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The Paradox of Yoga: A Journey Through India’s Myths and Misinterpretations
The following is experted from the Introduction lesson on my online Origins of Yoga course.
Welcome to the start of what I hope will be a transformational journey into the true origins of yoga. As we begin this exploration, I want to share with you the essence of what to expect and what lies beneath the surface of this ancient practice.
This course is the result of years of study, contemplation, and seeking to unravel the complex tapestry of Subcontinent culture and yogic tradition. Indian mythology, history, and spirituality are some of the most bewildering and paradoxical subjects you can encounter. At times, it is enchanting and breathtakingly beautiful, but it can also be nonsensical, baffling, and even frustrating. You’ll find yourself laughing at the absurdity of a story, only to be struck by the profound wisdom hidden within the very next sentence.
Why is this the case?
Understanding yoga’s origins requires much more than simply reading a text or listening to a lecture. Yoga, as it has been passed down through millennia, is deeply entwined with the culture, mythology, and history of the Indian subcontinent. For many Western practitioners, this complexity leads to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and often, a superficial view of what yoga is truly about. I have seen countless commentaries where well-meaning writers, lacking the broader cultural context, try to force yoga into a narrow, Western framework. In doing so, they lose the richness and depth that this practice offers.
Context is everything.
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras—one of the most famous texts associated with yoga—begins with the word "Now…" What does that imply? It suggests that there’s something that comes before the practice, perhaps a need for preparation, or even spiritual hardship, before you are ready to understand the teachings. This seemingly small word points to the vast backdrop of Indian tradition and philosophy that one must navigate before fully grasping what is being conveyed. Without context, we are going in blind. And, unfortunately, as has been the case for decades, many in the world of modern yoga are led by those who are equally blind to the origins and deeper meaning of the practice.
In Vijnana Bhairava Tantra—a key inspiration for this course—Jaideva Singh, a well-known translator and commentator, advises readers to do some background study before diving into the text. This is something you’ll find in many classical yogic texts; there is an expectation that the reader has immersed themselves in the culture and tradition surrounding these teachings. Otherwise, the wisdom remains out of reach, a language we are not yet prepared to understand.
What does this mean for you as a student?
The essence of this course is based on my personal quest to understand yoga at its deepest level. It has never been about completing a course or ticking off a syllabus; it’s been a long and patient odyssey—one that I invite you to join. To truly understand yoga’s origins, we must explore the story of Shiva, the first yogi, and his wife Parvati, the first yoga student. They form the foundation of much of what we consider to be the philosophical and spiritual roots of yoga. But here’s where things get even more complex: Shiva is not a singular entity. His name changes with his qualities, and he is often referred to by many titles—Bhairav, Shankara, Mahadev, and so on. Likewise, Parvati, in the texts, is rarely called by her name but by her divine titles—Devi, Paradevi, Adi Shakti.
Were they real people?
Did they really exist as historical figures? There’s no physical evidence to suggest that they did, but that doesn’t negate their existence either. Their stories, their lessons, and their symbolism have endured for thousands of years, inspiring countless yogis on their journey toward self-realization. As we will discuss in the lesson titled “Is Yoga a Religion?”, these figures transcend the need for historical accuracy. They embody something much greater: a metaphor for our own spiritual journey.
The paradox of Indian tradition
This course will challenge you. It will open your eyes to the often paradoxical nature of Indian spirituality. You’ll encounter stories that defy logic, gods and goddesses who act more human than divine, and philosophical teachings that seem, at times, contradictory. This is part of the beauty of yoga’s origins. It does not fit neatly into boxes. It is a living tradition, one that has been evolving for thousands of years, and in many ways, still defies complete understanding.
So, as you embark on this journey with me, I encourage you to keep an open mind. Don’t rush to find answers. Be patient. Understand that much of what we explore will not make sense at first glance—and that’s okay. Part of the journey is learning to sit with the paradoxes, to reflect on the deeper meanings behind the myths, and to find your own path to understanding.
I often think back to an experience I had with Bollywood movies and songs. Ironically, I found that by watching these films, I absorbed more about Indian culture, tradition, and spirituality than I did from books. You see, when we read, we often read to learn, and in that process, we miss truths. We get caught up in trying to be clever or intellectual. But when we watch a Bollywood movie, we aren’t watching to learn—we are watching to enjoy. And in that state of enjoyment, something incredible happens: we absorb without realizing it. The culture seeps in, the lessons wrap around us, and we are left with a deeper, more intuitive understanding of what is being communicated. It’s a lesson in itself—that sometimes, when we stop trying so hard to make sense of something, that’s when we truly begin to understand it.
A man once came into a beautiful garden, searching for a specific type of plant. Unable to find it, he declared the garden to be meaningless. He failed to see the flowers blooming around him, the birds singing, or the lush greenery that surrounded him. His narrow focus blinded him to the garden’s magic. This is how many approach yoga, looking for one thing, expecting one kind of answer, and missing the richness and depth of the entire experience.
The Sufis often say that we must visit our gardens with open hearts and empty minds. Those who come with preconceived ideas rarely find the truth. It is the open-hearted, the ones who are willing to sit in the mystery, who receive the greatest revelations. This course is not designed for those seeking definitive answers or quick conclusions. Instead, it is an invitation to explore the vast, multifaceted tradition of yoga with curiosity and patience.
Let go of preconceived notions.
Don’t come to this course with a fixed idea of what yoga should be. Approach it as a journey—a lifelong odyssey, where the seeds of truth will be sown within you, and in time, they will sprout. Yoga, much like life, is not about arriving at a final destination, but about deepening your understanding of the world, your practice, and yourself.
Remember, yoga is not just a practice; it is an exploration of the human condition, of the divine, and of everything in between. Through the stories of Shiva and Parvati, we will not only explore the origins of yoga but also learn what it means to walk the path of self-discovery. The greatest teachings are often found when we are not even looking for them.
Welcome to the journey, and I encourage you to step into this with open eyes, an open heart, and no demands. Let’s explore together.
Zahir Akram - Eternal Seeker
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