Technology in Yoga: The Curious Middle Path

Technology is in every aspect of our lives - we have it in our homes, at work, at our fingertips, even on our wrists and fingers (smart watches and smart rings). And now, increasingly, technology is finding itself in our practice spaces too. On the face of it, traditional Yoga which is an exploration of one’s inner world seems to stand in sharp contrast to the outward, data-driven nature of technology. Yet, the two seemingly antagonistic practices seem to be finding ways to meet. 

The first interaction between the two started with online classes and Youtube videos. Virtual yoga studios, which started much before, but cemented their place during COVID democratised yoga practice. It brought the flexibility of time and space, where yoga could be accessed by anyone, even those from remote areas or those with little time. For me, it opened up the opportunity for my outstation students to regularly attend my class. Then, came the stage where online challenges were the rager. Teachers used technology creatively to create communities that can interact without boundaries, and keep up with the discipline despite challenges. To this, hardware was added - apps that track heartbeat, breath, sleep quality and more. This enabled regular practitioners to verify what they were already feeling with a host of data points. It opened up avenues where their interoceptive sense could be honed to make bio-feedback better. 

A couple of months ago, Pragya Bhatt (my co-VP of Women’s Yoga Council) and I had an opportunity to try out Yogify - an Indian homegrown brand of Smart AI mats. We were both curious and apprehensive. Taking pride as teachers who believed in traditional yoga, we wondered how this could add value to our long term practice. What are the possibilities of this evolving technology? What are the boundaries or limitations that technology cannot breach? 

As Mr Muralidhar Somishetty (the founder of Yogify) introduced us to the features of the Smart AI Yoga Mat, we realised that there could be a world where these two blend seamlessly and build each other. Traditionally yoga is done to build viveka, inner discrimination. Even with the insistence on alignment, breath and consistent practice, yoga builds inner wisdom. Could technology be an aid to our mind which is constantly externalised and distracted? Could these apps, AI mats and other tools help us cut out the noise, and hone in on information that leads us inward? 

As the intersection of yoga and technology expands, we must pause and ask: How do we integrate yoga and technology in a way that honours both? What are our rules of engagement? Is there something as too much dependence on technology for a conversation with our inner selves?

Yoga has always adapted to time and place. I believe that yogis were true scientists - those who used everything that was available to them to make progress inward. Did traditional hardliners also shun props as “new technology” and “external aids that detract from inner experience” at some point? And now, in this day and age, can all of us adopt a digital -free life as working professionals with a majority of the work happening in the digital world leading to screen fatigue and information overload?  Perhaps the use of technology as a support, not a replacement, is a natural evolution — not a betrayal of tradition. A guided meditation app might be saviour for someone who only has a moment of quiet on a tumultuous day. A well-designed tracker may help someone build consistency, and build pride in their ability to show up and feel better.

While yoga is not about perfect alignment or regular progress, technology can precipitate presence, attention, and a shift in our inner world. Using technology as a tool akin to a prop, it is important to regulate our interaction with it. The real challenge — and opportunity — is in building a culture where yoga and technology can meet without diluting each other.

As practitioners, we must always ask ourselves: Are we mistaking data for experience? Is this tool deepening my awareness or distracting me from it? Maybe it’s not about choosing sides, but about creating the discrimination to know when to turn off and imbibe the bliss in our own being.