Is Yoga a Religion?

Human Invention

No matter what you wish to to call what you do and why you do it, it is, after all, human invention which only supports my point. The question is "Is yoga a religion ?" As I mentioned, and because all religion is human invention based on each individual's experiences, understanding, wants, needs, values, etc., "yoga" can be a religion if one practices it as such. As I define "religion", if I establish a certain set of values surrounding physical and mental fitness and harmony and establish certain consistent practices based on those values, I've established a religion which may or may not be a portion of my overall personal religion encompassing all aspects of my own life. I understand this isn't how others define "religion" for themselves. They need not agree with my definition to respect it, and neither need I agree with their own in order to respect them. In my mind, no personal definition of "religion" is incorrect in and of itself but could be deemed "correct" or "incorrect" according to the subjective opinions of others. That others consider your personal definition "wrong" doesn't make it so and, in matters "religious", I believe that to be particularly true.

In any event, the question as it is posed by OpposingViews.com is overly simplistic and, I believe, worded in such a way as to create a false situation of dispute. I disagree that there is no choice but to answer "yes" or "no". To say that this is a false dispute isn't noncommital - it's committing to the position this is a non-dispute based on the fact "yoga" and "religion" are just words and one can define and use them according to one's own needs. The answer to the question can rightly be yes, no AND uncommitted. Persons can bicker all they like about whether or not "yoga" is a religion. In my view, the are both right to call whatever they practice and the reasons for it whatever they wish to call it. It's all human invention.

As I said, call it "religion", a "game", an exercise or a "tuna sandwich". What's most profoundly relevant is whether one has sound reasons for one's practices and whether or not they are of benefit to your physical and mental fitness and harmony. The words, the labels, are just that and no more.

Everything we human beings do could be construed as a "spiritual" practice. The question is, are you aware enough of the complex and dynamic aspects of your own life as a whole to see it in that way?