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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?
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Aspects Common To Religion And Yoga
The Rabbi has not made her point
With all due respect, I don't see that you have made your argument that yoga is a religion . A spiritual discipline is NOT a religion. Would you care to expand your original comments. You refer to Patanjali but nothing in the Sutras IMO classifies yoga as 'religion.'
- vtyogini
September 5, 2009 3:05PM
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Yoga is Hinduism
Interesting that someone who calls herself a "yogini" does not even know what is Yoga, and the fact that all of (real)Yoga is Hinduism. True, Yoga is not A religion --just as Baptism is not A religion; nor is Shabbat A religion. These religious terms refer to specific religious practices within a religion. So, the questions really are, "What is Yoga?" and "What religion is Yoga?"
The word "religion" refers to a "linking" ("religio") to "things spiritual" as well as "systems of worship." In this sense, Yoga is religion. The Sanskrit/Hindu word "Yoga" means "to yoke" ("yuj") to things spiritual. Certainly all of real Yoga is about yoking to the Spirit--that is the definition of the word! So, again, Yoga IS Religion. However, there is a very important aspect to the English word "religion" and that is "adoration of God;" and in this regard, Yoga is not religion, for Hindu do not believe in God. Hindus look to Brahman (impersonal Spirit Being [v.]) and various Spirit Beings (n.) such as Siva (Patanjali's choice) and Vishnu as well as female Beings such as Parvati and Lakshmi.
Of course, this now brings one to the question, "What religion is Yoga?" Any cursory bit or research will quickly reveal that all of real Yoga is Hinduism. "Yogini" look in a book on comparative religions and see where you find Yoga. In fact, there is not Hinduism without Yoga, and there is no real Yoga without Hinduism. The (H)indus invented the language (Sanskrit)and, of course, all the terms and concepts. All the Hindu scriptures (of course including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali [one of the six orthodox systems of Hindu philosophy])detail the various Yogas which are the means by which Hindu yoke (or "link")to the Spirit.
Of course, the so-called " yoga " of today has been unethically divorced from Hinduism for various motives, primarily greed and egoism. By "yoga" what is meant is the Hatha Yoga of Hinduism. What is even more strange is that real Hatha Yoga is highly devotional. Hatha Yoga are Hindu devotional postures. Ironically, many wayward Hindus are the prime instigators of this modern phony yoga business. Out for money and a following, these people have created a spurious so-called "universal yoga" movement which is actually a very fundamentalist view. "Yoga is Universal" and "fits into anyone's religion?" How absurd. The Rabbi knows this is not true as would anyone from any non-Hindu religion. To see how this "universal yoga" stuff has premeated the culture look at who is taking the opposing side to this argument! Go Figure.
Swami Param
Classical Yoga Hindu Academy
- classyoga
September 17, 2009 7:48AM
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yoga as religion
I am a yogini because I practice and study yoga (perhaps I am misusing the term ?) and in fact, I do feel I know what yoga 'is.' Or should I say, what yoga is for ME. (J. Krishnamurti "Truth is a pathless land.") And I will be a student of this science and philosophy for the rest of my days as its depths can certainly not be plumbed in a proscribed period of time.
For me, yoga does not involve any religion in the sense of a requirement to believe in a particular deity. THAT is what I meant when I said yoga was not a religion. I should have been more clear. But it appears that you agree with me on this point. (Baptism and Shabbat are rituals within their respective religions; of course, they are not the religion itself. Most religions that I know of use ritual(s). Yoga, as a spiritual discipline , does as well.)
I'm not sure what your point is for ME other than to chastise me for placing Hinduism separately from yoga philosphy as it is practiced in the modern day. I believe this authoritarian attitude is what makes most 'religions' (to use your word) unpalatable in the modern, western world. I agree with you, however, that many western 'yoga' teachers have not remained true to yoga's deeply spiritual roots. There are exceptions, of course.
Could this simply be a difference of opinion based on semantics? (the word 'religion')
I acknowledge and deeply honor, of course, yoga's interconnectedness to Hinduism. It would be ignorant to do otherwise.
- vtyogini
September 18, 2009 8:58AM
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More Real Yoga
Would not one who gave and recieved Baptism, for example, be a Christian practicing Christianity? Similarly, one who practices the various Yogas would be a Hindu. Of course, those new to any religion would first be students. All Hindus are Yogis and Yoginis in as much as they study and practice Hinduism. However, the title "Yogi/Yogini" is reserved on for the renunciant Hindu. The true Yogi/Yogini, in this sense, is a no-body and would not "run-around" calling oneself "Yogini."
The crux of the matter is the question "What is Yoga?" Yoga is a Sanskrit/Hindu word meaning "to yoke Atmana (indidvidual Soul) and Brahmana (Soul Source)." The various Yogas are the means by which Hindus achieve this Soul/Self-Realization: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga, to name a few. So, we have the religious process ("to link; to yoke) in general and, certainly (without question)the specific religion known as Hinduism. For example, if one goes to Synagogue or Church, they will not learn the above.
It is often the "new-agey" claim that " yoga is science and not religion." Does any school or university teach Yoga as part of their science crriculum? Science means "to know." So, do you know what is Yoga as opposed to merely your feeling and "what it means to ME?" Also, by this mis-statement, do you mean that "religious people" don't know? In regards to philosophy, all religions have their philosophy. Again, in Hinduism, the Yoga Darsana of Patanjali is considered "One of the six orthodox systems of Hindu philosophy." I would add that this work (which you have obviously not deeply studied) is very authoritative. It is a bit humours how the "new-age yoga/yoginis" decry authority and then go ahead and set-up all the bogus "certifications," class fees, "teacher training," etc. In effect, these people have stolen the great teachings and practices from Hinduism, redefined them to suit their agenda and have created a phony yoga industry.
