Is Yoga a Religion?

Shadow of Tibetan Buddhist Wheel on marble floor, Bodh Gaya, India



The entire appeal of yoga, to me at least, is that it is much more than just physical exercise.  It is true that the discipline or school of yogic philosophy originated within the context of rich religious traditions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Sufism.  However, by and large, most yoga practitioners, both ancient and modern, agree that while very spiritually infused and influenced, yoga, in and of itself, does not fit the traditional definition of a "religion."

Even so, this does not negate the strongly infused spiritual components of yoga practice.  Many of these are directly from Hindu thought, such as karma (cause and effect), ahimsa (nonviolence), the use of mantra (prayer), yamas and niyamas (ethical principles) and much more.

There are several different paths of yoga as well as 8 limbs to Patanjali's system in the Yoga Sutras.  This "Father of Yoga" outlined a system of practice several hundred years (some argue a couple of thousand) after it began in which only one of these are physical postures (asana).  The rest are committed to meditation, ethical practice, with the last four all dedicated to our evolution of spiritual enlightenment or samadhi, our ultimate peace/oneness.  Early on, yoga claimed a rich history of development among forest rishis and spiritual seekers in India in which these spiritual principles were practiced and taught.

But these topics all deserve their own blog (and shall receive it) to explore these important aspects in more detail.  Meanwhile, let's simply contemplate the definition of yoga to find its spiritual nature.

What is Yoga?  Usually, it is defined as "union" or "to yoke" in the sanskrit.  It is a uniting, but of what?  Modern yogis tell us it's a union between body and mind.  Others say it's a union of ourselves with our true nature.  In more religious contexts, specifically Hinduism, we are uniting Atman (the inner divinity/soul) with the greater Brahman (Absolute/Ultimate Force/God).  Yoga is a vehicle to connect us, not only with ourselves, but with the Divine (God) within ourselves.  Through yoga, we remember that we are not alone, that we are part of something greater - the Divine.

The Bhagavad Gita (Gandhi's favorite text) defines yoga as "a path of freedom from bondage" while the ultimate guidebook, the Yoga Sutras, begins by defining yoga as yoga chitta vritti nirodahah, or roughly, "Yoga is the Stoppings of the Turnings of the Mind."  We must settle the choppy waters of our mind if we are to see things clearly and attain true peace.

Possibly because yoga is not a religion per se is what makes its intuitive philosophy able to blend so harmoniously with virtually any religious tradition or belief.  My "JewBu" friend always says, "Being a Buddhist makes me a better Jew."  Likewise, for many others, practicing yoga can complement and enhance their Buddhism, Christianity, Sikhism, etc.

Can you practice yoga without adhering to any of the spiritual aspects?  Well, sure.  And you could still have a fantastic class or session and feel wonderful and energized aftewards.  Compared to classical era Indian rishis, we Westerners have the luxury to practice the postures without any of the rest.  But, my goodness, is it such a luxury after all when there is so much more offered within yoga's layers than a good workout?

It is often said that you don't have to be spiritual to do yoga, but chances are if you do yoga on any regular basis, you will probably wind up a little more spiritually minded or at least curious of how to take those principles "off the mat."  And that is the ultimate goal in yoga, to achieve peace and bring it into the world.
Take some time this week to devote to your spiritual self, however you may do that.

Question:  What is something that nourishes you spiritually?

Naps nourish kitties and ourselves...