Modern "Yoga"

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 religious/spiritual teachings and practices. These trite and erroneous phrases (in quotes) 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 ("Ete
al 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 exte
al 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 exte
al figure ... (except, of course on the new interpreters.) As a crass fad and pseudo "new-age therapy," "modern yoga" is full of exte
al 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 inca
ations 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.

The following are a few logical facts about the Sanskrit word "Yoga:"

San’skrit n. The ancient language of the Hindus ... [From: Webster’s Dictionary]nyo’ga n. [Sanskrit lit. union] Hinduism ... [From Webster’s]nyo’ga: oneness of Atman and Brahman. [From: A Dictionary of Sanskrit Names published by the Integral Yoga Institute]nat’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]nn