Is yoga a fitness regime or a spiritual endeavor? This is the question at the root of a debate brewing in Missouri, which recently became the first state to collect sales tax on yoga classes, according to a report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Here’s an excerpt from the article:

“At issue is a Missouri statute that mandates a 4 percent tax on fees
charged for athletic events like Cardinals games, fitness club
memberships and other entertainment, amusement or recreation
businesses.

Yoga teachers say the service they provide is not recreation, but a
form of physical preparation for meditation, based on ancient Hindu
texts, with the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment.

But even yogis concede the American interpretation of yoga that has
blossomed, especially in the last 30 years or so, has become popular
for its stress-reducing properties and physical health benefits.”

It’s a debate we’ve been having in the yoga community for ages, and both sides have compelling arguments. Do you think yoga classes should be subject to state sales taxes?

Read the whole story on:http://blogs.yogajournal.com/yogabuzz/