Indra Devi, often referred to as “The First Lady of Yoga,” played a pioneering role in bringing yoga to the Western world. Born as Eugenie Peterson on May 12, 1899, in Riga, Latvia, she defied societal norms to become one of the first female disciples of the legendary yoga master Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. Her relentless efforts to make yoga accessible to people of all backgrounds helped shape the global yoga movement as we know it today.
Early Life and Spiritual Calling
Indra Devi was born into an aristocratic family in Latvia. As a young woman, she was drawn to Indian philosophy and spirituality. Her deep fascination with India led her to travel there in the 1920s, where she immersed herself in the study of yoga and Indian culture.
Her determination to learn yoga led her to the Mysore Palace, where she sought the guidance of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. Despite initial resistance—since yoga was traditionally taught only to Indian men—she became one of his first female students, breaking barriers for women in yoga.
Spreading Yoga to the West
After mastering yoga under Krishnamacharya’s guidance, Indra Devi dedicated her life to sharing its teachings with the world. She moved to China in the 1930s, where she introduced yoga to a new audience. Later, she settled in the United States, where she gained recognition as a yoga teacher among Hollywood celebrities. Some of her notable students included Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Arden, making yoga popular in Western culture.
Indra Devi’s Contribution to Yoga
- Bringing Yoga to Women and the West: At a time when yoga was considered an esoteric practice, Devi made it accessible to Westerners and women.
- Emphasizing Gentle and Therapeutic Yoga: Unlike more rigid and physically intense forms of yoga, she advocated for a soft, flowing style suitable for all ages.
- Authoring Influential Books: She wrote several bestselling books, including Forever Young, Forever Healthy and Yoga for Americans, which helped introduce yoga to a global audience.
- Establishing Yoga Centers: She founded yoga schools in the U.S., Mexico, Argentina, and several other countries, spreading the practice worldwide.
Philosophy and Teachings
Indra Devi believed that yoga was not just physical exercise but a path to overall well-being—harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit. She taught yoga as a means of achieving inner peace, self-healing, and a balanced lifestyle. Her teachings focused on breathwork (pranayama), relaxation techniques, and stress relief, making yoga more inclusive and appealing to people from different walks of life.
A Global Legacy
Indra Devi continued to teach and inspire students worldwide well into her later years. She lived a long and fulfilling life, passing away at the age of 102 in 2002. Her legacy lives on through the thousands of practitioners and teachers she influenced, as well as the widespread popularity of yoga today.
Conclusion
Indra Devi was a true pioneer, breaking gender and cultural barriers to bring yoga to the world. Her efforts paved the way for yoga’s global expansion, making it accessible to millions. Her belief that “Yoga is a way to freedom. By its constant practice, we can free ourselves from fear, anguish, and loneliness” continues to inspire yoga practitioners worldwide.
Her contributions remain invaluable, and she will always be remembered as the First Lady of Yoga, a title she rightfully earned through her dedication and passion for spreading the wisdom of yoga to every corner of the world.
