The Diversity of Yoga Practitioners in America and Why They Practice Yoga

Academic Study for a Student at CSU-Chico - Religious Studies BA Program

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* 1. Why do you practice yoga?

I practice yoga for spiritual enlightenment

I practice yoga for its physical benefits

I practice yoga for both its spiritual and physical benefits.

Other

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* 2. The Yoga I practice is about

100 years old

500 years old

1000 years old

More than 1000 years old

Not sure

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* 3. Are you aware that yoga is a spiritual practice in the Hindu tradition that is meant to help one awaken to the true nature of existence?

Yes

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* 4. Do you think that yoga can be separated from its religious roots and be a strictly secular activity?

Yes

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* 5. Do you think it is appropriate for yoga to be separated from its religious roots?

Yes, there is no harm in practicing yoga in non-traditional ways.

No, yoga was meant to be used as a tool for spiritual enlightenment only.

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* 6. Do you combine the practice of yoga with meditation?

Yes

Sometimes

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* 7. Do you consider meditation to be a spiritual practice?

Yes, I consider meditation to be a spiritual practice.

No, I consider meditation to be a mental health practice such as focusing the mind or relieving stress through relaxation.

Meditation can be a spiritual practice or a mental health practice.

I don’t practice meditation.

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* 8. What is your ethnicity?

White

Hispanic or Latino

American Indian or Alaskan Native

East Asian

South Asian

Black or African American

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

Prefer not to say

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* 9. What is your religious affiliation?

Christianity

Islam

No Religion

Spiritual, but not Religious

Hinduism

Buddhism

Sikhism

Judaism

Other

Prefer not to say

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* 10. If your practice of yoga includes a spiritual aspect, do you feel like your personal beliefs align with the spiritual dimension of yoga that you practice?

Yes, the spiritual aspects of yoga that I practice align with my personal religious beliefs.

No, the spiritual aspects of yoga that I practice are different from my personal religious beliefs.

I don’t practice yoga for spiritual benefits.

I am not religious.