WHAT TRULY IS YOGA?

RELIGION basically translates into religious practice that leads to spiritual union. YOGA comes from the Sanskrit root YUJ which means TO-YOKE (back to the spirit). RELIGION comes from the Latin root RELIGIO which means TO-LINK (back to the spirit).

THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF YOGA contain spiritual beliefs, moral rules, regulations, rituals and spiritual disciplines. THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF RELIGION contain spiritual beliefs, moral rules, regulations, rituals and spiritual disciplines. Naturally anytime their are two or more following the above, we have either the continuation of an established religious traditions or, perhaps, the formulation of a new religion. The religions of the world are defined by their unique beliefs, ethical codes, religious rituals and religious teachers that on many levels must be respected. "Unity in diversity; not in sameness."

What is It? The many Yoga teachings and practices constitute the Hindu religion (system of worship), therefore, in effect, all of Yoga is the Hindu religion.  In an analogy, Baptism, Communion and Mass, for example, are technically not a religion, but in practice they are integral parts of the Christian religion.

YOGA is a Sanskrit word. SANSKRIT is the prayer language of HINDUISM. Sanskrit is not the prayer language of the religions of Islam and Christianity, for example.

THE SANSKRIT TERMS: Hatha yoga, namaste, aum, shanti, kundalini chakra, karma, dharma and mantra, are "everyday" terms in HINDUISM and are not found, for example, in the Jewish and Islamic religions. Whether one refers to a dictionary, encyclopedia, book on comparative religions or any book on Hinduism, one will always find the Yoga/Hindu connection. This connection is also clearly evident if one visits a Hindu or Hindu Temple/Organization as opposed to a Christian, Jewish or Islamic group.

HINDU SPIRITUAL TEACHERS are called pandits, pujaris, yogis, yoginis swamis and gurus who are all teachers of the various forms of YOGA. Rabbis, bishops, and popes, for example, do not teach Yoga. All Hindus live a spiritual/religious life-style following one or more yogas. Anyone is free (and encouraged) to study any of the great religions of the world, however devout Christians, Muslims and Jews do not teach or intently live a life-style of Yoga. Following both common sense and ethics, just as one cannot be married to two people at the same time, one cannot be intently involved in two religions simultaneously and certainly a non-adherent of a specific religion could never attempt to teach that religion.

Obviously when myth #2 is understood, we see that YOGA/HINDUISM ARE SYNONYMOUS. ALL HINDUS, to one degree or another, follow a life of KARMA YOGA, BHAKTI YOGA, HATHA YOGA, RAJA YOGA and JNANA YOGA. Another erroneous statement is that Yoga somehow predates Hinduism. Ironically, this "obvious" contradiction is "supported" by the reference to archeological findings of images of the Hindu God Shiva found in the Indus Valley or the Valley of the (H)Indus! The word "Hindu" comes from the words "Indu" and "Sindhu" which refer to the river valley area of India or the place of origin of the Hindu/Yogic religion. Remember that the first recorded evidence of the word "yoga" is found in the first Hindu scripture the Rig Veda and subsequently detailed in all the following Hindu scriptures. It is also a simple fact that there is not one part of yoga (except the phony "modern yoga/yogi":) that is not in Hinduism and not one part of yoga that is in the Jewish, Christian or Islamic religions!

FIRST, such a statement recognizes that there are different religions--so, in which religion is Yoga found? Inherent in this statement is the recognition of other religions and the non-recognition of the very religion of Yoga--Sanatana Dharma/Hinduism which is a clear case of religious discrimination. This discrimination is not only against Hindus/Hinduism but also against other religions--are their religious disciplines not adequate? Do they need Yoga/Hinduism? SECOND, it should be obvious that this is a very naive statement. For example, the Yogic/Hindu belief in the Self-Realization, reincarnation, Brahman (and a multitude of other names male and female) are completely opposite to the basic theology of Christianity, for example. THIRD, the historic and potentially dangerous cultic attempt to create a one universal spiritual tradition or religion is naive at best and a scam at worst. Such individuals and groups have often manifested various forms of violence and financial and even sexual scandals. This scam is recognized by the emergence of personality groups who claim a universal practice ("borrowed" from an already established tradition) and then claim to respect all traditions (though never claiming to be of one) which draws in the naive crowds with the attendant fame and fortune.

