Yoga is Not a Religion!!!

Yoga is Not a Religion!!!

On November 22nd 2008, Malaysia’s top Islamic body banned Muslims from practicing yoga, saying that elements of Hinduism in this “ancient Indian exercise” could corrupt them. In 2004, yoga was banned in Egypt by its highest theological body. In the US, Christian fundamentalists have argued that yoga’s “Hindu roots” conflict with Christian teachings.

The ban in Malaysia has been lifted, but such sentiments against yoga make it clear that it is more important now than ever before to understand that yoga is not a religion!

1. Even a cursory glance of the oldest Yoga scriptures – the Vedas and Upanishads – reveals that they are free from dogma, doctrine, or any set way. The Upanishads free the mind from blind faith. They do not encourage dependence on scriptures but inspire readers to be self-reliant.

The Vedas emphasize the importance of observing the self and using one's creative energy to freely develop a practice and lifestyle that suits one’s unique mental, physical, emotional and spiritual inclinations. No two people are exactly alike, and no two practices will ever look the same. This is a path beyond conformity, imitation or obedience. Individuality is the only gateway to progress.

The deepest messages of the scriptures are to drop all external searching and discover truth by one’s own experience, guided by the wisdom of one’s heart and soul. This, in turn, leads to empowerment, liberation, and a lifestyle that is not only thoroughly enjoyable but that also allows the soul to continually evolve.

Yoga scriptures provide the practices, tools, and techniques necessary to turn one’s gaze inwards so that wisdom can eventually flow from the inside, from one’s heart, leading to full freedom and creativity.

2. There is no mention of the word “Hinduism,” in the earliest Yoga scriptures, which date back at least to 1500BC.

“Hinduism” is a term that came much later than these first yogic texts. The word, “Hinduism” was coined by the British in the late 16th Century to categorize the diverse spiritual practices of people they encountered along the Indus Valley in India.

Hindus continue to represent a diverse set of practices and beliefs. The Vedas assert that truth is experienced and realized in different ways by each seeker according to his/her inner development.

3. The following excerpts from the Vedas reveals that it is not necessary to be Hindu or even to believe in God to enjoy the benefits of yoga. The only prerequisite to the yogic path is to believe in the Self. From faith in the Self, one can look within, where true knowledge resides.

“All religions are branches of the same mighty tree – the diverse manifestations of One Great Truth.” Rigveda

“It is not absolutely necessary to believe in God, truth will make itself felt in spite of belief or disbelief provided one follow the practices of yoga. In Indian philosophy, truths are not mere dogmas, accepted on faith, but facts made visible by an inner light.”- Swami Prabhavananda on the Vedas.

4. Contrary to popular belief, Hindus do not believe in many Gods and Goddesses. All Gods and Goddesses are manifestations of the same one God. And that one God, is believed to be the same God that Muslims, Jews, Christians, etc., believe in.

“That which exists is one. Sages call it by different names.” Rigveda
“Truth is One, interpretations are many.” Rigveda

5. Furthermore, the one God that Hindus worship, is believed to consist of the same elements as ourselves. God resides within. Essentially, when we pay our respects to God(s), we acknowledge the Divine above as well as the Divine within ourselves. For example, we worship the Goddess Durga for her Sakti (strength, wisdom, power). When we chant her name, we acknowledge, bring up, and manifest the Sakti within ourselves. When we worship Saraswati, Goddess of Knowledge and the Arts, we awaken and develop our own creativity. While worshipping Shiva, Lord of Destruction, we manifest our own power to dissolve negativity and birth greater good.

“Identify with the deity worshipped to awaken that deity within thyself.” Tantras

"If a man worships a deity, thinking the deity is one and he another, he does not know.” Upanishads

“Om Tat Sat.” Thou Art That...Look within. Rigveda

“The Great Yoga is to empty oneself of all concepts, beliefs, dogma, and ideas of the divine. As soon as one does this one experiences the freedom to which yoga leads.” Tantras

Clearly, Yoga is far beyond the confines of any religion. It is a practice that develops our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual capabilities. Whatever your experience is of the Sacred, of Freedom, Love, Humility, Peace, Courage, Surrender, the practice of yoga will only take those experiences deeper.