunderstood.
But the best thing yoga teachers can do in KL right now is to remain calm, without retaliation to the situation. The yoga studios in KL could instead send an open invite to the opposers and let them see for themselves yoga is just a lifestyle and just another way of improving mental and physical health.
Yes, hope to meet you in person one day too. It'll be a privilege.
:0)
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