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Martian Invasion!
 
"The only way you'll see human beings cooperating together is when they take on an outside threat greater than themselves - a Martian invasion, for instance." This provocative statement, or something like it, has been one of my personal mantras this past year.
 
In otwithstanding the success of the 'War of the Worlds' movie remake when this was exactly the unlikely scenario, my oh-so-witty observation was meant to impart the considered opinion that only the threat of an outside force would unite such a disparate group as yoga teachers, their schools and organisations.
 
One might have hoped that, of all forms of creative endeavour, yoga teachers in their many and varied expressions might have developed a culture of cooperation, given their shared spiritual values. Not a bit of it. Doctrinal differences, hard-won viewpoints, diametrically opposed philosophies from a range of Eastern and Western cultures seemed destined to ensure that the wide diversity of yoga teachers and schools of thought remained separate from one another. They all, in their own way, ploughed lonely furrows in the prevailing culture's deeply entrenched motivations of materialism and selfishness.
 
Now the good news. A largely unregulated Yoga community finally woke up to the perceived threat that the 'Fitness Industry,' in the guise of SkillsActive and the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS), had decided it had both the authority and wisdom to dictate the form of future Yoga teaching (National Occupational Standard - level 3 - Fitness Instructor). Notwithstanding the ludicrous omission of Yoga's unquantifiable, but fundamental, 'spiritual element' in their grading and quantification of the subject, Business failed to realise quite what energies they were dealing with. For, in truth, the very aspect of Yoga they found it convenient to ignore is the very strength of a way of life that has survived thousands of years and defied the attempts of kings, emperors and religionists to regulate or suppress. Yoga produces independently-minded, creative, assertive individuals answerable solely to their inner voice, higher selves or divine inspiration, not some corporate taskmaster. Also, what the corporate marketplace has failed to appreciate is that, despite our apparent differences, there are some commonly shared spiritual tenets to which we do subscribe. Foremost of these is a desire to serve others with the imperishable science that has so enriched our own lives. Don't get me wrong; because of their extraordinary range of talents, hard work and perspicacity most of the yogis I know have well-balanced and regulated lives, raise families, run successful businesses and pay taxes. But for them money is not the sole focus of their lives. Many, inspired by teachers, gurus, saints and sages have found meaning in their lives and the humility to know they don't have all the answers.
 
Given their diverse backgrounds and ways of working, it seemed highly unlikely that such a group of self-motivated, capable and independently-minded spiritual entrepreneurs should find common cause in anything so controversial as training standards. Engendering fierce debate in the Yoga press over the decades, only a few foolhardy souls had ever attempted to grasp this thorny question. With its competing ideologies Business and Spirit were two rivers whose confluence was only likely to produce one outcome - choppy water. And a rather ill-advised Fitness Industry decided to go for a swim!
 
Against all the odds then, one might think, a core group of teacher trainers met at the first Olympia Yoga Show at the end of 2004 and decided to form common cause to fight off an interfering menace and claim back the right for Yogis to determine Yoga's future development. The formation of the Independent Yoga Network, at the start of 2005, was an important expression of Yoga solidarity and forward thinking. Agreed standards evolved over the coming year, as more schools and organisations joined the network and a Yoga Register was started.
 
Now, at least, Yoga has its own independent voice and I can report after a year's activity that the IYN has established two websites, raised awareness with a stand at this year's Yoga Show and is set to announce a Yoga Festival, joint publishing projects and a host of cooperative endeavours. I have been warmed by the overwhelming and heart-warming cooperation of the community of my fellow Yogis and inspired by our creative achievements.
 
As we celebrate such an astonishing achievement of cooperative endeavour, I am confident we now provide a genuine alternative to institutional and corporate Yoga management. Yoga, as an imperishable science will always be free, that's its nature. It does not need the IYN to defend it. However, if we wish its expression in our modern-day culture to be free of restrictive corporate meddling and divisive fearfulness, then we may have to stand up and be counted. In the company of those members of the IYN whom I'm coming to know and love and trust I no longer need to warn of Martian invasions, but celebrate that Spirit has moved and Yogis have listened.
 
The work of our group is detailed on our websites (www.independentyoganetwork.org and www.theyogaregister.org). We invite everyone, regardless of doctrinal or organisational loyalties, to support this work and join the Yoga Register. Our forums are open and the invitation for all to take part is in our hearts as well as on our lips. May all beings live in peace and may this season bring you health and well being.
 
For further details contact Swami Tantramurti Saraswati ('Tantro') on 01299 - 861222.
 
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