Rachel Bolt
September 24, 2015
BIS 350, Hirshorn
Module 5, Paper 5
Cultural Event
Event: Hatha Yoga Class 
Location: The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 
Website: http://htgc.org/Home/index.php/hath-yoga-classes
Photos: Attached

	I have taken yoga classes before but never at an authentic Hindu Temple. I was not sure what I was about to experience at my scheduled two hour yoga class located at The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago. As I drove to the class I started to panic, thinking that it might be a very experienced class since yoga is so highly valued in the practice of Hinduism. I had passed this temple many times, for it is not far from where I live, but I have never taken the time to experience its beauty close up. After I parked my car, I walked among beautiful architecture to enter a ball room where mats lying in rows made a path to an open spot I claimed. Our instructor introduced himself on stage and before starting the session, asked how we were and began talking about his day. 
	As I settled in I glanced around and was immediately surprised to find out how culturally diverse the individuals participating were. In fact, it was the most diverse setting I have been in for some time. I looked around to find men of all ages, women of all body sizes and both with various ethnic backgrounds. I already felt at peace before the class began knowing we could all gather together for the same goal, even if some consider it just an exercise class. I shamefully realized that I had jumped to conclusions, maybe even stereotyped, the class before I arrived. 
	There are many aspects to yoga in which I enjoy, but what I found most influential was the spiritual guidance of the atmosphere. There was a powerful energy hovering over the class influencing our every breath. Our instructor, Prasad Palacharia, has spent many years studying the art of yoga. Not all teachers are able to successfully engage mind, body and spirit within the class, but our instructor did. Palacharia has a message every yoga class and this class focused around climate change and how it impacts world peace. The temple is hosting an event, Global Mala Yoga for Peace, in honor of World Peace Day. A day where peace is honored with dedicated followers completing 108 sun salutations, a cycle common in yoga representing the 12 stages of the sun, which has been compared to running a marathon. 
	The thing that I loved most about this specific yoga class was the effort each member made to make every individual present feel comfortable. Palacharia asked all newcomers to introduce themselves, which some might find embarrassing, but I found the gesture welcoming. No matter what cultural background an individual has, this yoga class accepts them. It made me realize how far ahead the Hindu culture is compared to other societies. They are accepting outsiders within their walls because they believe we will all benefit each other. 
	Not only was this class more accepting of other cultures, it was much longer than I am used to for a yoga class. I found out the class was two hours long by looking online, so I had prepared myself to work my body hard. In the past, classes I take range from 45 minutes to an 90 minutes. Two hours seemed like an intense class. It was the second thing I was wrong about. The class was not rushed, and our instructor took his time giving the background and reasoning behind the practice. We started warmups 20 minutes into the class and finished our sun salutations when I was expecting to continue with other positions, we went into our relaxation poses. 
	We had about 40 minutes left of class and I was confused as to why we were starting our relaxation poses so early. After we finished we participated in a group mediation, something that I have never practiced before, it made sense as to why we had “finished” so early. I was truly immersed in an authentic yoga class, complete with the art form of meditation. Although I need some practice, I look forward to regularly attending the classes, (I even got my mom to join), and improving my yoga skills.
	I think that in our society we often take advantage of the cultural diversity our country has. We have gotten used to seeing it that we often overlook it. I really enjoyed this assignment because it forced me out of my comfort zone. I was able to try something that I enjoy but in a different setting. Instead of taking a yoga class in my neighborhood, where they are overtaken by botox moms in $100 workout pants, I am able to feel worry free and confident. If it were not for me getting outside of my own culture, I would not have had this irreplaceable experience. 

“Our Yoga classes and activities are based on the philosophy of training our body, mind and spirit to achieve inner peace, love, joy, and complete harmony and oneness with the universe. We strive hard to make benefits of yoga available to all people irrespective of different cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.” - Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago