ParaYoga’s goal is to make the transformative ancient wisdom of yoga, tantra, Vedanta and Ayurveda accessible to all, irrespective of health, wealth, location, language and practice background. In keeping with our central mission of empowering individuals to thrive we recognize that it requires an environment free from discrimination, prejudice and bias.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the goals of ParaYoga. We seek to integrate differing perspectives and experiences to best deliver these teachings. We create an environment free from discrimination in our trainings and classes that invites participation from people of all races, social or economic status, ethnicities, gender expressions, ages, abilities, religions, and sexual orientation.

Equality at its heart is about removing barriers, biases, and obstacles that impede equal access to yoga teacher trainings and yoga classes.
Diversity is about progressing towards a community that reflects the diversity of society.
Inclusion is about creating environment that is free from discrimination, where every participant is welcome, heard and respected.

In order to promote the above goals of equality, diversity, and inclusion, we:

Continue to promote equality of opportunity through the ParaYoga Scholarship Program and the BOGO program through Sanctuary, Yogarupa’s meditation and yoga nidra app.
Engage in listening and learning about the inter-disciplinary and intra-disciplinary roles that organizations can play in creating a kinder, more just and inclusive world. We pursue seeing what we don’t yet see, knowing what we don’t yet know.
Actively seek out diverse voices and perspectives to continue to improve and foster environments in which all participants can be empowered and truly thrive while, ensuring that others are not impeded from doing the same.
Share resources which we have found both educating and illuminating.

ARTICLES:

“Social Justice & Buddhism” (excerpt from ‘Radical Dharma‘) by Rev. Angel Kyodo Williams
“I am a black progressive political activist; This is my message for Congress, white allies and the movement” by Reggie Hubbard
“White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” by Peggy McIntosh
“Unpacking White Saviorism” by Annie Windholz
Centered in Blackness: Designing Contemplative Spaces for Black People with Dr. Michelle Coghill Chatman and Dr. Steven Thurston Oliver
Confronting Prejudice: How to Protect Yourself and Help Others from Pepperdine University’s Online Psychology Program

SHORT VIDEOS

How to Be a Good Ally – Identity, Privilege, Resistance by Ahsante the Artist
Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity by World Trust
Tamika Mallory – The Most Powerful Speech of a Generation
Systemic Racism Explained
The Invention of Whiteness by John A. Powell, professor of Law, UC Berkeley
The Origin of Race in the USA – PBS.org
Healing the Harm in Schools with UDC Professor Dr. Michelle Chatman

LONGER VIDEO

Brown University Contemplative Studies 2020 Summer Seminar Series – Contemplation & Social Activism – Part 1. (main part starts around 30:00 to 46:00)

PODCASTS:

BOOKS:

See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love by Valarie Kaur
Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love, and Liberation by Rev. angel Kyodo Williams, Lama Rod Owens, and Jasmine Syedullah
My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem
How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Stamped From the Beginning & Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, and You by also by Ibram X. Kendi
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo, PhD
Mindful of Race: Transforming Racism from the Inside Out by Ruth King
So you want to talk about race by Ijeoma Oluo

TRAININGS

Racial Equity Institute
Education for Racial Equity
Skill In Action: Anti Racism Trainings with Michelle Johnson (Michelle is also a yoga teacher)
TMI Consulting
Building Movement Project