Yoga Instructor - The New Age Rock Star

by heathervescent

Last week the LA Times had an interesting article on celebrity yoga teachers. Comparing them to the diva's they teach, they pondered, "Are they just like their rock-star clientele?"

Although [Shiva] Rea, 39, and other A-list yogis may begin their mornings with ancient Indian meditation and tongue-scraping rituals, their days are frequently filled with more contemporary marketing duties. Such is the odd, new balancing act of today's top yogis, many of whom have been teaching for 20-plus years and are now confronting international fame.

This seems like mostly a case of follow your bliss and the money will come. We're not talking about yoga teachers who have only been on the scene for two years. We're talking about people who have changed their lives with yoga and followed that path. It's perhaps the first crop of American yoga instructors.

Wong, 38, a former street tough who sports a nose ring and gangster tattoos alongside the Buddha eye on his arm, talks with the bravado of a rap star — all in the name of enlightenment. "I'm into name, game, claim and fame," said the Asia-based master of yoga-martial arts fusion. "I'm going for the world, no mistake about that, but not for oneself alone. It's for others. The key is service."

However, how will these yoga gurus handle stardom? Are those who seek the limelight just as enlightened? Or are they concerned with their bank accounts? Only time will tell, as to whether they practice their truth. However, if you're looking for fame and fortune you might want to think twice before knocking on yoga's door.

| 08/28/06 | Yoga