Striving to curb violence
The roots of violence are found in "meism;" i.e., "me against you" and manifest as beliefs and resultant attitudes and actions ("b.a.a." syndrome). Fair play and sportsmanship is healthy competition. Firm conviction of blatant wrongdoing is necessary justice. In the spiritual/religious realm, humans can often cross the line into violence when we confuse universal principles with only specific names and forms or attempt to deny the forms altogether. This confusion can create not only the potentially dangerous illusion of Monotheism with its very real bullfights but also an illusive "no way universal way."
When we have been indoctrinated into "a one universal way to the exclusion of all others" theory, the seeds of potential violence have been planted. When the justification for this theory is a mythological Deity, a sacred book or a past (or present) prophet, the stage is set to enact all manner of acts. The knee-jerk reaction to this extreme may be to either totally dismiss or miss the mark by, ironically, justifying some other form of "universal specific form." For example, the modern so-called "yoga movement" claims to not be a religion (though, in fact, is pilfered from the Hindu religion) but a system of "universal spiritual techniques that can be applied to any specific religion." Note also the "meism" in the modern attempt to split the so-called "spiritual camp" from the "religious camp." In keeping with these oxymorons, a dogmatic fundamentalist in any religion may say basically the same thing; i.e., "we are not a religion (though we use very specific practices); we are "the universal way" (or "just spiritual") to which and in which all are welcome to participate. At first glance, the "all are welcome" part sounds enticing and may be consciously chosen to draw in the crowds and the resultant fame and fortune. However these extremes ultimately lead to the same conclusion; i.e., that "our way," "our name and form" is "the universal approach or truth." Everyone should feel free to be exposed to the many great religions of the world which necessitates avoiding exclusive rhetoric as well as the denial of specific spiritual/religious traditions and practices.
We may discover a solution to these extremes in the middle or what we might call the n.a.t. principle. "My" religious/spiritual path (etc.) is not the way and not no way, but a way . If we choose, we can follow a specific spiritual/religious tradition and simultaneously respect another's chosen tradition. We can avoid disrespecting these specific religions by recognizing their unique names and forms and many of their teachings and practices. We can strive to curb violence by ceasing to preach (or listen to) the "our way is the only universal way" rhetoric. Scriptural rewrites may be in order. Disrespecting and ignoring others and especially their spiritual/religious beliefs is a recipe for subsequent disasters.
Seeking the universal principles (that manifest [and should be respected] in specific name and form) of Love/attraction, Light and Energy that all humans experience (if only within their respective spiritual/religious groups) may help us to understand the n.a.t. principle and thus avoid becoming annoying little beings (gnat) that can turn a beautiful life into a miserable existence.
Unity in Diversity; not in 'sameness' and not in blindness.
HISTORICAL TERRORISM OF HINDUISM AND ITS YOGA TEACHINGS
The following is a very brief summation of the many terrorist attacks on Hindus and against the Hindu/Yogic religion. These attacks continue in many forms to this day. Along with continued attacks by Muslim and Christian extremists against Hinduism, there is the concerted effort to completely divorce; i.e., steal the many sacred yoga teachings from Hinduism and the Hindus. With this simple overview, one may come to realize why the Classical Yoga Hindu Academy is so firm in challenging all those who are participating in the unethical and insulting practice of misrepresenting the Yoga/Hindu teachings, teachers, practices and rituals. The sad history of killing and stealing from others their land, cultures and religions is well-documented and unfortunately continues to this very day. Of course, a similar timetable could be detailed concerning many indigenous cultures around the world who have been prey to arrogant invaders.(reference source: A Hindu Timetable published by the world-renowned magazine "Hinduism Today.")
b.c.e.(b.c.)
300 ~ Alexander the Greek invades North India.
c.e. (a.d.)
450 ~ Hephtalite (Chinese) invade North India.
565 ~ Turks and Persians invade North India.
712 ~ Muslim invasions into India begin.
1017 ~ Muslims take over Mathura (reported birthplace of Krishna) and build a Mosque.
1024 ~ Muslims kill 50,000 Hindus at Somanath Siva Temple and build a Mosque.
1185 ~ Muslims conquer the Punjab & Lahore.
1193 ~ Muslims conquer Delhi.
1200 ~ By this time, Muslims have taken over the whole of North India destroying at least 60,000 Hindu Temples and erecting approx. 3,000 Mosques.
1296 ~ Muslim invaders move into South India.
1300 ~ By this time, Muslim invaders have conquered all the way to the tip of South India (Cape Comorin) and build a Mosque.
1510 ~ Portuguese Catholics invade Goa (SW India).
1528 ~ Muslims destroy Lord Rama's birthplace at Ayodhya and erect a shrine (Masjid).
1619 ~ Catholic Christians invade Jaffna in Sri Lanka and destroy many Hindu Temples.
1761 ~ 200,000 Hindus are killed by Afghan Muslim extremists.
1764 ~ The British (under the Anglican Church) invade India defeating Muslims in Bengal.
1803 ~ British capture Delhi and subsequently take control of all India.
1837-1917 ~ British institute a form of slavery in the indentured servant system where Hindus were sent to do manual labor in the British colonies.
1906 ~ Dutch Christians invade and kill many Hindus in Bali.
1947 ~ India finally gains independence from its British/Christian masters though Christian missionaries still actively seek to convert Hindus in India and around the world.
