Is Yoga a Religion

When you hear the word "yoga" what do you think of?

tbt to my What's In a Name and Is This Yoga? blogs

Yoga in the west has made yoga material, physical, trendy, and sexual. For material, there are "namaste in bed" pillows and "namaste rose" wine glasses. It is definitely cultural appropriation! Turning a sacred ritual into novelty items is not right at all. It's trendy in the west now that we have "Vino & Vinyoga" and yoga with goats. That is mainly for taking pictures for Instagram. Although it may be fun and relaxing, it can be seen as offensive when comparing yoga to the east. Yoga in the west is also selling leggings in scandalous advertisements. But yoga is also used as a form of exercise for people who don't enjoy or can't do weight lifting or cardio exercises.

In the east, it is performed to ready the soul for the afterlife. It is also done to become closer to God. I don't see yoga alone as a religion, I see it as either a foundation or a ritual in a religion. I consider yoga and meditation similar to praying and accepting the sacrament.

Even if yoga is not predominantly used as a religion, it should be treated as such. As a spiritual practice, it should not be taken commercially.