Yoga in Norwegian Nature

The Creation of a New Pilgrimage Practice

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33356/temenos.152147

Keywords:

dark green religion, nature, New Age, pilgrimage, yoga

Abstract

As modern yoga continues to be practised and spread all over the world, it is also changing and adapting to local beliefs, practices, and values. Yoga retreats in nature are now a phenomenon in Norway. This article is based on a document study of websites advertising yoga retreats in Norway, exploring how nature is described and presented. The analysis shows that nature is presented as sacred, healing, and valuable. Elements from Sámi spirituality and other religious traditions are drawn on, and nature is marketed as a necessary part of a spiritual package. This can be seen in connection with climate concerns and Bron Taylor’s formulation of the concept of dark green religion. Nature’s utilization in marketing material suggests a Norwegianization of yoga, where yoga is made more Norwegian by connecting it with Norwegian nature, Sámi spirituality, and local traditions. The article argues that we are seeing the emergence of a new pilgrimage practice in Norway as part of the Norwegianization of yoga. Yoga and wellness are paired here with nature experiences and nature spirituality in a local retreat setting.

Author Biography

Marie Glasø Glein, Queen Maud University College

is Lecturer in Religion, Ethics and Philosophy at Queen Maud University College in Trondheim, Norway.

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Published

2025-06-06

How to Cite

Glein, M. G. (2025). Yoga in Norwegian Nature: The Creation of a New Pilgrimage Practice. Temenos - Nordic Journal for the Study of Religion, 61(1), 27–47. https://doi.org/10.33356/temenos.152147

Issue

Vol. 61 No. 1 (2025): Temenos - Nordic Journal for the Study of Religion

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Marie Glasø Glein

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