Menuhin, Yehudi. (1916–1999). 1953 Photograph of Menuhin and instructor Vithaldas practicing Lion Pose. AP press photo, from Life magazine, dated New York, February 5, 1953, of the great violinist with yoga instructor Vithaldas practicing a lion pose. With article-length caption; in full: "Violinist In Training: Violinist Yehudi Menuhin won the raves of music critics at a recent recital in New York and he was hailed as a 'revitalized performer.' Yehudi thinks his training in Yoga (Webster: Mental discipline consisting in the direction of attention exclusively upon any object with a view to the identification of consciousness with the object) may be the answer. He has been studying for a year. Here he goes through part of the training with his instructor Vithaldas (right). The act is called a Simhasana (lion pose) and is designed to help the eyes and throat. Menuhin says Yoga is the only form of exercise convenient for a touring musician and claims it gives him a sense of 'general well-being'." Handstamp, "Library Houston Post," to verso. 8.75 x 6.5 inches (21.5 x 16.5 cm). Photo in excellent condition; caption frayed to lower edge.
The caption makes it clear that yoga (note that the term was capitalized) was still completely unfamiliar in the U.S. at the time.
Menuhin, Yehudi. (1916–1999). 1953 Photograph of Menuhin and instructor Vithaldas practicing Lion Pose. AP press photo, from Life magazine, dated New York, February 5, 1953, of the great violinist with yoga instructor Vithaldas practicing a lion pose. With article-length caption; in full: "Violinist In Training: Violinist Yehudi Menuhin won the raves of music critics at a recent recital in New York and he was hailed as a 'revitalized performer.' Yehudi thinks his training in Yoga (Webster: Mental discipline consisting in the direction of attention exclusively upon any object with a view to the identification of consciousness with the object) may be the answer. He has been studying for a year. Here he goes through part of the training with his instructor Vithaldas (right). The act is called a Simhasana (lion pose) and is designed to help the eyes and throat. Menuhin says Yoga is the only form of exercise convenient for a touring musician and claims it gives him a sense of 'general well-being'." Handstamp, "Library Houston Post," to verso. 8.75 x 6.5 inches (21.5 x 16.5 cm). Photo in excellent condition; caption frayed to lower edge.
The caption makes it clear that yoga (note that the term was capitalized) was still completely unfamiliar in the U.S. at the time.