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circa 1960's ~ So-called "yoga" (divorced from its Hindu roots and taken out of its classic context of the many, progressive forms yoga) is made popular in the Western world.
2000 ~ By this time, so-called "yoga" becomes a mainstream "American exercise business." "Yoga personalities" emerge. Hindus teaching and practicing yoga are suppressed (and often ridiculed) by the media and those in the (often lucrative) "yoga business."
HOW YOGA IS MISREPRESENTED TODAY
The facts about Yoga are that these are the many spiritual/religious disciplines of Hinduism. Though the Buddhist, Jain and Sikh religions (that are derived from Hinduism) do contain some yoga disciplines, there are no Yoga practices (and not even one mention of the word) found in the Christian, Jewish or Muslim religions, for example. Of course, all the many Yoga disciplines are detailed in Hindu scripture or any book on Hinduism. Understanding the facts about true Yoga one can only ethically and honestly conclude that authentic teachers are qualified adherents of the former religions. Historically Hinduism and its Yoga teachings are very open to appreciating the many great religions of the world, however this fact is not to be misinterpreted that the Yoga disciplines are not part and parcel of the 5,000 year old Hindu religious tradition.
So-called "modern" or "American Yoga" is both intellectually dishonest and emotionally callous to both the general public and millions of devoted Hindus and their real teachers. Contrary to all the facts, "yoga" today has been unethically divorced from its Hindu roots and turned into an exercise business or vague "spirituality" at best. Secondly, the word "yoga" (which is generic for the many Hindu spiritual disciplines; i.e., Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga) has been misinterpreted to stand only for Hatha Yoga which is, paradoxically, the least mentioned of all the classic Hindu yogas.
To draw on an analogy, what is being done to Yoga is akin to a non-Christian setting oneself up as a certified teacher selling classes in underwater diving, wine-tasting and deep-knee bends and (mis)labeling them "Baptism," "Communion" and "Genuflecting," respectively. A further deception would be to take any one of these specific Christian spiritual disciplines and make it the be-all and end-all of Christianity. The results of misrepresenting yoga should be obvious; i.e., intellectual dishonesty and religious bigotry. Because of this rampant misrepresentation, genuine Hindu/Yoga teachers are being dismissed and openly ridiculed. The violent history of violating cultures and religions is well-documented and an unfortunate trend that continues today towards Hindus/Hinduism and their sacred Yoga teachings and practices.
YOGA FACTS
The following are a few logical facts about the Sanskrit word "Yoga:"
\ San'skrit n. The ancient language of the Hindus ... [From: Webster's Dictionary]
yo'ga n. [Sanskrit lit. union] Hinduism ... [From Webster's]
yo'ga: oneness of Atman and Brahman. [From: A Dictionary of Sanskrit Names published by the Integral Yoga Institute]
at'man n. (Skr. atman breath, self) Hinduism ... [From Webster's]
Brah'ma n. Hindu Religion ... [From Webster's]
Yoga (yo'ga) (Skt.,=union) general term for spiritual disciplines in Hinduism ... [From Columbia Encyclopedia Sixth Edition 2000]
"The Yoga System: [one of] The Six Acceptable Systems of Hindu Philosophy" [From a secular book on comparative religions: "Religions of Man" Macmillan Co.]
The first recorded evidence of the word "yoga" is found in the Vedas: "Seers of the vast illumined Seer yogically control their minds and intelligence." Rig Veda V.81.
Ve'da n. (Skr. knowledge, sacred lore.) The most ancient sacred literature of the Hindus. [From: Webster]
A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM
The honest and ethical solution to the serious dilemma of misrepresenting the many Yoga disciplines of Hinduism is to simply stop pretending to be teaching any aspect of Yoga. If the false "yoga teacher" is simply interested in the beneficial Hatha Yoga stretches and relaxation, they should honestly do the right thing and simply teach classes in "stretching and relaxation" (giving credit to the Hatha Yoga of the Hindus). There is also the popular Pilates and other stretching classes to pursue. Remember there is a huge difference between the student who can be of any religion and the teacher who must be a qualified Hindu, Buddhist, Jain or Sikh. Hinduism: The religion of all aspects of Yoga has always been very open to sharing and appreciating those of other religions, however this is never to be taken to the ridiculous extreme of meaning that simply anyone is qualified to teach the various aspects of Yoga/Hinduism without the necessary commitment, training and experience.
Of course if the desire is to honestly understand and get deeply involved in the many yogas, such a one should begin from the start, learn and commit to the Hindu (or perhaps Buddhist, Jain or Sikh) religion. With this vital and ethical/moral foundation, through time and experience, one may eventually and naturally become looked to as a teacher of the many profound spiritual/religious practices of Classical/Dharma/Yoga/Hinduism.
Here is what Swami Pavitrananda (a disciple of Swami Vivevakananda) had to say in 1944 (From: Common Sense About Yoga):
Of all the Yogas, Raja-Yoga has been the most abused.
...persons calling themselves great Yogis often impose upon the unwary public by showing off difficult feats of Asana which have nothing to do with spiritual development.
Some practise Asanas as a substitute for physical exercise. There is no harm in doing this provided such persons do not pretend to be Yogis.
As in the case of Pranayama, too much has been made of Asanas also by the sensation-mongers.
Cheats and rogues stalk the earth to seize upon fools as their victims; but, for God's sake, do not call these pretenders "Yogis."
Deception of this kind has gone to the farthest limit in the case of Yoga--that much-abused aspect of Hindu Mysticism.