Exercise; i.e, stretching and relaxation are just that. BUT, when one uses the word YOGA (and, appropriately, HATHA YOGA), one is making a direct reference to spiritual union. It should be very obvious that this is very different than just exercise--though there are similarities. For example, taking a dip in the ocean is just that--however, BAPTISM is very different than that--though there are similarities. In another analogy, drinking wine is just that--however, COMMUNION is very different than that--though there are similarities. Misusing the word YOGA to simply refer to Hatha Yoga is very deceptive and counterproductive. Hatha Yoga is the most minor form and most recent in extensive development of all the yogas. (Remember, however, the completeness of Hatha Yoga in the vital importance of sitting in simply one asana [actually the only form of Hatha Yoga prescribed by Patanjali].) Hatha is also the third yoga in the progression of Classical Yoga/Hinduism. A true teacher of Hatha Yoga would be a Hindu well-grounded in decades of service, study and experience in Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga (Yama and Niyama). It should be obvious that the term "certified yoga teacher" is completely dishonest and totally disrespectful of the authentic Yoga/Hindu teachers. Making "yoga" ("American Yoga" "Modern Yoga") into an exercise business conducted by "certified instructors" is to participate not only in ignorance but also in a form of slavery and rape; i.e., redefining the identity of Hinduism/Yoga , making money "off the backs" of the Hindus/Hinduism and violating the Hindus against their will.

THE SOUL PURPOSE OF HATHA YOGA is to prepare the body, mind and emotions for spiritual realization. The various asanas (postures), many of which are named after manifestations of nature, are meant to create a feeling of the spiritual union that flows through all things which is the meaning of Sanatan Dharma (a.k.a Hinduism). Hindu/Yoga theology consists of Monism, Theism, Henotheism, Pantheism, Polytheism and even a qualified atheism. The only "ism" not found in Hinduism/Yoga is Monotheism. Hatha Yoga is highly devotional and the asanas read like a "who's who" of Hinduism.

MANY OF THE ASANAS ARE DIRECT WORSHIP TOWARDS HINDU PROPHETS AND DEITIES. For example, SURIYA NAMASKAR (Sun Salutation), MATSYENDRASANA (Spinal Twist) and HANUMANASANA (Splits) are direct prayers to the Hindu Gods Suriya/Vishnu, Siva and Hanuman, respectively. On the other hand, there are no asana references to Yahweh, Jehovah, Jesus, Allah or Muhammed, for example. These facts are presented simply as a common sense understanding and respect for the many specific religions of the world.

Every aspect of Yoga is spiritual/religious. Spiritual-realizations are a free gift from the spirit. Therefore, it is unethical to charge money for intimate spiritual teachings (publications and religious articles are, of course, another matter). It a sin to make a business out of spiritual teachings. Donations are fine, and all should donate according to their means. However, one cannot claim to be teaching any aspect of Yoga and simultaneously charge money for those teachings. Though there may be charges for some services, no major spiritual/religious tradition charges an entrance fee--all are free to enter. Are the spiritual disciplines of Yoga/Hinduism, then, of less importance than those of other religions? Only by divorcing so-called "yoga" from Hinduism can the unethical business of "yoga" survive.

When we come to what should be an obvious realization--that all of Yoga is the Hindu religion, then it is only common sense that the teacher (not necessarily the student) must at the very least be a qualified Hindu. Of course various aspects of Yoga are directly found in the Buddhist, Jain and Sikh religions. These religions have evolved from Sanatan Dharma/Hinduism. Members of these religions can also be qualified teachers of various forms of Yoga. Interestingly, no one would ever even question the fact that teachers of Christianity, Islam and Judaism, for example, are, at the very least, committed members of their respective religions. It is very insulting to make trivial the many yoga disciplines by assuming one can simply become a teacher by taking a short course. First, one must be a Hindu; then years of training and experience follow before one ever qualifies to teach any aspect of genuine Yoga. This common sense and ethical process would be basically the same for becoming a teacher within any of the great spiritual/religious traditions.

MYTH #8: One has to be born a Hindu and come from India to be a Hindu.

Though Sanatana Dharma/Hinduism first came from Bharat/India, today, there are Hindus living around the world. Just as anyone can convert to the religions of Christianity or Islam, anyone can convert or adopt (having no previous religion) to Sanatana Dharma/Hinduism--the religion of Classical/Dharma Yoga.

