The influence of Indian spirituality and yoga on the West has been profound and far-reaching, transforming many aspects of Western culture, philosophy, and lifestyle over the past century.

The transmission of Indian spiritual teachings to the West began in earnest in the late 19th century, with figures like Swami Vivekananda introducing Vedanta philosophy at the 1893 World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago. This sparked great interest in Indian thought among Western intellectuals and spiritual seekers. In subsequent decades, a succession of Indian gurus and yogis traveled to America and Europe, establishing ashrams and centers that disseminated Hindu and Buddhist concepts and practices.

The 1960s counterculture movement marked a major turning point, as young Americans and Europeans eagerly embraced Eastern spirituality as an alternative to mainstream Western religion. Figures like Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Swami Prabhupada, and others gained large Western followings. The Beatles' interest in Transcendental Meditation helped popularize Indian spirituality in mainstream culture.

Yoga, in particular, has had an enormous impact on Western society. What began as an esoteric spiritual practice has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, with tens of millions of practitioners in the US alone. While much of Western yoga focuses on the physical postures, the philosophical and meditative aspects have also permeated popular culture.

Indian spiritual concepts like karma, reincarnation, and meditation have become part of the Western lexicon. Many Westerners now incorporate practices like mindfulness and yoga into their daily routines for stress relief and overall well being. The influence can be seen in fields ranging from psychology and healthcare to business and education.

While some critics argue that the West has appropriated and commodified Indian spirituality, there's no doubt that its influence has led many Westerners to explore deeper questions of meaning, consciousness, and self-realization. As the West grapples with issues of materialism and disconnection, the wisdom of Indian spiritual traditions continues to offer powerful tools for inner growth and transformation.