Why Cultural Sensitivity Matters in Yoga Teacher Training

Your yoga teacher training in Bali introduced you to an ancient practice with deep cultural roots. But somewhere between perfecting your warrior pose and memorizing Sanskrit names, the cultural stuff probably got lost in the shuffle.

Here’s the thing nobody wants to talk about. Yoga comes from India. Not California, not your local studio, not some wellness influencer’s Instagram account. India. This matters more than you might think.

Understanding What You’re Actually Teaching

You should know the meaning of the words or terms you use in the class. Let’s assume you say ‘Namaste’ at the end of the class, so you must know what it means. Most Western teachers throw it around like confetti. It’s not just a fancy way to say goodbye. It’s a greeting that acknowledges the divine in another person.

Sanskrit pose names aren’t just exotic-sounding words either. “Warrior pose” references specific stories from Hindu mythology. These aren’t random tales – they’re foundational stories that give meaning to the movements you’re teaching.

Your yoga school in Bali probably touched on this stuff briefly. But let’s be honest. You were more worried about remembering which leg goes where in triangle pose.

The Appropriation Problem

Cultural appropriation gets thrown around a lot these days. But it’s real in yoga circles. Wearing bindis as fashion statements? Not cool. Using sacred symbols to decorate your studio? Also not cool.

The line gets blurry sometimes. Nobody expects you to become a Hindu scholar overnight. But your students trust you to share something authentic. They’re not just paying for a workout – they’re engaging with a spiritual tradition.

Your students deserve better than watered-down spirituality mixed with fitness trends. They deserve teachers who understand what they’re sharing and why it matters.

Getting Beyond the Physical

The eight limbs of yoga include way more than just poses. There are ethical guidelines, breathing practices, and meditation techniques. Most Western classes ignore this deeper stuff completely. They want the physical workout without the spiritual context. It’s like getting a driving lesson where they only show you how to honk the horn.

Start mentioning yoga’s origins in your classes. Say something like “this practice comes from India” once in a while. Thank the people who kept this knowledge alive for thousands of years. It takes five seconds.

Being Real About Your Knowledge Gaps

If you don’t know Sanskrit, be okay with it. Even people living in India don’t know everything about Sanskrit. Don’t try to pronounce any Sanskrit word that you don’t know the meaning of and how to pronounce because you will end up embarrassing yourself. Just admit when you are not sure about something. 

Your yoga teacher training in Bali probably showed you how Indonesians approach yoga differently than Indians do. Each culture puts its own spin on the practice. Nothing wrong with that – yoga changes as it travels.

Keep Your Personal Agenda Out

Nobody signed up for your political rant during warrior pose. Save your personal beliefs for your diary. Yoga works for Christians, Muslims, atheists, everyone. Don’t ruin that.

Look up the teachers who influenced your training program. Figure out where your yoga knowledge actually comes from. You didn’t invent this stuff yourself.

Getting certified doesn’t make you the next spiritual leader. You’re teaching poses, not running a cult. Keep your ego in check.

Actually Do Something

Take workshops with Indian teachers when possible. They might tell you things that contradict your Western training. Good. That means you’re learning something new.

Call out other teachers when they wear Hindu symbols as fashion accessories. Someone needs to say something, and it might as well be you.

Welcome everybody to your class, not just some good looking yoga models from Instagram. Yoga isn’t just for skinny white women in expensive leggings. Be open to real people with real bodies.

Some students might feel uncomfortable with chanting or philosophy because of their religious background. Don’t push it. Let them take what helps and skip the rest.

Your yoga teacher training in Bali gave you some tools. Use them wisely. Don’t try to turn this ancient practice into a trendy workout. 

Focus on learning and be respectful to your work and students. Don’t try to become a cultural expert because that would do no good to you. Students can tell the difference between teachers who care about the tradition and teachers who are just going through the motions.