Beyond Cultural Boundaries: A Critical Study of Yoga’s Global Adaptation, Decontextualization, and Root Reclamation

Abstract

Globalization has significantly expanded the reach of yoga, facilitating the widespread dissemination of the Bharatiya Knowledge System and yielding numerous benefits including enhanced accessibility, inclusivity, and scientific recognition of yoga’s health benefits. However, this global expansion has also precipitated critical challenges—decontextualization, cultural appropriation, commodification, and pop-culturalization—that fundamentally distance the practice from its philosophical and spiritual foundations. Despite these obstacles, contemporary movements in India and worldwide are advocating for culturally conscious and ethically grounded approaches while actively working to reclaim yoga’s traditional roots. This research article critically examines this dual narrative of adaptation and reclamation, offering a nuanced understanding of yoga as a global knowledge system. Through historical and cultural analysis, the paper investigates three key dimensions: the processes of yoga’s adaptation in non-Indian contexts, the mechanisms of its decontextualization and commodification, and the ongoing initiatives aimed at restoring its philosophical integrity. By analyzing the transformation of yoga from a holistic spiritual discipline to a primarily fitness-oriented practice, this study illuminates the tensions between accessibility and authenticity, globalization and cultural preservation. The findings underscore the importance of decolonization efforts, amplification of South Asian voices, and ethical engagement in ensuring that yoga’s future remains connected to its ancient roots while accommodating cross-cultural dialogue. Ultimately, this paper contributes to broader scholarly discussions on cultural appropriation, knowledge systems, and the challenges of preserving traditional practices in an increasingly globalized world.