THE TRUE FACTS ABOUT YOGA
Contrary to popular dogmatism about Yoga, the Sanskrit (the foundational language of Hinduism) word "Yoga" is all about the many spiritual disciplines of the Hindu religion (and to some extent found within Hinduism's offshoots: Buddhism, the Sikh and Jain religions). In fact, the words "yoga" and "religion" essentially carry the same definition; i.e., "to yoke" ("yuj/yoga") to the Spirit and "to link or bind" ("religio") to the Spirit. The factual Sanskrit definition of Yoga is "union of Atman (individual Soul) with Brahman (Universal Soul)." With the proper definition and use of Atman and Brahman, one is already "deep" into Hindu theology which any credible reference material will confirm. Of course the first reference to the word Yoga is found in the Vedas (the "Bible" of Hinduism) and subsequently permeates the numerous Hindu scriptures. The fact of the Yoga/Hindu religious connection is clearly evident by simply referring to a dictionary; encyclopedia; books on comparative religions and books on Hinduism. Knowing what is something is to also know what or where it is not. Of course, there is absolutely no mention of "Yoga" in the holy scriptures of the Jews, Christians and Muslims, for example.
The many aspects of Yoga define the daily religious lifestyle of the Hindu. Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga or ethics and devotion form the vital foundation. Long hours of sitting in upasana/puja (Hindu worship) also incorporates Hatha Yoga (and dispels the ridiculous dogma that "not all Hindus do yoga"). Though sitting in one comfortable asana (pose) is vital (and actually the only one ever mentioned by the Saiva Hindu Guru Patanjali), Hatha Yoga is the most minor, least mentioned and latest in development of all the classic Yogas. Real Hatha Yoga is highly theistic as many of the asanas are devotional poses dedicated to the Hindu MahaDevas (Spiritual Beings) exclusively. With this basic understanding, it is way off the mark (and counter-productive) to simply (mis)use the word "yoga" to simply mean Hatha Yoga to say nothing of ignorantly and aggressively trying to divorce any aspect of Yoga from religion and, essentially, Hinduism. Yes, the many aspects of Yoga "feel good" but what simply feels good is not always what is ethical and honest.
"Astanga" is another very much abused term even going so far as calling it "Power Yoga." "Astanga" refers to the eight-fold progression of Classical/Traditional (Dharma) Yoga as detailed by Patanjali. This important but small part of Patanjali's Yoga Darsana
("One of the six orthodox systems of Hindu philosophy" The Macmillan Company, The religions of Man, U.S., 1970, 202.) again only makes one reference to asana. The first two important steps Yama and Niyama are analogous to Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. It is interesting to note that "Yama" means "restraint" which is also a defining word (in Webster's) for "religion." Patanjali was an ardent devotee of the Hindu MahaDeva Siva (The Isvara of Yoga). Anyone who has ever visited the Chidambaram Hindu Temple, a renowned home of this great Saivite Hindu, would quickly realize the integral Hindu/Yoga connection and the meaning of being a Yogi in the deepest sense of Hatha and Raja Yoga. To reach these levels of Yoga experience, the Yogi has to live a lifestyle (strict celibacy, isolation and total devotion--to say nothing of not receiving money) so far beyond the conception of the modern so-called "yogi" as to render the latter almost totally without merit. To alter the teachings of Patanjali (or anyone, living or not) to suit one's own agenda is unethical at best.To be a teacher of one of the great religions means to be a committed and highly qualified member of that religion. To teach any aspect of true Yoga, one would have to be a highly qualified Hindu (Buddhist, Sikh or Jain). The naive extremism of falsely creating "yoga certifications/businesses" is harmful to all involved and is simply an ego inflating and money making endeavor. The scam (and trivial nature) of quickly making one a "yogi" is no different than the naive notion that all one has to do to become a Rabbi, for example, is to learn a few Jewish words and practices; or to become a Doctor, all one has to do is to take a six month course in First Aid.
Other than a basic (understandable) lack of awareness, the "new-age" elitist myth of divorcing spirituality from religion and yoga from religion and Hinduism suffers not only from a deficiency of basic knowledge of word meanings but also portrays a very mean spirit of segregation and religious discrimination. It is very interesting how "new-ageism" and "fundamentalism" are closely allied. There is actually nothing new in these extremist views. The former seeks to destroy common sense definition (no-way) while the latter seeks to establish only "one way." A spiritual/religious path is traveled to be transcended and never skipped over nor denied. "New-ageism" is an understandable but often misguided knee-jerk reaction to fundamentalism. It is a common and potentially dangerous cultic expression to claim "a universal way" and is especially delusional to, paradoxically, follow specific religious practices.
