In the United States, there’s long been controversy over the notion of a yoga competition. Most people see it as an oxymoron, and think that competition is something that the West imposed upon a traditional Eastern practice – but that’s not the case at all.

These competitions have been taking place for centuries in India, and in more than just the physical practice of yoga.

In a competition first established in the tenth century, Brahmin priests would go on a retreat. Through fasting, breathing techniques, and meditation, they’d prepare for a discourse. A challenger asked his opponents an enigmatic question to which one would respond, and the discussion would carry on until someone said something so profound it left all the others speechless.

As individuals and a group, they were in search of the highest understanding of God. In this form of contest, called Brahmodya competition, they were able to prepare and put forth their individual best, and benefit from the exposure to every other contestant’s participation.

Championing a cause – Yoga and the Olympics.

Jeff Chen, owner of two Bikram studios in Austin, points out that both the state and national yoga events in which he and his students participate are actually called yoga championships instead of competitions. The essence of a yoga championship is an opportunity to gather together, participate, and allow everyone involved to expand by sharing what each contestant has to present, for better or worse. No one is being forced to compete.

Yoga championships provide something to train for, the challenge to rise to a personal best, and an opportunity to take the stage alongside others and demonstrate strength of mind and character throughout the process. At the same time, the community at large benefits by the heightened awareness of the sport or activity – and the thrill of watching the performances.

Bikram Yoga is beginning yoga done in a superheated room, and although some of the postures are extremely challenging, there are more advanced yoga postures that very few yogis have ever mastered. Since 2003 and the first Bishnu Charan Ghosh Cup International Yoga Asana Championship, the level of mastery for both beginning and advanced postures has improved exponentially worldwide. Bikram Choudhury used to have only a handful of yogis who practiced his advanced class at his headquarters in Los Angeles, but with each year the bar is raised by contestants, and those most impossible of postures are being done right now in many places – including Austin.

Bikram and his wife, Rajashree, have a vision that they share with many others in India of making yoga an Olympic event. The exposure generated by being an Olympic sport is obvious – they see this as a step towards ultimately getting yoga integrated into the school system, so that kids will be exposed to yoga and its myriad benefits at a young age.

It’s human nature to want to grow and expand. The enthusiasm felt holding the vision of a goal is what provides the interest and excitement that keeps us moving forward and enjoying life. Without this growth or challenge, we get bored and stagnate. Competition naturally provides the impetus to grow or change, and rekindles the zest for life.
The ultimate goal of yoga is to find inner peace, and align with who we are as spirit. The roots of the word “enthusiasm” are En Theos, which means “with God”. When you feel enthusiasm or excitement about anything, take that as your sign that you are aligned with spirit – and you will not go wrong when driven by spirit.