Yoga, Inc. by John Philp Book Review

Yoga, Inc.

This well researched book (based on the documentary of the same name) leads you through the history of yoga in America. Warning: If you do not want to know about the various escapades of beloved gurus, then don't read this book. The writing is clever and witty—he knows his pop culture. The book starts with yoga's shaky beginnings as a metaphysical practice where only the eccentric or elite would dare go, to the fitness “yoga butt” seeking present. A central issue is the profit-making side of yoga, the difficulties of this competitive business and the ethics (following the yoga sutras as guideline) where Bikram Choudury is the main show case. Presenting both sides of the issue, with no solution offered, the book leaves the reader to make up their own mind, and, of course, since yoga in America is still in it's infancy and finding it's roots, what it means to be yogic in America is still to be seen (Chakra panties, anyone?).