|
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
|
NYC Bikram Studio Loses Yoga War |
|
|
|
|
When Bikram Yoga Manhattan sent out their newsletter last week announcing studio closure of their Penn Station location, owner and director Raffael Pacitti lambasted nearby studios Yoga to the People (YTTP) for offering Bikram classes in all but name for over 50% cheaper, making it “impossible to continue.” The charges stem from Pacitti’s complaints that YTTP recently opened three locations within walking distance of Penn Station, offering “traditional” or “hot yoga” classes that are identical to Bikram from instructors untrained in the Bikram approach.
Pacitti’s primary gripes, shared in the 10-paragraph email, relate to the failure to honor Bikram’s tradition and lineage, the alleged exploitation of YTTP instructors by Gumucio, and the charge that “Mr. Gumucio and his team have taken it upon themselves to violate this honorable and ancient system in the interest of commerce and making money … It is devastating to see others … bypass what we believe to be a powerful journey and intent.” According to Gumucio, however, his only goal in opening the studios was to render yoga accessible to all. "In New York, you're paying $20 to 25 a class," Gumucio said. "To me, that was just very cost prohibitive. Our commitment was to give the less financially able an opportunity to practice." What is bemusing about this debacle are Pacitti’s charges that YTTP is “violating this ancient and honorable system in the interest of commerce and money,” given YTTP’s stated aims and prices, in contrast with Bikram’s track record: multiple lawsuits waged to protect the Bikram name, logo, flow, and other characteristics; a teacher training that costs $7000; and NYC classes that average $20 each. Such voracious ownership may seem contrary to “traditional” yoga (where yogis or gurus were not infrequently mendicants or renunciates), and more characteristic of the greed and acquisition common to our modern, consumption-driven society. To claim that YTTP is violating the “foundations of yoga” is an assumption so fallacious as to seem ignorant of yoga’s origins and rich historical heritage, where lineages and traditions comingled and informed one another; where plurality was celebrated as the many faces of truth, rather than the singularity to which Bikram appears beholden. As Steve Sonnefeld, a studio owner reflecting on Bikram’s lawsuits in 2004 shares, “Living a yoga lifestyle means greedlessness, simplicity, humility, seeing your connectedness to others," Sonnefeld says. "This is not an ego-driven activity. Bikram has decided to copyright his brand and it’s made him a very wealthy man." 3 Comments
Having taught only 400 classes and never charging for these classes, the thought that comes to my mind is a simple one: To keep it you must give it away. Freely have I been given, therefor freely I do give.
1
August 27, 2011
Yoga is to be shared and given from the heart. Those of us who are fortunate enough to teach know that what you get back from teaching cannot be equated to money. When money is what you value, then that becomes your focus. Not yoga.
2
September 05, 2011
How can anyone assume it was YTTP who forced them to close the Bikram at Penn Station? There are too many Bikrams in NYC - along with a lot of other yogas who all have their own spaces - when YTTP opened three in the area, he obviously filled a need - I think maybe Bikram should understand the demographics better - why don't all his lawyers explain it to him?
3
December 10, 2011
Write comment
You must be logged in to a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.
|
Our Sponsor
"Summon Your Soul" using one of the hand-crafted malas from Japa Mala Beads
|
| Free Newsletter |
|---|
| Premium Content |
|---|
| Our premium members have access to deluxe features, detailed yogic information and downloadable MP3s. Check out our Premium Membership Benefits page to find out all of the rewards of joining. |
| New Users |
|---|
| To get the most out of our site, we suggest you take some time to explore before jumping into the practice. Browse our yoga 101 section for general info on the history and types of yoga, then start exploring asanas the physical postures used in hatha yoga. Remember to breathe and always start your yoga practice with a brief meditation. Questions? check out our yoga message board. If you are new to yoga, please read our Yoga for Beginner's page |
| Yogic Wisdom |
|---|
|
You cannot understand life and its mysteries as long as you try to grasp it. Indeed, you cannot grasp it, just as you cannot walk off with a river in a bucket. If you try to capture running water in a bucket, it is clear that you do not understand it and that you will always be disappointed, for in the bucket the water does not run. To "have" running water you must let go of it and let it run. Alan Watts |
| Our Most Popular Pages |
|---|
| RSS Syndication |
|---|
 Subscribe to our RSS feed to keep informed on all new updates to YogaBasics.com.
In order to use our Newsfeed you need to cut and paste the URL into a RSS reader or use your browser's RSS "subscribe" button.
|
Ahimsa, the yogic practice of non violence must be adhered to when engaging in the practice of hatha yoga. Respect your body's limitations and inner wisdom, if something feels wrong or dangerous, please do not do it.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.
All contents copyright 2001-2012 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.
All contents copyright 2001-2012 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.