You are encouraged to read on and feel free to e-mail (classica@classicalyoga.org) any questions concerning this most important ethical issue. The basic problem and its effects are this: Contrary to all the facts, "yoga" today has been unethically divorced from its Hindu roots and turned into (for the most part) an exercise business or perhaps a vague "spirituality," at best. Fictitious "yoga certifications" are sought for and openly sold. The serious effects of this misrepresentation are confusion for the naive student and disrespect (and a huge waste of time) for the authentic teachers. So-called "modern" or "American Yoga" is, therefore, both intellectually dishonest and emotionally callous to both the general public and millions of devoted Hindus and their real teachers. 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, to name a few) has been misinterpreted to stand only for Hatha Yoga which is, paradoxically, the least mentioned of all the classic Hindu yogas. The physical, mental and emotional benefits of Hatha Yoga are very profound and may cause many to say: "So what?" "It feels good!" It is never right to simply feel good at the expense of another (at its extreme, this is the mind-set of slavery and rape). It is never right to fail to disclose (to the best of one's ability) the nature of a thing (which is "to scam").

In a spirit of honest concern, let us examine the following myths (quoted from the American Yoga Association). Identical or similar "beliefs" can be found repeated by many other individuals and groups who are consciously or unconsciously misrepresenting the many Yoga/Hindu spiritual teachings and practices. These trite and erroneous phrases (in italics) have, ironically, been around long enough to qualify as dogmatic cliches of "contemporary yoga." Please remember the point of this analysis is to simply demonstrate the factual nature of the Yoga/Hindu spiritual disciplines and not in any way to make Hinduism/Yoga or the Classical Yoga Hindu Academy the only valid religion or valid Yoga/Hindu religious organization--principle over personality.

Yoga is not a religion. What is it? Factually (see notes: 1), all of Yoga are the many, progressive spiritual disciplines of the Hindu religion (simply research in a dictionary, encyclopedia, book on comparative religions, any book on Hinduism or visit a Hindu group or temple). Hinduism is also known by the terms Sanatana Dharma ("Eternal Truth/Tradition/Principles") and Vedic Religion.

Yoga is a system of techniques that can be used for a number of goals ... there is no dependence on an external figure, either in the sense of a person or god figure, or a religious organization. Along with being a fabricated definition from the Sanskrit for "yoga" (see Yoga facts), this generic statement is totally misleading since it could be equally applied to any subject matter. This statement is also a very poor choice to make a case against beliefs and religions and the fantasy of "no dependence" since the word "system" is defined in Webster's as: "essential principles or facts arranged in a rational dependence ... a complex of ideas, principles, etc., forming a coherent whole ... hence, a particular philosophy, religion, etc." The word "techniques" also implies classic methods and details which of course are essential components of any religion. Since by their own admission of yoga having "no creed or fixed set of beliefs" and "no dependence," so-called "modern or American yoga" is not even a system of techniques by definition.

It [yoga] has no creed or fixed set of beliefs, ... In an "obvious" contradiction (defining yoga as a system of techniques and then stating just the opposite that yoga has no creed or fixed set of beliefs), the myth of "Modern Yoga" goes on to create its own creed and fixed set of beliefs. Not only is it impossible for one to live without any beliefs, this faux pas demonstrates a total ignorance of the many detailed, progressive, fixed and systematic beliefs that constitute the many Yoga/Hindu disciplines and practices. 2

The number of goals including the deepest knowledge of one's own self mentioned by the "new-age yogis" generally refer only to the more physical aspects and self-development. Anyone who seriously studies the many classic Hindu Yogas. 3 will admit that self development is important, but that the chief aim (by definition; i.e., "union of Atman [individual Soul] with Brahman [Universal Soul]") of all the Yoga disciplines is the Realization of the Soul (both personal and Universal). Those with even a simple exposure to the Yogic/Hindu philosophy also know the vital difference between the words "self" (ego) and "Self" (Soul). 4 No knowledge person in this area would ever make the misstatement that the goal of Yoga is the deepest knowledge of one's own self.

Is the aim of "Modern Yoga" then to somehow fabricate an independent non-system of abstract self-ish development? With the many so-called "yoga personalities" who apparently take great delight in displaying their names, faces, bodies and prices, this is an observable fact, and, yet, there is often the insistence on no dependence on an external figure ... (except, of course on the new interpreters.) As a crass fad and pseudo "new-age therapy," "modern yoga" is full of external figure$ and their ardent devotees.

... nor is there a prescribed godlike figure to be worshipped in a particular manner. This false statement, too, demonstrates a total ignorance of not only the definition of Yoga and of the many Hatha Yoga asanas to the Hindu Gods but also of the lives of all the great exponents of the many aspects of Yoga and the Yoga philosophies. Without exception, every renowned Yogi makes reference to the importance of reverence to the Spiritual Beings of Hinduism and especially to Siva 5 which (in another "obvious" contradiction) "American Yoga" often makes reference (for "authentication" of its widespread Yoga practice) to Ancient Seals (Siva/Prajapatti).6 Again notice the "obvious" duplicity in dependence on the modern "yoga personalities" and the complete denial of the original tradition.

