8. Between Patañjali and Psychology: Acem’s ‘Classical, Meditative Yoga'
Embodied Reception - South Asian Spiritualities in Contemporary Contexts - Henriette Hanky
Margrethe Løøv [+]
NLA University College, Oslo
Description
This article examines Acem’s philosophy and practice of yoga as taught by Acem School of Yoga (Norsk Yoga-skole). Acem was founded as part of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s TM movement in 1966. The organizations cooperated closely in the 1960s, but disagreements led to an organizational rupture in 1971. The discursive framing of the practices has changed significantly since the rupture with the TM movement. Whereas Maharishi was inspired by Advaita Vedanta philosophy and referred to the Vedas for legitimation, Acem has discarded all religious explanations. Today, Acem promotes its activities as secular and scientifically based techniques for self-development. The aims of yoga and meditation go beyond the more mundane benefits like increased flexibility and ease of mind. When performed consistently, meditative yoga is also said to be conducive to personal growth and existential acknowledgment. This article discusses Acem’s interpretation of yoga as a term and practice. It is argued that Acem has a selective view of yoga that is inspired by Western psychology and yoga in the Indian tradition. Acem promotes a highly individualized view of the goals of meditation, while Acem’s emphasis on personal growth and existential acknowledgment can be seen as firmly embedded in ‘the therapeutic ethos’ of contemporary Western societies. Somewhat paradoxically, the aims of yoga and meditation are stated to be highly individualized—at the same time as there is a shared discourse about these aims in the organization.