The Science of Yoga: Prologue

The social ascendancy of yoga

• is there a "yoga industrial complex" where large corporate conglomerates "own" the business of yoga?
• is there a demographic of yoga in the West that is coincident with affluence and education?
• How has yoga transformed itself into a global phenomenon, morphing from a "calling" to a "premium lifestyle"?
• How has the fact that women dominate the practice influence the marketing of yoga? Merchandising?
• What are some of the claims and assurances, sales pitches and new age promises? WOW
• health
• attractiveness
• fitness
• healing
• sleep
• safety
• longevity
• peace
• willpower
• weight control
• happiness
• love
• knowledge
• sexual satisfaction
• personal growth
• fulfilment
• financial success
• enlightenment
• What role has science and Western Culture played in the modernization (Westernization) of yoga?