When early American yoga first emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a distinct style of practice that prioritized mystical and mental elements over physical postures. It was closely entwined with American metaphysical religion since it became a center for people looking for spiritual enlightenment and personal transformation. Yoga teachers like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda resonated with American audiences by presenting yoga as a movement for mental and spiritual uplift rather than a physical discipline. Yoga was becoming a more commonplace aspect of spiritual life due to the nationwide network of South Asian teachers, the majority of whom were traveling, spreading these ideas to all Americans through students. The inner revelation is advanced by this polyphonic American tradition, which embraces various styles and elements and is diverse regarding its origins and Indian influences. …show more content…
According to the article, Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda were part of a larger and more intricate system of yogis that existed at the beginning of the 20th century. This is why their roles have been inflated. Deslippe claims that the early yoga rotation in the US was a mass phenomenon sparked by interactions between South Asian instructors and American students. To appeal to the affluent, predominantly female, and metaphysical candidates in the United States, the mystic and psychic practices that had become the defining characteristics of yoga at the time were promoted and altered. The claim that the history of yoga in America was brief or one-dimensional is refuted by the more thorough and varied interpretation, demonstrating how flexible and complex yoga was at this