I don’t think that I’m much of a naturist. I have no desire to ride a motorcycle, skydive, or hike through the woods nude. I limit my nakedness to the beach, the pool, the bedroom, and the yoga mat. Naked yoga is what this post is about.
My grandfather—my first teacher— was practicing naked yoga fifty years ago. I grew up believing that a yogi was supposed to be naked. The body is just a tool to help achieve Moksha (liberaton from the cycle of birth and rebirth). Can you do that and be ashamed of your body? Why is it okay to show some body parts but not others? Do you cover up a hammer before you hit a nail? So, you can’t unify with Brahman unless you have clothes on? Our naked bodies are offensive to existence itself?
There are also less metaphysical reasons to practice naked. Sweat clings to a clothed body. It rolls off of a naked one. A sweaty, naked body dries off faster. It’s easier to perform asanas without restrictions. Your body is free. Yes, a certain part of the male anatomy will get in the way sometimes. I admit that naked Gaba Pindasana is a challenge (especially when the aforementioned body part is erect). You just learn to adapt and adjust when necessary. Trust me: your erection will eventually go away.
Your naked body is not your enemy. The sight of it is nothing to be ashamed of. Yogis are supposed to be enlightened. We should know that.
More later
Namaste
Omar