True unity in diversity is being aware of the many religions. The delusion of unity in sameness or blindness could be equally applied to a Universalist (new-age "yoga") or to a Fundamentalist. One should know to which religion (if any) one belongs and this is especially true concerning a teacher. One should be well aware of which religion(s) (with their unique, but often similar, practices/rituals) one is learning.
If "new-age" means respecting the many great spiritual/religious paths, fine. We have much in common to celebrate. One demonstrates respect, emotional maturity and intellectual brightness by learning about the great religions and their unique spiritual/religious teachings and disciplines. One may feel very comfortable in the religion of their birth. One may also ethically adopt (having no previous religion) or convert to a religion of one's choice (anyone can become a Hindu, for example). With this mature foundation, one could eventually become a teacher within one's chosen spiritual/religious path. However it is a sad fact that, throughout history, arrogant invaders have chosen to steal from other cultures and religions to suit one's own agenda. If "new-age" means not recognizing, disrespecting and destroying religious paths and, ironically, setting one's self up in the business of being a "teacher" of an already established path, one is merely practicing the old-age craft of (self) deception.
YOGA FACTS
The following factual information about the true nature of Yoga; i.e., the many, progressive spiritual disciplines of the Hindu religion.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] This is the true definition of the Sanskrit word "yoga."
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]
yoga: a Hindu system ... [The Oxford American Dictionary]
yoga: a system of Hindu religious philosophy ... [Thorndike Barnhardt Comprehensive Desk Dictionary]
yoga: a Hindu discipline ... [The American Heritage Dictionary]
The Yoga System: One of the Six Acceptable Systems of Hindu Philosophy [From a secular book on comparative religions: Religions of Man Macmillan Co., 1969, 202-203.]
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]
"Hinduism speaks of many different methods or paths to reach God. Of them four are considered major paths: (1) Bhakti Yoga--the path of devotion, (2) Jnana Yoga--the path of rational inquiry, (3) Raja Yoga--the path of mental concentration, and (4) Karma Yoga--the path of right action." (Bhaskarananda, Swami, The Essentials of Hinduism, Washington, Viveka Press, 1994, 115.)
Hatha Yoga is, of course, no exception to the indisputable fact of the Yoga/Hindu connection. Many of the postures are worshipful poses (asanas) only to the Hindu Deities such as: Matsyendrasana, Krounchasana, Surya Namaskar and Hanumanasana dedicated to the Hindu Spiritual Beings Siva, Muruga, Vishnu and Hanuman, respectively.
The popular Aum chant is fully described in the Hindu scriptures and is synonymous with the Hindu Deity Ganesha.
In an effort to instill common sense and respect for the specific spiritual practices of the many great religions of the world, it is a fact that there is not one mention of the word "yoga" in the Torah, Bible or Koran. Of course, all aspects of Yoga are fully detailed in the numerous Hindu scriptures and taught within Hindu Temples and organizations by qualified teachers.
The historical, extremist terrorism against Hindus/Hinduism is well documented. Unfortunately these incursions (in various forms) are as alive today as they were 2,000 years ago.
Since all of Yoga is Hinduism, it is only common sense that the real teacher is a Hindu (Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs, sects of Hinduism, may also ethically teach). Can you name any religion where the teacher is not a member of that religion? No religion charges money to "get in the door."
YOGA ORIGINS and CONTINUUM
Constant in appearance today, constant tomorrow. They follow the eternal nature of the Lord of Heaven. Rig Veda. I.
Who knows for how long humans have practiced Yoga disciplines or sought spiritual union? We can only speculate on pre-recorded human "history." However the recorded evolution of the spiritual disciplines of Yoga, which constitute the religion of Sanatana Dharma/Hinduism, can be traced through the Hindu scriptures: from the Vedas; to the Upanishads; Agamas; Ramayana; Mahabharata/Gita; Yoga Sutras; Tirumantirum; Tirukural; Tirumurai; Siddha-Siddhanta-Paddhati; Hatha Yoga Pradipika; Siva Samhita; Gheranda Samhita and the "modern" writings of many notable Hindu philosophers and clergy.The numerous, progressive Yoga religious practices originated in the land of the Hindus--Bharat known also today as India. The most ancient civilizations in India have been traced back several thousands of years B.C.E. to the Indus/Sindhu[Hindu] river area in western India which is now Pakistan. Dating, conservatively back to 2500 B.C.E, there is archeological evidence of religious images that have been an integral part of Hinduism up to the present day. Clay and copper seals and images were found depicting temple dancers, bulls and a meditating yogi which every Hindu would identify as, The Isvara of Yoga, the Hindu Deity Siva/Shiva with his animal vehicle Nandi the bull. In other words, the origins of yoga comes from the valley of the (H)indus.
