| Contrary to
this East to West movement there has been a smaller but still important movement within
Western culture itself. Many Westerners have developed an interest in Eastern
spirituality including Hindu Yoga, Vedanta, and Ayurveda following a West to East
movement. There are now ashrams, temples and Yoga centers throughout the Western world and
in much of Asia as well. Gurus from India have often
gained large followings in the West. Projecting Hindu spirituality not as backward but as
progressive, futuristic and universal in its orientation, they have found it to be
appealing to people all over the world. This movement, which began largely in the late
sixties, is still increasing on a yearly basis. Now it is moving to Western Europe as
well, with the collapse of communism. It has even proved at times popular in Islamic
countries, but has been suppressed by the authorities there. |
