I am not fond of using music for my yoga practice. I enjoy yoga without music, for I can hear myself better, feel the joints open up and feel the flexibility increase as the class progresses. I think yoga is all about going independent of all dependencies. It is about getting rid of all the layers, not about adding things. I think it is okay to use music in a public class, as everyone is at a different stage of evolution. And for many, it is just a workout.
Using music is alright, if the music used is good. I am aware of the reggae, rock, trance and all the variations. In San Francisco, the music choice was quite decent. Even though the Sanskrit was butchered in all the new age lounge music, it still had a rhythm. Om Man-ee pad-meh hooooom. During my teacher training in San Francisco, I was even taught how important music is and how it must be used to build a tempo. Personally, I do not want to use music as it is a distraction to go to Apple music and buy the songs. It costs extra and it is unnecessary nuisance. If I do use music in my class, I make sure it is interesting.
I go to “Vinyasa” and “hatha” yoga classes in Vancouver just to mix up my home practice and a led class. There is no special importance placed on the music. It would be better without music, but they play some kind of elevator music. Same constant thing with no rhythm. Sun Salutations or Savasana, it is the same.
What do my readers think of using music in a yoga class?
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i don’t think music during yoga is a bright idea. chanting by the students, or the instructors is a different thing, however.
I agree with you about chanting. Surya namaskar with the live chant is an amazing experience. If the teachers can chant live, that is beautiful.
I have never needed music while doing anything super interesting. I don’t think one needs to listen to music while skiing, snowboarding, surfing, playing tennis or basketball. You need so much focus, concentration and enjoy the exhilaration.
I consider an asana practice in the same range. Just be there for the experience. Using music equates yoga with aerobics or the dreaded treadmill. Just get it through and be done with the workout attitude.
Music and the treadmill. The article says casual athletes need a distraction like music, chatting, reading to workout. Serious athletes don’t need it. Hmm.. interesting. May be I have become a serious yogi.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/18/fashion/18FITNESS.html?scp=1&sq=treadmill%20music&st=cse
One thing that I really enjoy with yoga is hearing your own breath – filling your lungs on every inhale and rushing out with every exhale. It’s not often that you get to pay such close attention to the sound, rhythm and motion of your own living breath. Music, especially when it’s loud, drowns out that vital part of the experience.
I used to listen to music when I started my home practice, but now it seems unnecessary. I think it is even less necessary in a class, when there is an energy flow from many people.