Today, yoga has gained tremendous popularity all over the world, and has also been subject to many misconceptions based on the practitioner’s understanding of the theory and concepts of Yoga.
Let us examine a few misconceptions and clarify them with wisdom and knowledge from the scriptures.
- Yoga And Dhyana Are Separate:
Clarification: Maharshi Patanjali describes Yoga as Samadhi and propounds.
‘The Astanga Yoga‘, Yoga with eight limbs: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
Therefore, Dhyana is a limb of Yoga and not an independent discipline. It is the penultimate state of Samadhi.
- Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, And Karma Yoga Are Separate Branches Of Yoga:
Clarification: Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Karma Yoga are not mutually exclusive of each other, however, they are mutually dependent streams of Yoga.
Jnana Yoga: Regular Shravana, Manana, and Nididhyasana of that Jnana which is helpful in Yoga [ Samadhi ] are called Jnana Yoga. Only Nitya-Naimittika Jnana leads to Samadhi and utilizing this Nitya-Naimittika Jnana for Yoga is called Jnana Yoga. Though, this is the definition of Jnana Yoga, on careful observation we can easily see that both Bhakti Yoga and Karma Yoga are closely involved in this definition. First, we are talking about Nitya-Naimittika Jnana, so the main requirement of Jnana Yoga i.e. Jnana is there. Then, the terms Shravana, Manana, and Nidhidhyasana are used which form the pillars of Bhakti, so Bhakti Yoga is there. Then, it is recommended to regularly follow this i.e. the person needs to act [ Karma ] so Karma Yoga is there. In this way, all the three streams Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Karma Yoga are very minutely woven into the same definition.
Bhakti Yoga: When Bhakti is for Yoga, then it is called Bhakti Yoga. It means to have a strong belief in the teachings of the Ishwara in the Vedas and live accordingly. For Bhakti one needs to first know and understand the teaching of the Vedas [ Jnana Yoga ], then s/he needs to have strong belief/Shraddha in the Jnana [ Bhakti Yoga ], and finally, s/he needs to act accordingly [ Karma Yoga ]. In this way, Jnana Yoga and Karma Yoga are included with Bhakti Yoga.
Karma Yoga: When Karma is performed for Yoga, it is called Karma Yoga. What type of Karma? Punya Karma – Punya Karma refers to Tapa, Swadhyaya and Dhyana. Only with Punya Karma, the Sadhaka progresses towards Yoga. Here as well we can observe Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Karma Yoga together. First, the Sadhaka needs to know Tapa, Swadhyaya, and Dhyana [ Jnana Yoga ], then s/he needs to have strong belief/Shraddha in them [ Bhakti Yoga ] and finally act accordingly [ Karmayoga ].
- Practice Yoga In The Morning And Karma Yoga For The Rest Of The Day:
Clarification: This statement is inappropriate. Performing daily duties like employment, studying, playing and other customary actions can’t be termed as Karma Yoga. As has been described earlier, the term Karma in Karma Yoga stands for Punya Karma i.e. Tapa, Swadhyaya, and Dhyana. Hence, if your actions include these three components of Punya Karma, then it means that you are engaged in Karmayoga.
Yoga is not merely a set of physical or breathing exercises; it is a way of life that needs to be adopted throughout the day and not just for two or three hours in the morning. The morning session constitutes only the Tapa part of Yoga [ Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha, and other practices of body and mind ], but Swadhyay and Dhyana are still not completed for the day.
- Yoga Means Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, And Other Physical And Mental Activities:
Clarification: Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, etc. are limbs of Astanga Yoga, but not complete Yoga that also includes Yama, Niyama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
- Dhyana, Meditation, And Concentration Are The Same:
Clarification: As mentioned above, Dhyana means to recollect, remember and contemplate over a subject that is either heard, read, or experienced, and in the context of yogic tradition, it means contemplating on the knowledge of the Vedas, Vedic literature, and the teachings of the masters. Concentration means establishing the mind in one single topic and meditation means engaging in practices of focusing the mind on an object with an intention to make the mind one pointed.
- The Union Of Atman And Paramatma Is Yoga:
Clarification: The union of Atman and Paramatma is not Yoga, but the union of similar Dharma [ Attributes ] of Atman and Paramatma is Yoga. Atman is Alpajna [ Finite/Local ], Paramatma is Sarvajna [ All-Pervading ]; Atman is Ekdaihika [ Resides In One Body ], whereas Paramatma is Sarvadaihika [ Resides In Every Being ]; Atman are many, Paramatma is only one. Paramatma is Dayavana [ Compassionate ], Kripavana [ Bestower Of Grace ], Nyayakarta [ One Who Grants Justice ], etc. When the Atman develops such kind attributes like that of the Paramatma, then it is said that the Atman has gained Paramatma Tattva. This state is called the union of equal Dharma of both [ Atman and Paramatma ] or Yoga [ Samadhi ].
- Mukti Can’t Be Attained In A Single Birth:
Clarification: Mukti can be attained in a single birth as well. It all depends on the individuals’ Karmas. Maharshi Patanjali has described four types of Karma:
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- Shukla Karma means Punya Karma i.e. Tapa, Swadhyaya and Dhyana.
