Asana Quote by Gary Kraftsow
“I studied Sanskrit for many years, and I've got all the coursework for my Ph.D. And a lot of what's going on in American Yoga is just made-up stuff. Smart people, even good people, Western therapists, Yoga therapists and other things, Western healthcare practitioners who love Asana and say, "Let's make up yoga therapy."”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Podcast on Yoga Therapy, 2022
The quote critiques the commercialization and invention of yoga practices in the West, suggesting many are not rooted in traditional Sanskrit scholarship.
In simple terms: Western yoga often adds non‑traditional ideas.
Key Takeaway
Question authenticity in yoga practice.
Themes
authenticity
commercialization
tradition
healthcare
culture
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- yoga teacher training
- clinical therapy
- wellness program design
- patient counseling
Key Concepts
cultural appropriation
evidence‑based practice
professional ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can practitioners balance tradition with modern needs?
- What standards should guide yoga therapy?
A Different Perspective
Traditional knowledge may be inaccessible or misinterpreted, limiting practical application.
![“There's the kind of people like me, who spent years in India, have learned Sanskrit, have done this work deeply - they probably say for lifetimes - now interfacing [with the mainstream].” quote by Gary Kraftsow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d76/gary-kraftsow-22606_done_there-s-the-kind-of-people-like-me-who-s_1562868.jpg)
