Is Yoga a Religion?

By some estimates there are more than 10,000 different religions in the world today. Could yoga be one of them? Countless books and DVDs espouse the spiritual benefits of yoga practice, and there are certainly some enthusiasts who find it to be a religious experience. Others though, insist that yoga is no more a religion than jogging. What does yoga truly represent?

Next question in Religion

You are seeing 2 Comments on this Argument. See all 50 Comments on this Question.

Regarding Argument

A Few Quotes on Yoga Not Being a Religion

- From Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati

Open Argument Go to this Argument

quotes

Thank you Swami J.

- vtyogini September 5, 2009 2:45PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Of course, Yoga is Hinduism and Hinduism is a religion

Anyone can say anything they choose to say but it does not make it so. Here are the facts: The (H)indus created the Sanskrit language (thus all the terminology that goes with " yoga ")and all the subsequent practices of Yoga. All one has to do is the least bit of research to uncover these facts. Look in a dictionary, encyclopedia and books on comparative religions. If so-called "yoga is universal," why is there absolutely no mention of Yoga in the Monotheistic religions? These guys who promote this universal yoga stuff are really only looking out for their own business interests--like swamiji.com. How absurd.

Swami Param

- classyoga September 6, 2009 7:38AM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes

Thank You for your Comment

We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.

Related Debates

Is There a God?

Experts on "Yes" Side

Rabbi Sigal Brier
Director, Rabbis Without Borders See arguments

Experts on "No" Side

Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati
Ordained Monk See arguments

Most Objections