Yoga, Turmeric, And Beyond: A Handy List of Hindu Things That the West Has Repackaged

Failing to credit the source of an idea, concept, or cultural practice is a profound disservice and a disrespect to the originators. The issue transcends mere intellectual theft and ventures into the realm of cultural erasure, a phenomenon where the rich and nuanced history of a people and their traditions are simplified, diluted, and repackaged, often for commercial gain.

The history of India, with its long period of colonial rule and its struggle for economic development post-independence, has made it particularly vulnerable to such exploitation. The unique dynamics of power and racial prejudices have often relegated the contributions of its majority Hindu population to obscurity, reducing them to mere exotic artifacts to be appropriated and commodified.

This pattern of appropriation is a manifestation of Hinduphobia at an institutional level. The stereotype of Hindus as backward, inferior, or unsophisticated has been used as a justification to ‘borrow’ and ‘refine’ aspects of their culture without acknowledging the source. This is nothing short of cultural theft, a denial of the richness and sophistication of Hindu philosophy, practices, and innovations.

To respect a culture is to recognize its contributions honestly and openly. The erasure of origins and the rebranding of cultural practices without due credit is a distortion of history and an act of intellectual dishonesty. It’s a violation that needs to be addressed and an injustice that needs to be rectified.

In the subsequent sections of this article, we’ll embark on a detailed analysis of these cultural appropriations. Our goal? To expose the truth. We’ll trace the journey of original Hindu ideas to their Western adaptations. Acknowledging India’s often unrecognized, substantial contributions is key. We’re here to analyze, understand, and highlight these profound influences’ roots. Every fact presented here will be unembellished and authentic – a tribute to these significant yet overlooked cultural gifts.

Beyond the Mat: The Sacred Origins of Western Yoga

Yoga, as it’s known in the West, is a distilled version of a profound discipline known as ‘Yog,’ a sacred practice with its roots in ancient Hindu philosophy. ‘Yog,’ a term derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ meaning ‘to unite’, refers to the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. It is a system designed to promote [1] physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Bhagwan Shiva, referred to as ‘Adiyogi’ or the ‘first yogi’, is widely considered the founder of Yog. It is believed that he disseminated this knowledge to seven Rishis, the ‘Sapta Rishis,’ who then spread these teachings across the world. Bhagwan Krishna, another central figure in Sanatan Dharma, is frequently referred to as ‘Yogiraj’ or ‘king of Yog.’ In the Bhagavad Gita, he elucidates the path of ‘Karma Yog,’ advocating for duty performed without attachment to the results, and ‘Bhakti Yog,’ a path of devotion. Bhagwan Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity, is often depicted in ‘Yog Nidra,’ a state of conscious deep sleep and profound relaxation, demonstrating the importance of rest and rejuvenation in Yog.

Maharishi Panini, a renowned ancient Hindu scholar, is credited with introducing mankind to Yog through his comprehensive and systematic treatise on grammar, the Ashtadhyayi. This linguistic masterpiece includes references to Yog, providing historical evidence of the practice’s antiquity.

Unearthing Mindfulness’ Hindu Roots

Pranayama [2], an integral component of Yog, centers around the control and regulation of breath. This practice is designed to harmonize the body and mind, fostering a state of deep calm and focus. However, when it journeyed west, this sacred practice was subtly transformed. It gave birth to what is now known as ‘Mindfulness’, a popular form of meditation that emphasizes focused attention on the breath to enhance mental well-being. While this adaptation certainly has its benefits, the full depth and complexity of Pranayama, with its multiple techniques and profound spiritual implications, are often overlooked in this Westernized incarnation.

The Ancient Art of Fasting: More Than Just a Diet Trend

Upvaas, or fasting, is an ancient Hindu practice associated with spirituality and self-discipline. The West, however, repackaged [3] it into ‘Intermittent Fasting’, a popular diet trend, especially those following the Keto programmes. The underlying concept, involving periods of voluntary abstinence from food, is strikingly similar, although the spiritual element is largely absent in the Western adaptation.

