‘Global Yogascapes Presentation: ASAFAS, Kyoto University 01.10.18’

Earlier this week, we attended a small symposium on zomia, borders, and development. Many of the talks focused on the NE of India. There were discussions about the fluidity of borders, but also how borders can bring development. A stand out was the discussion around how states might erase histories of places to create spaces that can then be used for whatever purposes the state wants. And, how even though roads might be built, they might not be intended for the those whose land the roads go through.

After the symposium, we enjoyed drinks and beverages at Camphora Cafe, located on campus.

Dr Patrick McCartney talked about the ways in which people assert that yoga can cure all the world's problems, especially poverty. Yet, curiously, all the data suggests the complete opposite. That people participate in yoga having already become 'developed' and gained a certain level of prosperity. All across the world, it is predominantly educated, middle class women with disposable incomes who can pay for access into yogaland. How do people suffering from extreme poverty pay for access? How does spending time doing yoga help find wood to keep the uninsulated house warm? How does meditating cover the basic material needs of people on the economic margins? How, ultimately, does yoga help develop, not on the self, but also, the community? 

Dr Patrick McCartney's presentation is available on sound cloud.

#yoga #ヨガ #योगा #យូហ្គា #瑜伽