Spiritual Experiences, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Yoga Practitioners: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study in Germany.
International journal of yoga therapy April 1, 2024 Arndt Büssing 2 citations
Among 784 yoga practitioners surveyed online, most treat yoga as a conscious way of life and a path of spiritual development, searching for the Divine, living by their spiritual convictions, and using faith as a life orientation. They report high levels of peaceful attitudes, respectful treatment of others, and commitment to disadvantaged people and the environment. Frequency of asana or pranayama practice was only marginally linked to spirituality indicators, but meditation and studying yoga philosophy showed weak-to-moderate associations with spiritual experiences, awe/gratitude, and living by faith. Well-being was best predicted by experiential spirituality, inner congruence with yoga, and viewing yoga as a spiritual path (R² = 0.21).