Leaf It to India: From Pattal Plates to Eco-friendly Dining

Pattal, the Hindu tradition of using plates made from leaves, is a model of environmental responsibility. The West has recently embraced this concept, producing [4] ‘biodegradable plates’ made from plant materials. This reflects a much-needed shift towards eco-friendly practices, although the acknowledgment of the idea’s Hindu origins is often lacking.

Ghee Whiz! The Journey of a Hindu Kitchen Staple

Ghee, a type of clarified butter, has been a staple in Hindu cooking for thousands of years. It’s recently become popular in the West, particularly among [5] health-conscious communities. Despite its recent trendiness, ghee’s rich history and integral role in Hindu cuisine are often overlooked.

Ayurveda: Mother of Herbal Wellness

Ayurveda, a comprehensive system of medicine originating in India over 5,000 years ago, emphasized the holistic treatment of ailments using natural herbs and techniques. This has been transformed into ‘Holistic and Herbal Medicine’ in the West, focusing on natural remedies and whole-body wellness. Yet, Ayurveda’s comprehensive philosophy goes beyond mere herbal treatments, addressing lifestyle and consciousness, aspects often missed in Western interpretation.

Spice of Life: Turmeric’s Transformation

Turmeric, a spice fundamental to Hindu cuisine and Ayurveda, is celebrated for its medicinal properties, largely attributed to its active component, curcumin. In the West, it’s been repackaged as ‘Curcumin Supplements’, touted for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. While beneficial, these supplements often lack the cultural context of turmeric’s traditional uses in India.

Echoes of Spirituality: From Sacred Mantras to Modern Affirmations

Mantras, sacred verbal formulas repeated in prayer or meditation in Hindu traditions, are believed to have spiritual power. In the West, this has inspired the practice of ‘Affirmations’, positive statements used to overcome negative thoughts. However, the depth and spiritual richness of traditional mantras often exceed their simplified Western counterparts.

Neem: India’s Green Gem in Natural Pest Control

Neem, a tree native to India, has been used for centuries as a natural pesticide and medicinal herb. In the West, it’s now being utilized in many natural pesticide products, demonstrating the age-old wisdom of traditional Hindu practices.

Charaka Samhita: The Unsung Manuscript Behind Integrative Medicine

The Charaka Samhita, a foundational text of Ayurveda, outlined the concept of treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—thousands of years ago. This has been adopted in the West as ‘Integrative Medicine’, although it seldom acknowledges its debt to this ancient Hindu medical treatise.

Ancient Muscle Builders: The Gada and Moosal’s Western Makeover

Gada (mace) and Moosal (Indian clubs) were used for duels and physical training in ancient India. Gada is often associated with Bhagwan Hanuman and Bhima, the third Pandava brother. The West has embraced this concept [6] with ‘Clubbells’, providing a unique strength training method.

Stars Aligned: Tracing Western Astrology’s Vedic Roots

Jyotish, or Vedic astrology, is a complex and comprehensive system of divination and celestial influence from India. It has influenced Western astrology, particularly through the introduction of the 12 houses system. Yet, the profound philosophical underpinnings and the intricate calculations of Jyotish often get overlooked in simplified Western astrological practices.

OH!! The HINDUPHOBIA

These instances of cultural appropriation demonstrate a pervasive, albeit often overlooked, a form of Hinduphobia. The profound wisdom and knowledge intrinsic to Hindu traditions, philosophies, and practices have been detached from their roots and rebranded in the West. In doing so, not only are these practices often oversimplified and commodified, but their true origins are also obscured. This has the effect of erasing the significant contributions of ancient Hindu culture to modern global society.

This is not merely about intellectual theft or cultural misappropriation. At its core, it reflects a deep-seated bias against acknowledging the value and worth of Hindu practices in their original form. The failure to credit these practices to Hindu culture perpetuates harmful stereotypes and fuels a disregard for the richness and depth of Hindu philosophy.

As we move forward, it’s crucial to foster greater cultural sensitivity and acknowledgment of original sources. As shown throughout this exploration, such acknowledgment doesn’t diminish the value these practices offer to the world. Instead, it enhances our understanding and appreciation of them, providing a more holistic and authentic view. Let’s aim to rectify these historical inaccuracies, acknowledge the deep roots of these practices, and celebrate the incredible cultural wealth that Hindu philosophy and culture have contributed to humanity.