The practice of Yoga will not interfere with any religion. To see, in this statement, the complete lack of common sense, knowledge and even respect for the great religions of the world, one only has to imagine "new-age yogis" going into a Synagogue, Mosque or any Christian Church dressed in spandex; carrying their sticky-mats; greeting all with "Namaste;" sitting in Lotus; chanting Aum; burning incense and performing worship poses to Siva (Natarajasana, for example) and the many incarnations of Vishnu (NaraSimhasana and Matsyasana, for example)! One could also take to their local Baptist Church, for example, a picture of the Ancient Seal found in the valley of the (H)indus, depicting the Hindu God, the Lord of Yoga, Shiva with horns and three-faces and see if this is adopted without conflict.

Many Yoga students who have practiced Yoga intensively for many years continue to follow the religious traditions they have grown up in or adopted without conflict. This statement again demonstrates not only a complete lack of knowledge, respect and humility towards Hinduism: the religion of all aspects of Yoga (and a new definition for the word intense) but also towards the numerous other profound religions with their unique spiritual disciplines, spiritual beings, scriptures, rituals and prophets. Another common cliche among "new-age yogis" is to make the bold statement "we respect all religions." However there is often either an elitist defiance or confused silence when asked about those religions and their specific beliefs and practices and especially when asked "what religion are you?" One certainly does not have to belong to any religion of course such a one would never ethically hold oneself out as a teacher of a specific tradition. It is only because of the numerous dedicated individuals within their chosen spiritual/religious tradition that we have these great legacies upon which to draw.

Thus we have the spurious practice of so-called "modern/American yoga"--the result of those who have practiced Yoga intensively for many years. 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 hold classes in "stretching and relaxation" (giving credit to the Hatha Yoga of the Hindus). The popular Pilates and other stretching classes are available for those just interested in the body. By definition, when the word "yoga" is used it must be in a spiritual context and not just a vague spirituality but the specific disciplines of the Hindu religion. Remember also that there is a huge difference between the student who can be of any religion and the teacher who, through common sense 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.

\ 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., 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]

2. To paraphrase the very lengthy fixed set of beliefs and Hindu religious practices detailed by the author of The Hatha Yoga Pradipika Guru Svatmarama: "I am going to describe the procedure of the practice of Yoga ... a wise man (factually, women practitioners are never mentioned by any noted Yogi and of course are never mentioned as teachers) should leave his bed at 4 o'clock in the morning. Remembering his Guru he applies Vibhuti; sits and again remembers his specific Guru and Deity. He salutes the Lord of Yoga Siva and Vinayaka (Ganesha). Then follows all kinds of specific ritual cleansing, postures and breathing exercises. At noon, bowing to the Divine the Yogi takes a warm bath and eats a little food. The afternoon commences with Hindu scriptural readings and chanting the names of one's "God." An evening puja or Hindu worship service followed by Hatha Yoga practice until midnight. (Sinh Pancham, The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Delhi, Sri Satguru Publications, 1991, 22.) All the great Yogis have set forth an intricate set of fixed beliefs and practices.

3. ... "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.)

4. "The ego [self] gropes in ignorance, while the Self lives in light." - Katha Upanishad 3.1. (primary Hindu scripture)

5. Patanjali often considered the "Father of Classical Yoga" says: Isvara Pranidhana. Devotion to Isvara/Siva; the Supreme Being who is a distinct personality Visesa Purusa (Patanjali's Yoga Sutra I.23, 24.) Adinatham namaskritya saktiyuktam jagadgurum (Having bowed down to Adinatha [Siva, the Supreme Spirit]). This is the opening passage of Yogi Gorakhnath's Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati which is actually the first, popular detailed book on Hatha Yoga Asanas circa 1000 C.E. (Banerjea Akshaya Kumar, Philosophy of Gorakhnath, Delhi, Shri Jainendra Press, 1962, 29.) All the Yogas of Hinduism show the clear importance of reverence to the many Gods and Hatha Yoga is no exception. In two other popular works on Hatha Yoga, the Sivasamhita and Gherandasamhita, they both begin by paying obeisance to Siva.

