Why did tradition favor unstitched garments like the dhoti for yoga practice?
Answer
Stitched clothing was believed to impede the flow of energy during sadhana.
The philosophical underpinning for traditional yoga attire favored simplicity and non-restriction, often manifesting in unstitched fabrics such as the dhoti for men or the sari for women. The core reasoning behind avoiding stitched garments stemmed from the belief within traditional yogic philosophy that the act of sewing fabric introduced artificial barriers or constrictions. These perceived impediments were thought to actively disrupt or hinder the subtle movement and circulation of vital energy throughout the body while the practitioner engaged in sadhana, or spiritual practice. Therefore, unstitched cloth allowed for an uninterrupted energetic experience.
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