Indra Devi, born Eugenie Peterson in 1899 in Riga, Latvia, became one of the most influential yoga teachers of the 20th century. Her journey from a young actress to a renowned yoga instructor is a testament to the power of dedication and the universal appeal of yoga. Devi's life work, particularly through her yoga studios in Hollywood and Mexico, has left an indelible mark on the Western yoga landscape.
Devi's fascination with India began in her youth when she read a book by poet Rabindranath Tagore. This interest led her to India in 1927, where she immersed herself in the country's culture and spirituality. Her pivotal moment came when she was introduced to yoga through Krishnamacharya, who initially refused to teach her due to her gender and Western background. However, Devi's persistence paid off, and she became one of Krishnamacharya's first female students, alongside notable figures like B.K.S. Iyengar and K. Pattabhi Jois.
In 1947, Devi moved to Hollywood, California, where she opened a yoga studio on Sunset Boulevard. Her timing was perfect, as post-war America was becoming increasingly interested in Eastern philosophies and practices. Devi's charismatic personality and her ability to adapt yoga for Western audiences quickly made her studio a popular destination. She attracted a clientele of Hollywood celebrities, including Gloria Swanson, Jennifer Jones, and Greta Garbo. Her teachings emphasized the physical and mental benefits of yoga, making it accessible to those unfamiliar with its spiritual aspects.
Devi's influence extended beyond her studio. She wrote several books on yoga, including Forever Young, Forever Healthy (1953) and Yoga for Americans (1959), which helped to demystify yoga for Western readers. These books, along with her classes, presented yoga as a practical tool for health and well-being, rather than an esoteric Eastern practice. This approach was instrumental in making yoga more palatable to mainstream American society.
In the 1960s, Devi moved to Mexico, where she opened another successful yoga studio. Her work in Mexico further expanded yoga's reach in Latin America. She became known as The First Lady of Yoga, a title that reflected her pioneering role in bringing yoga to the West. Devi continued to teach and travel well into her 90s, spreading her message of health and inner peace through yoga.
Devi's teaching style was unique in that it combined the physical aspects of yoga with its philosophical and spiritual dimensions. She emphasized the importance of pranayama, breath control, and meditation alongside asana practice. Her approach was holistic, addressing not just the body but also the mind and spirit. This comprehensive view of yoga resonated with many Western practitioners who were seeking more than just physical exercise.
