Welcome To The World Of Yoga Myths
Today, people are talking about the countless benefits of yoga and how it has become essential in daily life. It’s not surprising given how important yoga has become in addressing physical and mental issues worldwide. When you hear ‘yoga,’ you might picture people contorting themselves into seemingly impossible poses. You might have never thought regular people could bend and twist like that!
While yoga poses, known as asanas, are very effective and helpful, yoga is about more than just these postures. It’s not a recent trend that emerged in the last few decades; in fact, it has a long history, dating back thousands of years. Yes, it may sound incredible, but yoga has been around since ancient times. That’s why so many people worldwide are drawn to this tried-and-true practice. However, as yoga’s popularity has grown, so too have the myths and misconceptions surrounding it.
Through this series of articles, we embark on a journey to debunk these myths, helping you gain a clearer understanding of what yoga truly represents.
Defining Yoga Myths
Yoga myths are like stories that have been passed down over time, but they aren’t necessarily true. They’re ideas or beliefs about yoga that might sound convincing but are based on misunderstandings or incorrect information. These myths can be about various aspects of yoga, from its history and origins to what it can and can’t do for your body and mind.
Why Do Yoga Myths Persist?
One of the main reasons is that yoga is ancient and now it has gained popularity worldwide. With popularity comes misinformation. As yoga spreads to different cultures and communities, it can be misunderstood or misinterpreted. People might add their own beliefs or ideas to yoga, creating new myths along the way.
The Importance Of Separating Fact From Fiction
Misinformation can be misleading and harmful, especially when it comes to something as valuable as yoga. Many people are hesitant to try yoga because they believe these myths, thinking it might not be the right fit for them or that it requires an extraordinary level of flexibility and spirituality.
These misconceptions can discourage potential practitioners from enjoying the numerous benefits that yoga offers.
Diving Into Yoga Myths And Truths
Myth 1: Yoga Was Created by Sage Patanjali
Fact: Yoga, with its ancient roots, often stirs curiosity about its origins. This myth suggests that yoga was created by a single person or has a fixed beginning, like a new invention. However, the truth is quite different.
It is said that yoga came from Lord Shiva. Who is Shiva? Shiva is often misunderstood as a person. But Shiva is the universal consciousness, the cosmic intelligence which is the source and substratum of all creation itself. The knowledge of yoga originated from this consciousness and was passed on to many ancient sages in deep states of meditation. And these sages, in turn, spread the wisdom of Yoga to the rest of the world. This wisdom is about how humans can grow and improve beyond their physical limits and establish an inner connection with the universe.
Sage Patanjali is known for compiling the Yoga Sutras, a text that systematises yoga philosophy and elaborates on the methods to master the mind and attain higher states of human consciousness. However, he didn’t invent yoga; he just organised the already existing knowledge.
Myth 2: Yoga Is a Religion
“Seeing God inside you is meditation, seeing God in the person next to you is service.”
~Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Fact: A religion typically involves a specific set of beliefs, rituals, and worship of a higher power. The term “Yoga” originates from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means union. This union refers to the integration of the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga is not tied to any particular religion, although it is mentioned in ancient spiritual texts and has its roots in India. Its primary focus is on achieving harmony and balance, rather than promoting religious beliefs.
Many people think that practising yoga means following a specific religion. This misconception can make people hesitant to try yoga, especially if they have strong religious beliefs. However, yoga is not a religion. It’s a practice that can be embraced by anyone, regardless of their faith.
As yoga was developed thousands of years ago in India and is mentioned in several Hindu texts. This historical connection often leads people to believe that yoga is inherently tied to Hinduism. While it is true that yoga originated in a culture where Hinduism was prevalent, the practice of yoga itself is not about worshipping deities or following religious rituals.
Yoga includes various techniques like breathing exercises (pranayama), physical postures (asanas), and meditation. Yoga focuses on the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. These techniques can be used by anyone, regardless of their religious background.
So, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and atheists alike can all benefit from yoga.
Myth: All Yoga Is the Same
Fact: Yoga is a diverse practice with various styles and approaches, each serving different purposes. One of the most popular forms is Hatha Yoga, which focuses on physical postures and breathing exercises to enhance flexibility and strength in the body and channelise the energies of the mind and body.
Some yoga traditions emphasise the fluid transition between poses and often include a cardiovascular element keeping the focus mainly on the body while some other traditions aim to awaken spiritual energy within the body through dynamic movements, meditation, and chanting. So, it’s important to recognize that not all yoga practices are identical; each offers unique benefits and caters to distinct goals.
Sri Sri Yoga is a unique practice that combines the meditative flow of asanas with breath, awareness & relaxation. Rooted in the Patanjali’s 8 limbs of Yoga, Sri Sri yoga integrates traditional yoga practice with wisdom for everyday living.
Myth: Yoga Requires Mastery in Advanced Asanas
Fact: When people talk about “yoga,” they usually mean yoga poses or asanas. But yoga is more than just physical exercise. In the yogic tradition, asanas are not given much importance. In the ancient yogic text “Patanjali Yoga Sutra”, out of 195 Yoga Sutras (verses), only 3 are about asanas. However, in modern times, asanas have become the main focus. Asanas are only one way of experiencing ‘Yoga’, i.e. the union of Breath, Mind, and Spirit. The other forms of experiencing yoga include Gyana yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti yoga, etc. Yoga teaches one to experience oneness within, and all these modes lead to the same experience.
‘Sthiram Sukhanam Asanam’s posture should be steady and comfortable. Only in this state can one experience oneness, lightness, & bliss. In this state, one can go deeper into the asana. All the advanced yogis have achieved perfection in their postures, which we now term ‘Advanced Asanas’ after having experienced this inner tranquillity even in the basic asana. At Sri Sri School of Yoga, we believe that people should start their journey with the body but then explore their inner selves.
Sri Sri Yoga is a holistic and traditional approach to yoga taught by the Art of Living Foundation. What makes us special is our emphasis on combining ancient yogic wisdom with modern practices, creating a well-rounded experience that fosters physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We are known for our accessible techniques, guided by expert instructors, making yoga beneficial and enjoyable for people of all levels and backgrounds.
To explore more myths, keep on reading the next part of this article.
