At times, those who follow the "Andhakara Path to Power" within the Forbidden Yoga Kriya Yoga program might find themselves advised to practice in the nude. Other times, they may not. This depends on the specific Kriya and the particular reasons behind the Sadhana.
Occasionally, very special and rare Sadhanas—take Yogini Nyasa as an example—require clapping in specific rhythms to certain body parts while engaging in Pranayama. These practices are performed nude, but without any "Oh, I am doing something naked" connotation. To think otherwise about these kinds of rituals is nonsense.
Note to self GPT research on nudity:
The association of nudity with sexuality is a complex issue, influenced by various cultural, religious, and social factors across different epochs of humanity. However, significant changes in the perception of nudity began prominently in the post-classical history, particularly influenced by the spread of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam).
Ancient Civilizations: In many ancient civilizations such as those of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, nudity could be a non-sexual norm in certain contexts like sports or the public baths. For instance, in Ancient Greece, athletes competed naked in sports such as the Olympic Games, celebrating the human form and physical abilities without inherent sexual connotations.
Middle Ages and Renaissance: With the rise and spread of Christianity and later Islam, body modesty became more pronounced, and nudity started to be more closely associated with sexuality and sin, particularly after the teachings of early Church Fathers and the influence of scriptural interpretations. This perspective was significantly shaped by the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible, where nudity came to symbolize shame and sin after their disobedience in the Garden of Eden.
Modern Period: During the Enlightenment and onwards, Western societies started to have varying views due to secular influences and the changing attitudes towards sexuality and human body. The Victorian era, for instance, is noted for its strict modesty and views of nudity as inherently sexual, which contrasted sharply with the classical acceptance of the naked form in art and sport.
Contemporary Views: Today, perceptions of nudity vary significantly across different cultures and legal systems. In some Western cultures, there are movements advocating for the normalization of non-sexual nudity, such as naturism or nudism, which aim to desexualize the human body.