Speaking of the Saiva Hindu Guru Patanjali, this Hindu philosophy is not a manuel on Hatha Yoga which is what the "modern yoginis" focus upon (without disclosure, of course). Would not your class or classes then be classes in philosophy? One must also be aware that the Sanskrit/Hindu word "yoga" premeates all aspects of Hinduism and not simply found in this one Hindu scripture. The first mention of "Yoga" is in the Rig Veda, the oldest scripture created by the Hindus.
Many people also misuse the word "spiritual;" i.e., "incorporeal" when speaking about what should be called "religious practices." It is the body of religious practices that lead one to that which is beyond the body or Spirit/Soul.
The bottom line is that there is no real Yoga without Hinduism; and there is no Hinduism without real Yoga. Those who want to study real Yoga will study Hinduism. Those who want to propagate phony Yoga will continue to do so and continue to be confronted for this violation of a great religion and those who love it.
The facts remain that it is the Hindus would created the Sanskrit language and the subsequent term "yoga" to denote the way in which they yoked/linked to the Spirit. The Hindu/Yogic religion is well documented and is very different (naturally) from, especially, the Monotheistic religions.
My guess, is, vt, that you are a non-practicing Christian or Jew who simply wants to be an authority unto yourself while misappropriating the religious practices from an already established religion; i.e., Hinduism/Yoga.
It is true that Hinduism/Yoga does not demand the "believe in a particular diety." Again, Hinduism is not Monotheistic; this, however, does not make Hinduism a non-religion. Hindus look to many Spirit Beings. Remember religion is about "linking" and systems of worship." True, religion is also about "the belief in God," and, in this sense, only is Yoga is not religion. Since you (and others) are not religious, one assumes you do not believe in God. (This would cause a stir among many who claim they are "spiritual but not religious"). However, the definition of religion also includes "gods." While this word is not appropriate to Hinduism, we do have many MahaDevas and MahaDevis (male and female "gods"). Interesting that you quote Krishnamurthi whose very name means the Diety of Krishna! The notion of simply writing in a book by a person that "Truth is a pathless land" is oxymoronic.
Many are interested in Yoga (however confused). Perhaps one day you will realize that to proceed further, you need to go deeply into the study and practice of Hinduism. One can convert or adopt to this ancient Hindu/Yogic Dharma or religion.
Best wishes,
Swami Param
- classyoga
September 19, 2009 8:33AM
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yoga as religion
Thank you, Swami Param, for taking the time to share your opinion and knowledge on this topic.
That being said, I have proven myself correct once again about never discussing ' religion ,' because all it seems to do is to encourage someone to convince me that I am wrong and try to sway me to see things differently.
I thought I was clear in my statement of being a student of yoga and certainly never claimed any expertise. But I do appreciate the effort you've put forth to enlighten me on various aspects of Hinduism/Yoga. To set the record straight, I am neither a non-practicing Christian or Jew who 'looks to be an authority unto myself.' Before my practice of yoga, I would most certainly have taken this comment as an insult, but then, I'm sure that was not your intention.
It saddens me that you (an expert in Hinduism and Yoga) think my use of the practices of yoga constitutes a 'misappropriation' of them.
Suffice it to say these practices have changed my life and transformed my way of thinking. For that I will be eternally grateful.
- vtyogini
September 20, 2009 10:42AM
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Is Yoga Hinduism
Dear Swami Param,
Can you please clarify which first "Hindu" book accepted Yoga as Hinduism? Seers like Panini, Utpala and even Patanjali the Yoga Guru himself have clearly stated that Yoga is not of the Vedas. I can quote the passages, but that is not the point here. Even the word "Hinduism" was only accepted after seer Sankara.
To me, the Yoga Sutras was written to support the "Classical Siddhanta" religious philosophy and to reject philosophies that do not support dualism that is the presence of separate entities of God and numerous souls.
In this way, Patanjali rejects the religious philosophy of Jainism, Buddhism and the Vedanta philosophy, all which do not recognize separate entities of God and Souls. The present Saiva Siddhanta also rejects this concept as it does not agree that the universe is part of Siva - the godhead.
However since the concept of "Reincarnation, Karma and Maya" are part and parcel of the Classical Siddhanta concept and that of the Indian mind, any philosophies that do not recognize these three are not accepted by the Indian masses. Thus Mahavira, Buddha and Badarayana (Viasar) are all "forced" to accept Yoga as it is the means to the soul to escape this rebirth cycle, although they do not need this in true accordance of their philosophies.
By classifying all as "Hinduism" we are destroying the "individuality" of each of the Indian cultures.
To me Yoga is an extension of the "Classical Siddhanta" religious system which rejects image worship, accepts the presence of a separate God and souls, the world to be true and as an extension of God, and Yoga is the practice to connect (to be with union) the souls with God.
This concept is definitely not Jainism, Buddhism, Vedanta, Saiva Siddhantam or Hinduism. All of them have “borrowed” only the pratice of Yoga from the Classical Siddhantam and are now claiming it to be theirs.
And true to the Siddhanta philosophy, it is a concept which one can accept or reject but still practice Yoga and Meditation to escape from reincarnation. And that is the key word – “escape the cycle of reincarnation.”
In reality, Jainism, Buddhism and Vedanta do not truly need Yoga or Meditation as their concepts of God and Souls contradicts the concept of seer Patanjali.
Anbae Sivam
(God is Compassion)
- Saint
October 29, 2009 6:54AM
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