Is Yoga a Religion? Part 2

Is Yoga a Religion? Part 2: The Spiritual Science of Yoga

In exploring whether yoga is a religion, it's essential to return to the origins of the practice. Yoga, in its truest sense, is not merely about the physical postures we see in modern studios. It encompasses a vast system of knowledge that includes meditation, breathwork, ethical guidelines, and spiritual inquiry. To fully grasp its essence, we must go beyond the surface and look at yoga as a spiritual science, where belief systems are not required, but experience is paramount.

Let’s begin with Shiva, often considered the Adi Yogi, or the first yogi. In many ways, Shiva embodies the very spirit of yoga. He is not seen as a deity in the traditional sense but rather as a representation of the infinite possibilities of human consciousness. Shiva’s teachings are outlined in the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra, a profound text that offers 112 meditation techniques to experience the reality beyond the mind. These techniques serve as gateways into the nature of existence, encouraging a direct experience of the truth rather than faith-based belief.

In the dialogue between Shiva and his consort, Parvati, within the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra, we witness a profound exploration of consciousness. Parvati, the first student of yoga, seeks to understand the mysteries of life, death, and the universe. Through the teachings Shiva imparts, yoga is revealed not as a doctrine, but as a methodology for self-discovery. The entire text is a reminder that yoga, in its most essential form, transcends religious frameworks, inviting practitioners to experience truth directly, without the need for dogma.

Parvati’s role in this dialogue is significant because she represents the seeker within each of us—the individual who longs for answers, not through external worship but through internal realization. Her journey reflects the core of yoga: an inward quest for unity, often described as the union of the individual soul (jiva) with the universal consciousness (Brahman). It’s this deep, spiritual pursuit that sets yoga apart from religion, even though it may intersect with religious traditions for some practitioners.

Yoga, as presented by Shiva to Parvati, is an invitation to engage with life’s fundamental questions: Who am I? What is the purpose of life? How can I transcend suffering? These inquiries are universal and can resonate with individuals across religious or spiritual spectrums. Yoga does not demand allegiance to any particular worldview or set of beliefs. Rather, it offers techniques—rooted in meditation and mindfulness—that allow the practitioner to come to their own understanding of reality.

The Vigyan Bhairav Tantra beautifully captures this essence. In it, Shiva says: “O Parvati, the supreme experience can be known not through words, but through direct perception.” This simple statement embodies the core of yoga as a spiritual practice, rather than a religion. It emphasizes direct experience over theoretical knowledge, echoing the scientific method where hypotheses are tested through observation and experience. In yoga, the breath becomes the instrument of inquiry, the mind becomes the space of exploration, and the body serves as the laboratory. Through practices like pranayama (breath control) and dhyana (meditation), one cultivates an awareness that extends beyond intellectual understanding.

The relationship between yoga and religion becomes even more nuanced when we consider that yoga has been practiced by individuals from diverse spiritual traditions. Sufis, Christians, Buddhists, and others have integrated yoga into their lives without compromising their religious beliefs. In this way, yoga serves as a bridge rather than a boundary. It’s a tool that can deepen one’s connection to the divine, however that is understood, without requiring a shift in religious identity.

Shiva’s role as the Adi Yogi also reflects this inclusivity. He is not portrayed as a god to be worshipped, but as the embodiment of the path of yoga. His teachings to Parvati are not commandments but are instead methods for realizing one’s own divinity. The Vigyan Bhairav Tantra is explicit in its message: the path of yoga is open to all, regardless of background, belief, or culture. It is a path of direct experience, where the individual becomes the center of their own spiritual journey.

As we reflect on the modern-day practice of yoga, it’s easy to see how it can sometimes appear religious. The chanting of the Om symbol, the presence of Hindu deities in studios, and the recitation of texts like the Bhagavad Gita might seem to blur the lines. Yet, even within these practices, yoga does not require belief in any particular religious framework. The Om, for instance, is not tied exclusively to Hinduism; it represents the primordial sound, the vibration of existence itself. Similarly, the presence of Shiva or Parvati in a yoga space does not demand devotion; rather, it serves as a reminder of the ancient roots of the practice.

To truly understand yoga is to recognize that it is a spiritual science—a methodology for exploring the self and the universe. As the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra teaches us, yoga is about discovering the vastness of consciousness, the infinite nature of the soul, and the interconnectedness of all things. It is an experiential path, where the goal is not to believe but to know.

In conclusion, yoga is not a religion, but it can lead to profound spiritual realizations. It offers a framework for inquiry, not faith. As Shiva told Parvati, the path of yoga requires no blind belief, only the courage to experience. Through this journey, one may encounter the divine, but that encounter is a personal one, free from the constraints of religious doctrine.

Yoga remains, as it was when first imparted by Shiva, a universal practice open to all who seek to understand the deeper truths of existence.

Additional reads -

Exploring the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra: Unveiling the Path to Transcendence - https://www.akramyoga.co.uk/single-post/exploring-the-vigyan-bhairav-tantra-unveiling-the-path-to-transcendence

The meaning of Namaste: Bowing to the Cosmic Connection - https://www.akramyoga.co.uk/single-post/the-meaning-of-namaste-bowing-to-the-cosmic-connection

The First Yogi Part 1 (updated) - https://www.akramyoga.co.uk/single-post/2017/03/14/the-first-yogi-part-1

Zahir Akram - eternal seeker

Interested in deepening your practice or teaching skills?

Our online training courses are now available, offering comprehensive content on anatomy, biomechanics, and yoga philosophy. These courses are designed to support students and yoga teachers in their continued development.

We also offer in-house Yoga Teacher Training here at our studio in Addlestone, Surrey, UK.

For more information on our online courses, mentoring or to book in-house training, email Zahir.

Zahir@AkramYoga.co.uk