The Possible Significance of Sensorimotor Synchronisation in Modern Postural Yoga Practice
The Possible Significance of Sensorimotor Synchronisation in Modern Postural Yoga Practice
Author(s): Matylda CiołkoszSubject(s): Religion and science , East Asian Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Religion, Health and medicine and law, Sociology of Religion
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
Keywords: Cognitive Science of Religion; en-activism; social cognition; sensorymotor synchronization; sensorymotor entertainment; ritual competence; Modern Postural Yoga;
Summary/Abstract: The aim of the paper is to discuss the possible role of sensory-motor synchronization in Modern Postural Yoga (MPY) āsana ritual. The hypothesis is that such synchronization contributes to the subjective efficacy of MPY practice and facilitates the transmission of doctrinal concepts related to it.Grounding the discussion in the enactive paradigm, the author describes the phenomenon of sensory-motor synchronization and the mechanisms responsible for its emergence. The ritual character of MPY āsana practice is then accounted for, based on Mc Cauley and Lawson’s theory of ritual competence. A discussion of forms of synchronisation occurring during āsana ritual follows, with a special focus on Iyengar Yoga. The author then suggests the possible influence of such synchronization on the perceived effectiveness of the practice and on the acceptance of certain religio-philosophical notions.
Journal: Studia Religiologica. Zeszyty Naukowe Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
- Issue Year: 48/2015
- Issue No: 4
- Page Range: 327-340
- Page Count: 14
- Language: English