The Four Vedas. The first written evidence (1500? B.C.E.) of the many yoga practices are found in the Hindu "Bible" the Vedas: Seers of the vast illumined Seer yogically control their minds and intelligence. Rig Veda V.81. In the river (Sindhu/Hindu) of spirituality that flows through this one sentence, we see the totality of Classical (Dharma) Yoga and the religion of Sanatana Dharma/Hinduism. The operative words are "yogically control." The word "control" or "restraint" is the basic definition of the word "religion." The Yoga disciplines of course define the means of control found within the religion of Hinduism. Restraint or control is Karma Yoga. Restraint is the vital foundation of ethics also detailed in Patanjali's (a Saiva Hindu Guru) Classical Astanga Yoga. Yama (restraint) is the recognized first step. The Hindu Seers or visionaries/yogis demonstrate their devotion (Bhakti Yoga) to a greater Spiritual Reality (union of Atman with Brahman). The practice of Raja Yoga or mediation is the calming or controlling of the mind. Jnana Yoga is introduced in yoking to the enlightened wisdom or intelligence within.
Not coincidentally, the first Seer who is speech itself is Brihaspati who is none other than Ganapati. Every Hindu, every genuine Yogi first beseeches this primal Deity. The ancient rishis realized, as do the wise yogis of today, that in communion with the MahaDevas or greater Spiritual Beings there is great progress on the spiritual path. Conversely when these great forces are overlooked, the individual ego naturally fills in the gap of personalization. [To illustrate this fact, look to the "yoga" personalities of today.]
Not coincidentally, just as there are four classic yogas, there are four basic Vedas (Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharvana) and four sections within each that deal with ethics (Karma Yoga), devotion (Bhakti Yoga), meditation (Raja Yoga) and enlightenment (Jnana Yoga). The four sections that comprise each Veda are the Mantras, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads. Karma Yoga as action (the law of cause and effect) is inherent in all the rituals or spiritual disciplines found in the Vedas. The Mantra and Brahmana portion of each Veda is Bhakti Yoga. The Aranyakas are mediations or Raja Yoga and the Upanaishads are the enlightened wisdom or Jnana Yoga.
The first section of each Veda is also traditionally called the Karma-kanda or the root (kanda) of positive actions/rituals which translates into ethics. This Karma Yoga is the assumed foundation from which the Seers enter Bhakti Yoga or chant their hymns to the Divine. In the Vedas, the term Upasana-kanda refers to Bhakti Yoga. [Note also that asana or pose (which is Hatha Yoga) is inherent in the word for worship; i.e., Upasana.] The Seer assumed a steady, comfortable pose for devotional rituals and as preparation for meditation. Raja Yoga or meditation is the next natural transition. From this place, dawns Spiritual Enlightenment which the Vedas refer to as Jnana-kanda or Jnana Yoga. He who apportions the offering to you for right action, that mortal reaches perfection. Rig VI.70. 3.
The Vedas are beautiful poetic hymns/mantras/chants to the Divine and descriptions of religious rituals. The primal chant or mantra is Aum/Om (Ganesha's Mantra): Om you for vigor, you for energy, you are breaths, ... Yajur Veda. This Mantra Yoga is Bhakti Yoga. I unite to your ancient Brahman by prayers of surrender. Yajur Veda XI.5. The famous Vedic Gayatri Mantra is a profound and foundational yogic invocation "yoking" together the three worlds; i.e., physical, astral and celestial.
The Yajna (often used in conjunction with "yoga"), or Vedic fire sacrifice, is the sacred-doing (sacrifice) that is Classical or Dharma Yoga/Hinduism. The MahaDevas are beseeched as also being symbolic of the inner yogic processes. Agni (Skanda), the Fire Deity is also the illumined consciousness within. Vayu is the Wind Deity or pranayama--the yogic breath control. Saraswati is the MahaDevi of the Spiritual Energy (Kundalini) within the spine (sushmana). The Deity of Bliss, Soma, is the experience of the joy of the Atman. Suriya (Vishnu), the Sun Deity is the Light of the individual Soul. Indra (Siva), the Chief of the MahaDevas is the Universal Soul or the Paramatma. Again, we see the basic definition of the Sanskrit word "yoga;" i.e., union of Atman (individual Soul) with Brahman (universal Soul).
With the above factual understanding, it is only the dedicated and qualified Hindu (Buddhist, Jain or Sikh) that may eventually evolve into a genuine teacher of the classic Yogas.