The foundations of Yama and Niyama are, in fact, from Hinduism. Hinduism is easily the oldest of today’s major religions. Is this a bad thing? Universal principles of tolerance and non-harming are found within all religions. When one of us believes that we follow the only true path, the one true religion, or the only religion recognized by God, we all have a problem, which can erupt in violence.
The problem is intolerance – and labeling everyone, of any other religion, as inferior or less than human. This creates a polarized effect in humans and justifies religious violence. The frame of mind that states: We are going to Heaven and they are going to Hell, is dangerous to all of us, no matter where we live.
Religious intolerance, polarization, and fundamentalist ideology, are responsible for many holocausts, which have occurred globally. Wars over religion plague our history, and make fools of us all, as we never seem to learn from past mistakes.
Yet, this mentality of intolerance of others does not exist within Yoga. Yoga manages to adapt and evolve without causing harm to anyone. Yoga can peacefully co-exist beside any religion.
Most western trained Yoga teachers, and Yoga practitioners, know very little of Hinduism. Many 200-hour Yoga instructor programs teach the universal principles of Yama and Niyama, but most graduate Yoga teachers would be hard pressed to speculate, or say, much about the Vedas.
In the mind of a religious fundamentalist, the real problem is, Yoga, and all methods labeled as New Age, believe in religious tolerance. To any fundamentalist, tolerance and opening your mind is the gateway to evil.
Therefore, religious fundamentalism must label Yoga as a religion. Yoga does have historical roots with Hinduism, so this is the opportunity to label, polarize, and stir up misunderstandings.
Let’s look at Hinduism a little closer. Yes, Hinduism does have multiple Gods and Goddesses, but historically, Hinduism has not forced itself on anyone. However, Hindus have been violently persecuted over their religion. It is estimated that 100 million Hindus were killed between the 11th and 18th centuries, due to religious persecution.
Unfortunately, most of the public is not aware of all the historical and philosophical facts before making harsh pre-emptive accusations. The Indian people, Hinduism, and Yoga, have not made a habit of invading, infiltrating, exploiting, and imposing their will on other societies.
When we do not thoroughly read and research subjects, with impartiality, we have a problem of ignorance. Just recently, a survey about global warming stated that 10% of those people surveyed thought global warming is not a concern, at all. Do you think those ten percent are informed and observing the world with an open mind? I sincerely hope that they can swim well.
© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: “Yoga in Practice,” and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