- Krishna Karma is the Paapa Karma [ Sinful Actions ] like thievery, violence, etc.
- Shukla-Krishna Karma are mixed actions which include both Dharma Karma and Paapa Karma, these are the obvious actions of general people [ Not Yogi ].
- A-Shukla-Akrsna Karma are the obvious actions of a Yogi, this is also called the Nishkama Karma or selfless service.
In order to attain Mukti, one must continue to increase the balance of Shukla Karma by engaging in intense Tapa, Swadhyaya, and Dhyana. When the person is well established in doing Shukla Karma, then Tapa, Swadhyaya, and Dhyana become his obvious actions, and such a person is called a Jeevanmukta yogi, who is liberated from the Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, and Matsarya and consequently all his actions are devoid of any desire. A Jeevanmukta yogi after leaving this mortal body attains Videhamukti which is called Moksha.
Thus, by increasing Punya Karma [ Engaging in Tapa, Swadhyaya, and Dhyana ] one can attain Jeevanmukti and finally Videhamukti.
- One Hour Of Yoga Is Enough For The Day:
Clarification: Yoga is not merely a set of exercises, Asanas or Pranayama. It is a lifestyle that needs to be adopted throughout the day. So, practice the various dimensions of yoga – Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and attain Samadhi [ Ishwar Sakshatkar ].
- Yoga Is The Ultimate Discovery Of Hindus To The World:
Clarification: All knowledge and wisdom [ Jnana ] in every discipline was propounded by Ishwara through Agni, Vayu, Aditya, and Angira Rishis in the four Vedas, namely Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. The knowledge of Yoga has its origins in all of the four Vedas and hence it can be inferred that Yoga is the wisdom from Ishwara and Rishis understood the secrets of Yoga, they experimented, experienced, and expressed it.
Therefore, Yoga has originated from Vedas. It is Universal, Eternal, and all-encompassing. Any principle and practice that has these three characteristics is called Yoga. The concept of Sampradaya [ So-Called Religion ] came into existence much later after the Vedic period. So, it can be easily concluded that Yoga does not belong to any particular religion, it is for the benefit of all!
- A Yoga Aspirant Must Abide In Rituals Like Pooja-Patha [ Customary Religious Practices ]:
Clarifications: Rituals like Pooja-Patha have nothing to do with Yoga. The Vedas recommend the Upasana of only Ishwara and Maharshi Patanjali has suggested the meaningful recitation of Aum [ Ishwara’s Name ] as the Upasana-Viddhi. In addition to it, Pooja-Patha shouldn’t be confused with Bhakti either. Bhakti is to abide in the teachings of Ishwara, in the Vedas. For Bhakti, Shravana, Manana, and Nidhidhyasana of the Vedas, Vedic literature and teachings of the masters are necessary.
- Maharshi Patanjali Discovered Yoga:
Clarification: Yoga is from Ishwara. Various principles and practices concerned with Yoga are already described in the Vedas and Upanishads. This knowledge of Yoga was at its peak during the Vedic period. But, unfortunately in that period yoga was adulterated with questionable theories and remained a subject of mystery. Maharshi Patanjali was the first one to purify Yoga Vidya from all sorts of adulterations. He encapsulated the entire Yoga Vidya and presented them chronologically in one hundred and ninety-five Sutras [ Aphorisms ] in his masterpiece, Yogasutra. Even today, Yogasutra continues to be the best book to understand and practice the eternal Yoga Vidya propounded by Ishwara.
- Yoga Is For Bhoga:
Clarification: The purpose of yoga is to attain Samadhi which means to understand and know things as they truly are. As the Yoga Sadhaka progresses in Yoga and starts to understand the philosophy of Yoga and live his life accordingly, he starts to understand the true nature of things around him. He enjoys things but does not over-indulge in them. He understands the concept of ‘Tena Tyaktena Bhunjithah‘ i.e. Bhoga [ Consume ] but by sharing it with others as well. That is why our Rishis have given prime importance to Yajna [ Sacrifice ] and thus advocated the five types of Yajnas Balivaishvadeva Yajna, Atithi Yajna, Deva Yajna, Brahma Yajna, and Pitri Yajna. So, it is clear that the purpose of Yoga is not Bhoga.
- Yoga Cures Diseases:
Clarification: Performing Asanas, Pranayama, and Yogic Kriyas, doesn’t cure diseases, but living a yogic lifestyle liberates one from all sorts of diseases and sorrows.
- Yoga Is Only Practical, Not Theoretical:
Clarification: It is a widespread misconception that a Yoga Sadhaka doesn’t need to engage in Swadhyaya [ Study Vedas, Upanishads, and other Vedic literature ]. They consider Yoga as only Asana, Pranayama, and certain mind-body exercises. But, the reality is that Swadhyaya has a very important role in Yoga that is why Maharshi Patanjali has included Swadhyaya under Niyamas in Astanga Yoga.
