The state of yoga

Synopsis

Over 4 million people in Germany practice yoga on a regular basis – presumably because it fits perfectly into today’s culture.

Yoga gives you a feeling of security and control – a state of mind that offers a form of stability which is otherwise hard to come across in today’s globalised society, full of contradictions and demands for flexibility in both personal relationships and in the workplace.

For someone practicing Yoga, the physical moves turn into ‘meditation in movement’. By focusing 100% on one self, one’s breathing and the exact moment, it is possible to reach ‘the state of Yoga’ where thoughts and judgement no longer exist.

Indian Yoga philosophy describes this experience as ‘liberation from all forms of constraint’. Whilst some people compensate for the transience of everyday life by becoming attached to others, Yoga offers a hold on oneself.

Once mental activity is at rest it is possible to experience contradicting emotions: to feel relaxed despite intense physical effort, to feel composed despite immense concentration, to be devoted yet disciplined. Through Yoga, individuals can learn to withstand disagreements, to be tough and to reach ones goals without being thrown off course by conflict. Many see yoga as actively opposing today’s western society’s goals based on success and power. Contrary to this belief, Yoga enables its followers to grow extremely capable and accomplished.

Over the course of a year the film follows 5 individuals training to become yoga instructors. On their journey to becoming model Yoga practisers their personalities develop; they see their goals, master their weaknesses and overcome their differences. This passage of growth and personal development is revealed on three separate levels: the physical side of Yoga, learning to teach yoga, and its effect on 5 personalities with different lives- each level being closely linked and intertwined.

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