Yoga Inc: A Journey Through The Big Business Of Yoga

by John Philp

Once the province of gurus, yoga is now practised by such media-star personalities as Madonna and Sting. Yoga paraphernalia is everywhere, from malls to supermarkets, and the number of practitioners is growing daily. What prompted the change from spiritual to secular—and who is cashing in? Yoga Inc. examines the trends now sweeping the industry, from large “McYoga” chains to yoga tournaments to high-profile yogis like Bikram Choudhury. Yoga Inc. Can yoga survive with its good karma intact?

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 3, 2009

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 1 out of 5]

Despite claiming to be a devotee, the author demonstrates a superficial understanding of yoga, and focuses his energy on reviewing (none of this is news) the scandals, law suits, and gossip of the yogic world in the past 15 years or so. A pointless book filled with really appalling puns and slangy, super-casual prose. I regret wasting time on this, but I thought it might get better.

[Lyddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly eye opening and (pardon the pun) enlightening. I could see avid yogis having a difficult time with this book, because it reveals that, in some sense, the Emperor has no clothes. Although I've practiced yoga on and off for over a decade, any ideology, no matter how well-intentioned, are never immune to the symptoms of capitalism. There are elements of Philp's argument I don't totally agree with, but the facts cannot be disputed. With the recent upset over Danielle LaPorte's marketing misstep, the "guru" culture, and never ending wave of mindfulness/lifestyle branding, Yoga Inc. is well positioned to reveal some uncomfortable truths.

[Bernard Wozny · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is even a movie on this - Lights Karma Action!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting subject matter, and I did find myself laughing at some of the ridiculousness I've encountered myself at various yoga classes over the years. That being said, the book was kind of all over the place and might have been easier to follow if he'd stuck to one subject-the copyright lawsuits, the sexual allegations, the Rajneeshees, it was too much to cover thoroughly.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt almost guilty about reading this but in the end I felt it was fair.