Clarifying Common Questions on Yoga and Its Foundations
I thought I’d add a separate post to address some common questions I’ve encountered regarding my recent post on the concept of trauma being stored in the hips in Facebook group for yoga therapists. These questions have appeared in other forums and thread posts too, so I thought it would be helpful to bring them here for a more insightful discussion.
1) Does yoga need Hinduism to work?
✨Yoga is inherently a part of the Hindu ecosystem. The full science of yoga is derived from Hindu philosophy. Just as a spaceship needs gravity to launch properly, yoga needs its foundational principles to reach its full potential. Without these roots, yoga may work on the surface but lacks its deeper transformative power.
2) Are asana and body awareness alone enough to heal?
✨Asana and body awareness address the physical, but true healing in yoga integrates prana, chakras, and the subtle body. These elements work together mind, body, and spirit for holistic transformation.
3) Are there substitutes for kirtan and deities for Westerners to relate to this protocol?
✨Seeking substitutes for practices like kirtan or connecting with deities often stems from a desire to avoid yoga’s roots. Instead of replacing traditions, why not engage with them fully and embrace the depth of yoga, rather than reducing it to a trendy wellness practice?
✨Yoga is not a “prescribed medicine” or quick fix. It’s based on a specific approach, and if someone is dealing with trauma, like the loss of a family member, how valid is it to approach yoga as a cure-all for such deep emotional pain? The process requires understanding and personal connection, not just following a protocol.
4) Is Hinduism imposing a protocol on yoga?
✨Hinduism does not impose a protocol. Practices like kirtan or devotion to deities are optional tools for healing, not obligations. Hinduism, like yoga, honors individual choice, and you are free to engage with what resonates with your personal journey.
5) Are you against all modern interpolations to the traditional yoga system?
✨Standardization is a modern obsession. Different sampradayas and lineages have their own methods, but core principles have remained intact to retain yoga’s essence. This circles back to the first question: You can change whatever you like about your car from the seat to the color but it still runs based on the basic science of motion and the principle of combustion. Otherwise, it’s just a virtual ride at Universal Studios. As a teacher, it’s essential to know the true essence of yoga and share that with others. The receiver is then free to choose the “ride” they want
What do you all think? These are just my thoughts based on my own journey with yoga and its deeper connections. I’d love to hear your reflections, questions, or experiences on this topic. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how we can all deepen our understanding of yoga’s true essence.
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or reach out directly!
Thank you so much for this. I came to yoga after years as an exercise teacher who kept dipping a toe into yoga. I spent two years studying and exploring interfaith ministry at the end of which I was ordained and chose to follow yoga’s calling. I studied here in the UK with women who truly respect yoga’s roots and the inherent essential interconnection between all the elements and with Hinduism. We read, wrote, discussed, practised, meditated, studied, and lived yoga. I now practice and teach yoga as a physiospiritual discipline.
I am so grateful for your knowledge, wisdom, and generosity🙏🏽