[jgl]

Originally Posted by Alby

I don't think that patenting yoga moves that have been a part of history for hundred of years makes some one a 'scumbag'.

In fact I would argue the patenting the moves ensures preservation of the moves and that they are done correctly.

Also, the guy is innovative and a true capitalist - theese combined are not a bad thing.

The guy who recently trademarked the name UGG for boots (used for decades as a generic name in Australia), then sued everyone who was selling sheepskin boots, was also an innovative capitalist.

We're both entitled to our completely different opinions, I guess.

[Krad]

Don't bother jgl. Those who drink the Bikram kool-aid are almost fanatical in their devotion to it. It's almost cult-like.

[jgl]

Yeah, thanks for the reality check Krad- internet threads that cover ethics and intellectual property usually nose-dive rapidly.

Now, where can I find some of this Kool Aid of which you speak...

[Morlich]

I ain't exactly fanatical about it, I went several times a week compared to members who go religiously every day.

It was just a quick and easy way to get a concentrated workout for me. Instead of forcing oneself to go to the gym, need half hour warm up, a min 1 hour working out, then 30 mins cooling down. I can get a complete all over workout in the 1.5hr class working off way more calories than the gym and cos it's in a 40 degree sauna environment, muscles are naturally more relaxed and I can sweat out tons of toxins and shit I had accumulated in my body.

If a group of ppl believe in something, is that a cult to you? Like ppl who believe the Nintento DS is the best handheld and others believe that their PSP is the best. As jgl said we are all entitled to our own opinions.

Originally Posted by Krad

Don't bother jgl. Those who drink the Bikram kool-aid are almost fanatical in their devotion to it. It's almost cult-like.

[discobay]

I take the stance that cultural teachings like yoga and shaolin kung-fu or aikido should be taught by those recognised as having attained the level required by its peers. Someone who "illegally" teaches should be hauled over the coals but sued in court and fined by a desk-bound judge - only in the U.S. And for what it's worth PSPs kick NDS ass!

[Krad]

If a group of ppl believe in something, is that a cult to you?

Well, literally speaking, yes. That's exactly what a cult is.

More theoretically, a lot of the markers for the more popular definition of cult are there:

- Organization around a central figurehead or personality, in this case, Bikram

- seclusion and separation of the group and practices, enforced in this case by copyright protection and use of the law

- claims of physical and spirtual healing by group members

- irrational devotion or fanaticism to the group.

- aggressive proselytization

But hey, you're right, to each their own. If you want to be a casual Bikramist, more power to you. Me, I'm a casual Scientologist. Mmm, thetans.

[Crocodile]

Originally Posted by Morlich

I can get a complete all over workout in the 1.5hr class working off way more calories than the gym and cos it's in a 40 degree sauna environment, muscles are naturally more relaxed and I can sweat out tons of toxins and shit I had accumulated in my body.

Sweat is mostly water, with some salt (as well as a few other chemicals that your body produces/uses). It is a very, very minor way to release any toxins from your body. That is not why people sweat. Your body sweats to reduce its temperature - no other reason. Your lymph nodes help take toxins out of your body - but they don't release them through your sweat.

The liver and kidneys are there to get rid of toxins. Sweating causes dehydration, which reduces the effectiveness of your liver and kidneys. It is the water that you drink to rehydrate yourself that helps get rid of anything the body doesn't want. If your want your body to be healthy, go for a walk, drink heaps of water and eat healthy food.

[jgl]

Originally Posted by Krad

But hey, you're right, to each their own. If you want to be a casual Bikramist, more power to you. Me, I'm a casual Scientologist. Mmm, thetans.

A casual Scientologist? Sound like you're running the risk of a disconnect. But in any case, may Xenu be with you.

[sunniefaith]

Originally Posted by Morlich

I ain't exactly fanatical about it, I went several times a week compared to members who go religiously every day.

It was just a quick and easy way to get a concentrated workout for me. Instead of forcing oneself to go to the gym, need half hour warm up, a min 1 hour working out, then 30 mins cooling down. I can get a complete all over workout in the 1.5hr class working off way more calories than the gym and cos it's in a 40 degree sauna environment, muscles are naturally more relaxed and I can sweat out tons of toxins and shit I had accumulated in my body.

If a group of ppl believe in something, is that a cult to you? Like ppl who believe the Nintento DS is the best handheld and others believe that their PSP is the best. As jgl said we are all entitled to our own opinions.

Complete workout in an hour and half??? And how many calories can you burn? When will bikram yoga be back??? I want it too!

[Krad]

Originally Posted by sunniefaith

Complete workout in an hour and half??? And how many calories can you burn? When will bikram yoga be back??? I want it too!

Ahh, why bother preaching about heaven or enlightenment when you can promise weight loss?

jgl, I'm not an actual Scientologist, but I play one on TV. They wouldn't let me in because when they made me jump on the couches, I kept breaking them.