Indra Devi: The Mother of Western Yoga | Vibepedia

Indra Devi, born Eugenie Peterson on May 12, 1899, in Riga, Latvia, was a pioneering yogi who played a significant role in popularizing yoga in the West. With a Vibe score of 82, Devi's influence on modern yoga is undeniable. She studied under the guidance of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, a renowned Indian yoga teacher, and later opened her own yoga studio in Hollywood, California, in 1947. Devi's teachings emphasized the importance of breath, movement, and meditation, attracting a wide range of students, including celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Greta Garbo. Her approach to yoga was distinct, blending traditional Indian practices with a modern, Western perspective. As a contrarian voice in the yoga community, Devi's legacy continues to be debated, with some praising her efforts to democratize yoga and others criticizing her for watering down its spiritual roots.