Naked yoga also known as nagna 1Definition of nagna from Sanskrit Dictionaryor vivastra 2Definition of vivastra Sanskrit Dictionary yoga is the practice of yoga without clothes. Though Nagna (naked) yoga is a growing trend among modern practitioners, it isn’t new. Naturist yoga, also sometimes referred to as naked yoga, is a practice that combines traditional yoga poses and philosophies with naturism, the social practice of nudity.
origins of naked yoga
In India the birthplace of yoga, the Sadhus or holy men practice naked yoga as part of their spiritual practice. When Alexander encountered these naked holy men or gymnospophists on his campaign into India, he was inspired to take naked sport and physical activities back to Greece. The Nagna Sadhus of India have engaged in the practice as a part of their spiritual life for centuries.
The real meaning behind nudity in the yoga practice, specifically, the Sacred Tantric Practice in Yoga Undressed, in its purest form, describes the resolution of conflicts between the opposites in life–finding the perfect balance between the deepest and most complete connection to the body, while simultaneously cultivating absolute detachment from it, in order to encounter the eternal soul essence, or the pure energy of creation. The purpose of yoga is to create a vibrant, powerful energetic connection to the body, but not as obvious is the goal of detachment from the body, the recognition of the body as a temporary dwelling place for the soul. A true naked yogi, then is one who has shed his coverings, not only his clothing, but his attachment to the myriad and insidious aspects of all human drama and resides in and embraces his pure, untouched, infinite nature. 3The History of Naked Yoga
The Indian roots of naked yoga are deeply connected to a spiritual naturism or ascetic nudism practice. The nudity or nakedness is purposeful in spiritual expression. The are the gymnosophists or naked philosophers are they were called by Alexander. The Bhagavata Purana (7th-10th century), one of the sacred Indian texts encourages those on a spiritual quest to avoid covering themselves; if they wear something, it should be only a loincloth. Records of the 4th century BC in by a Greek scholar suggests the Yogis of India, claim to would practice different postures naked and motionless. 4Naked Yoga | Spiritual Nudity and Freedom The ascetic nudism of both the The practice of spiritual nudity is common among Digambara Jains, Aghori sadhus of India has influences the development of modern day naked yoga.
In early 20th century Europe yoga was included in the physical health practices of the Lebensreform or life reform movement from which naturism or Gymnosophy evolved. In the early days of modern naturism in the United States, people like Marguerite Agniel a Broadway actress and dancer, and author 1931 book The Art of the Body: Rhythmic Exercise for Health and Beauty, was among the first to combine yoga and nudism. 5 Marguerite Agniel (1891 – 1971) She wrote an article title “The Mental Element in Our Physical Well-Being” for American magazine The Nudist magazine (the original name for Sunshine and Health) in 1938. It depicted nude women practising yoga. 6 Yoga, the Body, and Embodied Social Change
In the sixties, many among hippies did naked yoga. Naked yoga practice found a presence in wellness venues the Esalen Institute in California Naked yoga was depicted in the 1968 film Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and The Harrad Experiment. The 1974 documentary Naked Yoga directed by by Paul Corsden was nominated for an Academy award for Best Documentary Short Subject – 1974 by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 7 Naked Yoga (1974)
current popularity
Though nagna yoga has been practiced for thousands of years in India, the practice of nude or naked yoga has only recently gained broader interest and participation in Western yoga circles. Now ordinary everyday yogis and yoginis can be found doing yoga sans clothing. Yoga challenges are common on Instagram. Many have discovered the many mental as well as physical benefits of nude yoga that layer on the existing benefit of a yoga practice.8Say Yes to Naked Yoga
Naturism and naked yoga seem to have many common themes and intentions.. The mainstream media often feature stories about naked yoga online. The number of people practicing clothes free, naked or nagna yoga and sharing it online seems to be a growing. Naked yoga challenges pop up on the Instagram social media platform all the time. Despite the some restrictions. Some yoga teachers are starting to provide clothes free yoga classes. Naturists and nudists among others are participating in the opportunity bare and do yoga.
Many who practice naked yoga don’t necessarily consider themselves naturist or nudists. In fact many people who practice clothes free yoga are not naturists. Often these folks are drawn to the body positive practice of naked yoga and the greater body awareness it brings. While the practice of naked yoga has not be universally accepted in the yoga community many who try the experience often report unexpected results.
However, there are many ways that naturism and naked yoga intersect.
A naturist is an individual who embraces the act of being clothes-free, like a nudist except that “Nudism is the act of being naked, while naturism is a lifestyle which at various times embraced nature, environment, respect for others, self-respect, crafts, healthy eating, non-smoking, yoga, physical exercise and pacifism as well as nudity.”
I choose to live this lifestyle and can’t be happier!
Recently I’ve had a photoshoot which displays nudity in the form of art, “The Body is a Temple,” shot by Jasper Johal. (JasperPhoto.com) To me, yoga and naturism is an internal and spiritual practice where you really achieve a better understanding of oneself, and what better way to portray that then by being completely NATURAL?
Yoga resources
- History of Hatha-Yoga in France
- What is to meditate?
- inner alchemy
- the body techniques of ecstasy
- Yoga Nidra
- The awakening of Kundalini
- Karma or psychic causality
- How to liberate yourself through yoga?
- Are gurus saints?
- The Yoga of Joy
- Reincarnation
- positive non-violence
- Atma-Bodha of Shankara
- Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra
Naked (naturist) yoga Continues to rising in popularity. Women & Men of all shapes, sizes, colours, ages and physical abilities are participating in yoga at clothing optional venues and classes. Whether you are new to yoga or a long time yogi – you are give naturist naked yoga a try and learn how to practice naked yoga. All you need is yourself, a bottle of water and a large towel or mat.
Here are a few important things to consider if you decide to try naked yoga
- naked yoga is about much more than getting naked
- you will get more in touch with your body
- in group classes everyone else will be naked as well (some classes have exceptions for trangender participants and women who are menstruating)
- you work muscles and build heat 94 Facts about the Naked Yoga You Should Definitely Know About
TONIGHT! Naked! Select Saturday Evening Yoga at 5PM in NYC. Do something for you this weekend! https://t.co/979Mhr0x0I pic.twitter.com/Knjw1i7lx8
— Naked in Motion® (@nakedinmotion) May 20, 2017
https://youtube.com/watch?v=_Ln91O2zWVk
Additional resources
naked yoga books
links to naked yoga web sites
naked yoga classes and events
additional reading
- Nude Yoga in Second Life (nudebathingonsl.wordpress.com)
- Practicing & Teaching “Naked Yoga.” (elephantjournal.com)
- Practising naked yoga – Does this sound like something you’d want to try? (eagleman6788.wordpress.com)
- Nude yoga by Kanuka Brook (clothesfreelife.com)
- understanding nude yoga (clothesfreelife.com)
References
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9