Is yoga a part of Hinduism? by Mukesh Kothari

Today a student ask me that whether Yoga belongs to Hindus. It is a very common question that is always in a debate. Let understand what is Hinduism? Hinduism is a arabic word which describes the people who live on other side of Sindhu river. Basically it is known as Sanatan Dharma which means everlasting teachings. So unlike Islam, Buddhism or Christainity etc Hinduism has no fixed rules and procedures. It is based that what teaching you accept.

Now Yoga, yoga is a science like physics, mathematics,biology or anyother. Yoga is discovered by people living in Himalayas, same as physics is mainly discovered by west. When Physics, Chemistry etc cannot be a Christian science same way Yoga is also not a Hindu science. Science is not related with the sect or religion of a person who discovered it.

In fact Hinduism is inspired by yoga, yoga is based on formless presence of super power or governing energy, we call as GOD(one who Generate, Operate and Destroy). But as man needs sects so hinduism is a by product where some follow Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna and Shakti. These divisions are merely based on ignorance.

Patanjali says contemplation on seedless entity therefore yoga discards the presence of any form of God. So Patanjali just emphasis on Self study, Austerity and Contemplation on Soul.

Yoga is a universal science, like blood, it has same color and same circulation irrespective for what faith, race and creed you belong........