Author’s Notes
The following are brief notes regarding the character of the entire proposed book and a few guidelines for authors as you develop your individual essays.
Structure of the Book. Lex is writing an initial, substantive essay in which he treats his historical connection with yoga, his evolution as a teacher, and some issues he sees as important in considering the future of yoga in the U.S. He will also write a teaching guide for what he sees as a basic program for the practice of yoga today, which will be published in the form of an appendix. The bulk of the book will consist of essays by individual authors that highlight the various ways in which yoga is practiced today in a range of social settings. Richard will write a general introduction to the volume that addresses the history of the modernization of yoga in Asia and its transmission to the West, as well as some major issues that are currently raised by observers in and around yoga communities, East and West.
Thesis / Argument. The Introduction will also frame two general arguments about Americanization of yoga that will help to structure the volume. 1). Traditions framed within Asian histories and lineages currently play a less important role in the dissemination and shaping of contemporary yoga then formal and informal networks created among American teachers and students. 2). Popular images of yoga tend to emphasis postural practice and its relationship to athleticism and physical health, but yoga as practiced on the ground reflects a wide variety of spiritual, existential, and psychological motivations. These two propositions will help to foreground the way in which networks such as Lex’s work both to disseminate yoga and to foster variety and diversity in its practice.
Individual Essays. We are currently working with about 25 individuals who have agreed to write essays for the book. We are thinking in terms of pieces from about 7 to 15 page, which can take the form of personal reflection or more formal considerations of the practice and meaning of yoga. We encourage authors to discuss their experiences as yoga teachers from their own unique perspective and in their own voice. For example, some might discuss how teaching brings yoga into play with issues of emotional and spiritual health, education and pedagogy, rehabilitation, or the physical challenges of aging. Others might emphasize the social aspects of practice and the vitality of yoga communities. Some may reflect on how a basic commitment to yoga has been integrated with the Hindu tradition, science, popular culture, Buddhism, Christianity or Judaism, etc.
It is our hope that each essay will bring out another distinct facet of yoga as it is being practiced today. To that end, a few notes might assist you in thinking about how to frame and develop your essay.
1. Be specific about the social context in which you are teaching (school, rehab facility, community center etc.), your clientele, and their aspirations and needs.
2. What are your aspirations for the teaching and practice of yoga and how are these realized (or not) in the social setting in which you work.
3. What kind of issues have you encountered in the course of practice? There is a range of perennial issues that some teachers encounter – tensions between spiritual and secular goals of yoga; concerns raised by Christian theology; the impact of consumerism on the ideals of yoga; resistance to yoga in medical institutions; and many more. Bring challenges you have encountered in teaching into your essay as one way to give your discussion specificity and concreteness.
4. Illustrative vignettes, moments of insight, stories about community, even disappointments in regard to outcomes will help to give the essay substance in regard to the your approach to practice and will appeal to readers. But be sure to set inspirational or challenging stories in the context of the specific setting, clientele, and goals of your teaching. We prefer concrete discussions of the shape and substance of your teaching to general tributes to the efficacy of yoga practice.
Deadline. We are hoping to have essays submitted as soon as possible, but with a deadline of November 1, 2015. Submitted essays ought to be developed as comprehensively as possible, which will assist us as we assess how all the individual pieces can best work together. Sometime after January 1, 2016 authors will be contacted with proposals for revision and editing in the light of the entire body of work.
Publishing. We currently have no concrete arrangements with a publisher or specific plan for self-publication, although Lex and I both have experience with the publication process. As a result, no remuneration can be offered for any of the proposed works be they Lex’s essay, authors’ essays, or my introductory material. All of us are now proceeding on the basis of our individual engagement with the practice of yoga and our interest in its future in the United States.
Resources. We are not offering authors a common bibliography but have posted a number of general interest articles that touch on selected issues as currently framed in and around the yoga community today. These may provide authors with some inspiration or guidance. See Lex’s site at: