YOGA: EVOLUTION OR EROSION; DEVELOPMENT OR DISTORTION; SEMANTICS OR SLANG?
The modern (mis)usage of the Sanskrit (the language of the Hindus) word Yoga; i.e., yuj Atmana ca Brahman (union [yuj] with one's Soul [Atmana] and union with the Soul Source [Brahman]) has nothing to do with evolution, development or semantics but everything to do with erosion, distortion and slang.
Factually, all genuine forms of Yoga are the teachings and practices of the Hindu religion:
\San’skrit n. The ancient language of the Hindus ... [From: Webster’s Dictionary]
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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.]According to Webster's Dictionary, evolution means: an unfolding; a process of opening out what is contained or implied in something; a development esp. as leading to a definite end. It is factually clear that all of Classical Yoga is Hinduism and has naturally unfolded into the many Hindu teachings and practices of today.
Erosion means
: to destroy by slow disintegration. By slowing dis-integrating/divorcing Yoga from Hinduism, we see the erosion of Yoga. Ironically, Yoga is supposed to be about integration and not dis-integration.Development means: to unfold more completely; to evolve. The Classical Yogas of Hinduism are a progressive developmental spiritual/religious process that lead the Hindu (and student of Hinduism) from Karma Yoga (ethics); to Bhakti Yoga (devotion); to Hatha Yoga (worshipful postures); to Raja Yoga (meditation); to Jnana Yoga (enlightenment).
Distort means: to twist out of shape mentally or morally; to pervert. Interestingly, distemper (a word generally associated with animal infirmities) means to derange the body, mind or spiritual functions; unsettle.
Semantics means the science of meanings. The historical and psychological study of changes in the signification of words viewed as normal and vital factors in linguistic development. True Hinduism/Yoga always insists on the standard (pramana) of seeking accurate word meanings: Vag-arthav'iva Sampriktau (words and their meanings are united like a marriage). In the factual definitions of Yoga, we clearly see semantics as the science of meanings. An example of semantics, or the normal and vital factors in linguistic development, is the understanding of the Sanskrit/Hindu root yuj (to yoke to the Atma/Soul) which became yajna (sacrifice; i.e., sacred doing) which became yoga or yoking/joining to the Soul through religious practices.
On the other hand, slang means the cant (song) of thieves; terms having a forced, fantastic, or grotesque meaning. Interesting is the meaning of grotesque; i.e., distortion for artistic effort; absurdly incongruous; bizarre; outlandish. Along with the misuse of yoga (as exercise, non-religious and non-Hindu), other gross examples of slang are calling a stingy person a Jew or a Chinese person a Chink. In an obvious example of what is not evolution, development and semantics, is eroding the words defined as incapable of reflecting light and a female dog, into the twisted slang that defines an evil, dark-skinned women; i.e., a black bitch. In the erosion, distortion and slang that is modern so-called "yoga" today, we find semantics turned backwards; i.e., a pseudo science of abnormally and unnecessarily distorting word meanings in what amounts to libido development. In other words, because of some antics of some individuals, we have the inevitability (but, wisely, a minority) of anti-religious (anti-Hindu) non-committal behavior.
The confusion of (Hatha) Yoga has come from trivial and "de-evolved" individuals who believe to be evolved. Literally, one is being path-illogical who does not follow a religion/path and yet (paradoxically) attempts to instruct others in spiritual/religious (in this case Yoga/Hindu) matters. True religion is supposed to be serious fun as opposed to just the seriousness of the fundamentalist and the foolish antics of the "new-age universalist."
The bottom line:
Does one (do you) want to study Hinduism? If yes, CYHA (and other Hindu organizations) offer that opportunity; if not, one cannot ethically/honestly study Hatha Yoga or any form of Yoga, for they are one and the same. Just as taking a bath is not Baptism, Stretch and Relaxation is not Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga is a specific Hindu worship posture a.k.a. attitude.
The purpose of S.A.R. is:
To counter the distortions of false Yoga and to, perhaps, set one on the right path to true Hindu/Yoga teachings and practices. One may also choose to simply enjoy the benefits of Stretch And Relaxation as well as the general understanding that one is Spiritual And Religious.
On a lighter note, Hindu/Yoga Vidya (knowledge) recognizes the cause of mental and emotional distortions and their resultant effects. One's intrinsic energies are in a reverse spin, so to speak, and can be corrected. The purpose of CYHA is to provide positive instruction in genuine Classical Yoga/Hinduism as well as providing a basic understanding of spiritual/religious life in general.