Last week we focused on the list of 9 points that supports reconciliation. We need to take steps to bridge this divide and create inclusive spaces where we can speak about the yogic life.

If you find someone using a derogatory term or misconception about another culture or specific misconception about yoga , we can invite them into a conversation , instead of ignoring it.

Many of us are programmed to avoid uncomfortable conversations and this avoidance or ignoring only further perpetuates ignorance. We can be kind, gentle and inclusive.

Maybe we misunderstood or the other person misunderstood. However we will never know until we ask or speak.

In the last session we discussed what is needed to reconcile:

1. Understanding and empathy - Observing history in the context of colonization is very important to see how race, language, religion and way of life can become an excuse to oppress and exploit by a so called superior race. A deeper understanding of the science and art of yoga is also needed.

2. Cultivating culture - We looked at culture as a process of refinement where the senses and being are happy with what is and not addicted to more and more. This more can be more of anything - be it money, sex, yoga postures, knowledge, etc. Hence moving away from Vikrithi (misuse of senses/degeneration) to Sanskrithi (refinement of senses/regeneration) is important.

3. Spiritual maturity - We will explore this and the points listed below, in this blog. This means cultivating the capacity to listen, understand and contemplate many viewpoints. Then there will be no space for a self-righteous attitude that masks as being mindful.

In Part 1 on cultural appropriation, I shared about the colonial mindset. Again, this is a mindset and not dependent on the colour of one's skin. However, historically, when a country or race has been oppressed, the stereotypes, exploitation, belittling and biases continue through generations. Or a country and/or its people are sensationalised, exotisised and even tokenised. Many times these biases are hidden within the crevices of our brains where we do not even know why we have raga (attraction) or dwesha (repulsion) to someone or something. Like trauma, we are triggered by something from our past and, if not careful, it can skew our perception of others and the world. These coloured lenses with which we gauge people are not always based on high ideals.

In this installment on cultural appropriation, we will also explore ways to reconcile.