Bikram Yoga, commonly called ‘hot yoga’, involves practicing  a routine set of asanas in a 104* F heat.  According to this article, it has risen in popularity and endorses competitions in the UK (and LA next month) with aspirations to enter the Olympics.  I am surprised to read that yoga has a competitive history in India, and wonder what that looks like; who meditates better? has more devotion? selflessness?  or peace?  I am trying to make a point that competitive yoga may detract the student from the essence of its practice.

I understand from this article that the competition primarily judges asana practice (poses), one dimension of yoga’s complex form.  Maybe this would benefit a few, however Americans are so competitive by nature, it might be more fruitful to explore yoga’s softer side which encourages a less ego driven way of life.