Yoga and Religion

Hi David,

Many people think that yoga is either a form of religion
or is part of a religion. Yoga is not a religion.

It is, however, practiced in conjunction with many
religions, although it is not typically required as part of
practicing any particular religions. It is contained
within some religions, though.

The word yoga means union and means to bring together the
various aspects of a person that were never truly
divided, but may seem divided through a lack of self
awareness or self satisfaction.

It is based on the principles of becoming whole through
self-mastery and allowing your true self to show.

And while the process of self mastery or mastering and
integrating the mind may indeed be a part of some
religions, it doesnt mean that by itself it is a
religion.

Yoga is respectful of all religions, which is perhaps
one of the main reasons people may mistake yoga for
being a religion.

It has been practiced for thousands of years in
conjunction with Hinduism, Buddhism and many other
religions or belief systems, but it is not truly a
required part of them.

Another possible reason for it being confused with religion
may be that it appeared relatively the same time as
Hinduism.

Many of the fundamental practices of yoga and many
religions are similar. Some of them are non-violence,
treating yourself and others with respect, acknowledgement
of a path of devotion, and acknowledgement of a higher
power are just a few of the similarities.

However, yoga does not specifically define any
deities or give specific instructions on worship.
There are also no temples where yoga is practiced and
no set schedule which must be abided by in order to
practice yoga.

There is, to some degree, recommendations for how often
people should practice, but this is more a form of
encouragement to give structure to a practitioners
life to assist in the maintenance of physical and
mental health.

As you can see, yoga and religion can indeed be
intertwined. They are not, however one in the same or
even part and parcel of one another.

As I mentioned earlier, yoga is respectful of all religions,
therefore it can be practiced in conjunction with any
religious beliefs
and/or worship.

Warm Regards,

Suzanne Morrison
http://www.yogamentor.com

Suzanne Morrison, 2nd Floor 145-157 St John Street , London, -- EC1V 4PY , United Kingdom

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