Yoga, is worship to pagan gods

[Hobie]

My wife when she was in college, went to Yoga as they had classes for exercise. She was a quick learner enjoyed and became good friends with the teacher, so when the teacher asked her to lead the class at a Ashram retreat, she accepted. The teacher had become ill so could not come, and she had to help with those who came, but also had to go learn from those leading the Ashram what the meaning of Yoga and its poses were. To her horror, she learned it was a religion and worship to the sun and pagan gods, and stopped anything to do with Yoga.

When she told me the story, I didnt grasp how fully entwined Yoga and its poses were till I looked beyond the surface. It is surprising giving that it is seen as just exercise and for health, but here is what I came across..


Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation, is a yoga sequence dedicated to honoring the sun as the vital energy source for life. Traditionally performed at dawn facing the rising sun, this practice combines 12 postures, controlled breathing, and mantric chants to foster gratitude, flexibility, and strength.
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Key Aspects of Sun Worship in Yoga:

• Origin: It has deep roots in Hindu tradition, with early evidence in the Rig Veda.
• Significance: The sun is revered as a deity, offering vitality, health, and a spiritual connection to the cosmos.
• The Sequence (Surya Namaskar): It includes 12 postures that flow together, often including Mountain Pose, Forward Fold, Plank, Chaturanga, Cobra, and Downward-Facing Dog.
• Benefits: It serves as a comprehensive warm-up that strengthens the body, improves circulation, and acts as a moving meditation to reduce stress.
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How to Practice:

• Timing: Ideally, it is practiced in the morning facing the sun, though it can be done at any time, notes Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.
• Flow: The sequence connects breath with movement—inhaling on expansion and exhaling on contraction.
• Variations: There are different variations, such as Surya Namaskar A and B, which are widely used to build energy

 

[Hobie]

And more...

Yoga practices often involve poses dedicated to Hindu deities, reflecting a spiritual connection and reverence within the practice.
Spiritual Connection in Yoga
Yoga is deeply rooted in spirituality and tradition, with many poses named after gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology. These poses not only provide physical benefits but also serve as a means to connect with the divine. For instance, poses like Hanumanasana (Monkey Pose) and Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose) are named after the Hindu deities Hanuman and Shiva, respectively. Practicing these poses is seen as a way to embody the qualities of these deities, such as strength, devotion, and grace.
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Yoga Poses as Acts of Worship
Many yoga postures represent not just the physical form of the deities but also their essence and qualities. As practitioners engage in these poses, they focus on the energy of the deity, which is believed to transfer into the practitioner, fostering a spiritual connection. This practice can be viewed as a form of worship (puja), where the physical act of yoga becomes a means of honoring and revering the divine.
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Historical Context
The origins of yoga date back over 5,000 years in ancient India, where it was intertwined with spiritual practices aimed at achieving union with the divine. The term "yoga" itself means "to yoke" or "to unite," encompassing a holistic approach to wellness involving body, mind, and spirit. While yoga has evolved and is widely practiced for its physical and mental health benefits today, its spiritual roots remain significant, particularly in the context of Hinduism.
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Conclusion
In summary, yoga poses dedicated to Hindu gods serve as both physical exercises and spiritual practices. They embody the qualities of the deities and facilitate a connection to the divine, making yoga a multifaceted practice that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Whether one views these practices as worship or as a means of personal growth, the connection to Hindu spirituality is an integral aspect of yoga.
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What yoga poses represent gods? - What yoga poses represent gods? - Hosh Yoga