The abuse of Patanjali: It is an all too common practice to use someone who is no longer around to justify one's position. Many "modern/American Yogis" like to refer to Guru Patanjali to somehow justify yoga as merely Hatha Yoga or perhaps Raja Yoga meditation (or worse, the perversion known as "power yoga"). Anyone who seriously studies the writings of Patanjali will wonder what possible honest connection can "modern yoga" have to this great Sage. Patanjali lived about 2,000 years ago and if he knew anything at all of the Jewish religion, he certainly knew nothing of the subsequent Christian and Muslim religions. He was a Saivite from South India. Saivism is the Hindu sect that looks to Siva as their God. Patanjali's love and devotion to Isvara (Siva) is legendary. Patanjali wrote a classic philosophy or creed entitled the Yoga Sutras. The almost two-hundred threads (sutra) of spiritual wisdom are a progressive, strict series of fixed set of beliefs and practices.

One small part of this Darsana (Hindu philosophy), are the eight-limbs of Astanga (eight) Yoga. Within in this fraction of his philosophy is basically only one mention of asana (Hatha Yoga). Since the goal of all aspects of Classical/Dharma Yoga/Hinduism is realizing the individual and Universal Soul, Patanjali only recommends for the student to assume one steady and comfortable pose (Sthirasukhamasanam) to enable one to meditate. In fact Patanjali's advice (Sutra I. 19.) to those of worldly consciousness bhava-pratyaya [which really means most all of us] is to not even focus on the physical (videha). Like giving a child a book of matches, giving Hatha Yoga to the immature will result in exactly what has happened today; i.e., cults of the body, name, fame and fortune. The first part (pada) of the Yoga Sutras is dedicated to emphasizing the importance of logical proofs (pratyaksa) and the avoidance of vikalpa or delusion. Interestingly, it is specifically mentioned that Going by the sound of words only, without the reality, is Delusion. (Sutra 9). The total mis-definition of "modern yoga" is then completely contradictory to Patanjali admonitions. This great Yogi also goes on to emphasize the importance of Faith and Zeal and devotion to the Supreme Being (Isvara Pranidhana) who is a Distinct Personality (Visesa Purusa) (Sutra 20-24). Patanjali obviously says nothing about "certifications" or even women teachers and certainly would look with disdain upon those who would make a business out of these sacred practices. In his first step of Astanga, yama, he lays down the fixed principles of speaking the truth (Satya), non-receiving (Aparigraha), non-stealing (Asteya) and Bramacharya (sexual purity). Patanjali obviously recognized the human nature of ignorance (avidya), that must have been as alive and "well" as it is today, as being the mother of all other afflictions (klesas). Ignorance gives rise to ego (asmita).

6. Writing of the word "Indu" and the archeological finds in the Indus Valley: The word Hindu itself derived from Persain references (Indus-Hindus-Hindu) ... This god (seal-depiction of the Hindu Shiva in an earlier form) is represented as being horned and three-faced, his legs in a yoga position ... The Religions of Man: The Macmillan Company. 1970 pg.89. In Original Yoga by Shyam Ghosh, ... research into Vedic (Hindu) literature has revealed that the concept of yoga did originate in the minds of the Vedic rsis. In various hymns (Rig Veda) the sages did refer to the benefits to be derived from proper breathing and also its effect on the brain-cells when the breath is held inside for some time. They referred to the twin respiration as Asvins and designated these two as "divine physicians." The concept of yoga is thus an exclusively Indian product, and it is this concept that later proliferated into the different branches of Hathayoga and Rajayoga. (Ghosh, Shyam, Original Yoga, Delhi, Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, 1999, Preface to the Second Edition)

Both the Hindu Gods Siva and Vishnu are considered Lords of Yoga. In the highly theistic yoga of Hatha, there are many asanas or worshipful poses to these Gods (and others) and (in the case of Vishnu) the many incarnations. For example, Natarajasana (standing balance pose), Matsyendrasana (spinal twist), Kurmasana (turtle pose), Krounchasana (precipice pose), Hanumanasana (splits) are devotional poses to Siva, Siva/Parvati, Vishnu, Muruga/Skanda and Hanuman, respectively.

In the Hindu scripture the Mahabharata: Yoga, knowledge, as well as Sankhya, sciences and the fine arts, The Vedas, treatises and all learning - all this sprung from Janardana (Vishnu). Within the Mahabharta, the famous Bhagavad Gita is all about the incarnation of Vishnu as Krishna. This great work has chapters entitled: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga.

In the Hindu scripture, the Kurma Purana, (2:4:33) Shiva says: