Re: BarTalk Vol. 15/No. 6 “Bikram Yoga Contest” Yoga is a mystic religious practice of Hindu origin, the purpose being to break the cycle of reincarnation and “become one with God.” It is not correct to say yoga is just a form of exercise. If so, why do so many teachers study under gurus? Why do people chant during yoga sessions? Although many practitioners suffer no ill effects, yoga can bring suffering. The mystic practices are intended to raise spiritual power called “Kundalini.” This power is very real, and can be dangerous. Your readers may be interested in the following Web sites:
Here are brief quotes from one site:
“Kundalini arousal occurs especially as an unintentional side effect of spiritual exercises… many people have gone insane from the tremendous Kundalini energy… yoga and meditation teachers… should inform students and clients about the great risk of brain and nervous system collapse… modern medical science has limited knowledge and experience in this area.”
Sounds unbelievable, but it’s true. I have spoken with several people who were debilitated as a result of yogic spiritual exercises. There is a psychiatrist in Vancouver who specializes in helping Kundalini sufferers. Perhaps it is inappropriate to promote mystic religious practices in our professional journal.
Ruth P. Magnusson, Victoria
Re: BarTalk Vol. 16/No. 1 “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” I read your delightful article today in the latest issue of BarTalk. I must commend you for your tact in dealing with the modern-day rough equivalents of locust plagues. In particular, I was very curious about your suggestion to foil the anti-telemarketing machine. As I was reading that paragraph and was charging onwards to the Orks reference, the phone rang ... with no response on the other end. You may guess as to what transpired. Thanks for the suggestion.
Ritchie Po, Vancouver
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These letters were published in the April 2004 issue of BarTalk. |