- A Yoga Sadhaka Needs To Follow A Specific Kind Of Grooming And Dressing:
Clarification: A book is not judged by its cover – Just as a book is known for its content and not its beautiful cover, similarly a Yogi is characterized by his Svabhava [ Conduct ] and not his external appearance. Dressing or grooming in a specific way does not authorize someone to be known as Yogi. Keeping long hairs, maintaining an attractive beard, or dressing [ In white, saffron, green, etc. ] out of the league are not any benchmark to consider someone as Yogi. Maharshi Vyasa has coined the term Yogi and Samnyasi only for a Jeevanmukta i.e. one who is free from Kaama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, and Matsarya.
- A Yogi Should Have A Slim Body:
Clarification: It is good to have a sleek physique, but it does not validate someone as Yogi. In other words, a definite shape of the body shall not be considered as a criterion for being Yogi. Here, the reader might be thinking that in Hathayoga, Swami Swatmarama has described having a sleek body as one of the characteristics of a Hathayogi, but here we are saying that the physique of a body is not a criterion for being Yogi. We must understand what Swami Swatmarama means; he is saying that during the period of Sadhana, practicing Hathayoga, the body should be well-shaped. So, what is right? Swami Swatmarama, in the very beginning of Hathapradeepika, has said ‘Kevalam Rajayogayam Hathavidya Upadishyate‘ i.e. Hathayoga is prescribed only for Rajayoga. Hathayoga is included under the Tapa part of Rajayoga/Ashtangayoga. A Yoga Sadhaka during his initial days in Sadhana must work on his body, so as to progress conveniently in Swadhyaya and Dhyana. As the Sadhaka progresses in his Yoga Sadhana, he is more concentrated in Swadhyaya and Dhyana and Tapa is compromised. With further progression in Sadhana, the Sadhaka spends maximum time in Dhyana, and Swadhyaya and Tapa are lowered. That is why it is seen that many of the yogis have Bulkier Bodies. It is not that they are not adhering to a yogic lifestyle, it is because they have reached higher levels in Sadhana.
- A Yoga Sadhaka Needs To Renounce Home And Personal Relations:
Clarifications: According to Maharshi Vyasa ‘Jnansaiva Parakashtha Vairagyam‘ i.e. Vairagya is the highest state in Jnana. The term Jnana here refers to Nitya-Naimittik Jnana’s knowledge that is always true and applicable everywhere. A Yoga Sadhaka needs to be a Vairagi, which does not mean he needs to renounce his home or personal relations, but he needs to leave the sense of attachment with them and this detachment comes from Jnana. More Yoga Sadhaka earns Jnana, the more he understands the limitations of man and material, so he starts developing detachment to Samsara and attachment to Ishwara.
- Yoga Should Be Avoided By Expectant Mothers:
Clarifications: The fact is that doctors themselves believe that yoga is one of the best things women can do to stay healthy during pregnancy. Yoga encourages gentle stretching to alleviate back pain. Controlled breathing practices serve as good relaxation techniques during pregnancy and help promote the emotional well-being of an expectant mother. Especially, during the time of delivery, every pregnant woman should practice Sukshma Vyamama like butterfly exercise. Doing butterfly exercise, and Asanas like Vakrasana, Utksatasana, and Parvatasana makes it easy for normal delivery.
- People Who Have No Idea About Yoga Are Also Living Long Lives. Doing Yoga Is A Plus Matter But It Is Not Everything:
Clarifications: There are so many people who have no idea about Yoga but they are living long lives. But the question that arises is that ‘Are they living holistically’? Obviously, the answer is no, but it is a scientifically proven fact that Yoga not only helps people to live longer but it also helps people to be completely healthy i.e. physically fit, mentally sound, socially empathetic, intellectually rational, and spiritually enlightened! Another important thing is that it is the best way to gradually awaken one’s consciousness. Yoga adds value to a practitioner’s life. Yoga helps to experience bliss in life. Practice Yoga And Achieve Holistic Health!
- Doing Yoga Is Not Important. A Rabbit Lives For Fifteen Years In Spite Of Being Very Physically Active, Whereas A Tortoise, Lives For More Than Three Hundred Years, In Spite Of Being Least Active Physically. So, Be Lazy And Enjoy A Long Life:
Clarifications: Life is not measured in years of age, but by the number of breaths! So, what matters is the length and breadth of your breath!
It doesn’t matter how many miles you run, how many hours you exercise. See the difference! The breath rate of a rabbit is thirty to sixty breaths per minute and the breath rate of a tortoise is four times per minute.
As per Goraksha Paddathi, one can live for hundred years by breathing fifteen times a minute. If one breathes eighteen times a minute, one’s age will decrease to 83 1/3 years. If a person breathes only two times every minute, one can live for 750 years! If one breathes only once every minute, one can live for 1500 years! Interesting fact is that when you practice Yoga for twenty minutes per day or you exercise properly for one hour or you do a brisk walk for thirty minutes per day, your breath rate decreases! It means your breath becomes slow & deep! So, if you do Yoga regularly, you will enjoy longevity & wellness.
So these are the main misconception about yoga that misguides the practitioners.
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Etymology, Meaning And Definitions Of Yoga
Origin Of Yoga
History Of Yoga
Jnana Yoga
Bhakti Yoga
