#152 Reema Datta - The Importance of Holistic Yoga

Reema Datta (www.reemadatta.com
| @reemayoga)


In this conversation, Reema Datta shares her journey of
discovering yoga and becoming a teacher. She discusses her
background growing up in a family immersed in yoga and Ayurveda.
Rima also talks about her experience with Larry Schultz and the
perception of yoga appropriation.


She emphasises the need for a holistic approach to yoga,
including integrating mind practices. Rima suggests that ancient
texts should be translated and made applicable to modern life to
deepen the understanding of yoga.


The conversation explores the importance of incorporating mental
aspects in yoga and the need to go back to the original teachings
of yoga. It discusses the role of translations in understanding
yoga texts and the significance of cultural appropriation and
respect in yoga.


The meaning and pronunciation of Namaste are explored, along with
the importance of respecting yoga traditions and practices. The
conversation also delves into overcoming the fluctuations of the
mind and the gift of yoga to humanity. It highlights the need to
improve the representation of yoga and the use of yoga sequences
to work with emotions. 


The conversation concludes with discussing the need for a
feminine touch in yoga and the mind-body experience in yoga. The
chapter ends with a reflection on inspiration and guilty
pleasures.


Highlights


Yoga can be practised in various ways and is not limited to
asana.

       The perception of yoga
appropriation can be divisive and counterproductive.

·       There is a need for a
holistic approach to yoga that integrates mind practices.

·       Ancient texts should be
translated and made applicable to modern life to deepen the
understanding of yoga. Incorporating mental aspects in yoga is
essential to honour the original teachings of yoga.

·       Translations of yoga
texts can greatly impact our understanding and practice of yoga.

·       Cultural appropriation
in yoga should be approached with respect and understanding.

·       The meaning and
pronunciation of Namaste can vary, but the intention behind it is
what matters.

·       Respecting yoga
traditions and practices includes understanding the symbolism and
significance of statues and other elements.

·       Yoga helps overcome the
fluctuations of the mind and promotes unity and connection.

·       Yoga is a gift to
humanity and should be represented with integrity and
authenticity.

·       Yoga sequences can be
designed to work with specific emotions and promote emotional
well-being.

·       Including more feminine
perspectives in yoga can bring balance and depth to the practice.

·       The mind-body
experience is an integral part of yoga and should not be
suppressed or denied.

·       Honesty and
authenticity are inspiring qualities in yoga and in life.

·       Taking time for guilty
pleasures, such as watching movies and enjoying snacks, is
important for self-care.



You can find links to Reema's book, Sacred Sanskrit Words
for Yoga, Chant, and Meditation and her
two mantra albums on her
website: www.reemadatta.com 


You can also follow her on Instagram @reemayoga


Sources: 


Eknath Easwaran's translations of the Bhagavad
Gita and Upanishads are excellent. He taught at the
University of California, Berkeley for decades, and was an
amazing bridge between India and the West. His translations are
easy to read and full of relatable stories. Roopa Pai has
written The Gita for Children and The Vedas and
Upanishads for Children. They are both excellent books if you'd
like to share with your kids and learn with them! Even for
adults, these books are a great introduction to these texts,
which carry the original wisdom teachings of yoga that focus
on the mind. 


You can learn more about Niguma from H.E. Kalu Rinpoche. 


Reema offers a free online community gathering on the last Sunday
of each month to discuss aspects of yoga philosophy and engage in
a short practice of mantra, pranayama, and meditation together.
Everyone is welcome to join.


You can register online and receive a link. She also has a few
online courses that combine asana, mantra, pranayama, meditation,
and philosophy. www.reemadatta.com