What is Rational Yogi?
Image by Kyre Wiltshire
The Problem
I believe that the increasingly divided, secular, efficient, 20th century world is in desperate need of the the experiential teachings of unity, selflessness, gratitude, and forgiveness that yoga practice provides.
Unfortunately, though, these teachings and practices have been mostly inaccessible to rationalists (like myself) who are turned off by the irrational, illogical, unfalsifiable, pseudo-scientific and often empirically false claims common to most modern yoga classes and teachers.
The Solution
My intention is not to strip yoga of its esoteric elements or to provide only a watered-down version of the practices and theories.
My intention, instead, is to provide a framework through which any rationalist can view, analyze, and engage with the mainstream and esoteric practices of yoga, without judgment, discomfort, or cognitive dissonance - including the asanas, chakras, chanting, reincarnation, pranayama, ayurveda.
The Method
This goal will be primarily achieved by explicitly recognizing and unpacking the myth, metaphor, placebo, and playfulness of conventional yoga practice; by debunking any irrational, illogical, pseudo-scientific and/or empirically false claims frequently made by yoga leaders; and by exploring the plethora of benefits practitioners can gain by engaging with yoga as a game, as a “useful fiction.”