Yoga and Hinduism: An Exploration of Their Interconnectedness

This essay delves into the intricate relationship between Yoga and Hinduism, tracing their shared origins back to the Vedic traditions. It examines how Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word 'Yuj,' meaning 'to unite,' aligns with the core tenets of Hinduism, particularly the concept of self-realization. The essay explores the four types of Yoga outlined in the Bhagavad Gita—Bhakti, Jnana, Dhyana, and Karma—and their interconnectedness. It highlights the importance of Yoga as a path to spiritual and physical well-being, emphasizing its role in harmonizing the mind, body, and soul. Furthermore, the essay discusses the historical context, including the influence of British colonialism and the commercialization of Yoga. It also touches upon the perspectives of Western practitioners and their understanding of Yoga's roots. The essay concludes by emphasizing the profound interconnection between Yoga and Hinduism, acknowledging their shared philosophical and spiritual foundations, and the significance of understanding this relationship for a holistic appreciation of Yoga.

Running head: PAPER 0
YOGA AND HINDUISM
FEBRUARY 5, 2020
STUDENT DETAILS:

PAPER 1
A word ’Yoga’ is derived from Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’. The meaning of ‘Yuj’ is "to unite"
or ‘to join’. A main purpose of Yoga is self-realization that takes place while mindfulness is
revolved inward and combined with self. The Yoga practices concentrate on relaxing the mind
and on personality. Yoga has important place in the tradition of Hindus. It dates back to initial
Veda’s, the religious books of Hindu tradition that date back to 2500 BC. The origin
of Hinduism and yoga is Vedic. It is called as ‘modern Hinduism.’ The sources of Hinduism are
as same as sources of yoga. In the following parts, the interconnection between yoga and
Hinduism is discussed and examined.
Yoga is called as "regulating the functions of brain.” The Yoga is completely focusing of
consideration of whatever objects are being anticipated. The yoga tries to quiet the "wave of
perception.” It also calms the concentration. According to most of the Hindu writings, the yoga is
method to control sense as well as mind. In this relation, Bhagavad Gita is popular book. Krishna
tells about 4 categories of yoga in Bhagwad Gita (Herman). These four types are Bhakti
(devotion), Jnana (knowledge), Dhyana (concentration) as well as karma (action). In this way,
these four distinct paths are ultimately interdependent. It can say that practice of one path makes
able the person to follow remaining three paths. Most importantly, the Bhagavad Gita explains
that irrespective of the adoption of path, yoga is considered as a separate journey that requires
long-lasting dedication, regular practices, as well as dedication towards God (Deslippe 103).
Further, Yoga is more than the material wealth as well as physical health. The personality
of human being is not just a body; but it is also the mind, soul, as well as intelligence. It can see
that yoga attempts to match all of them (Singh). In a procedure, one gets the fit body, great
intelligence, and determined mind capable of getting combination between ‘I’, the world-wide or

PAPER 2
cosmic awareness and ‘I’, usually described as own realisation. It is evident that yoga is helpful
to identify fundamental harmony between people and humankind, humans and atmosphere, and
finally identify the complete interconnectedness of everything. The core of this understanding is
to know that all is one. It is not about ‘they’ and us’. Everything is ‘us’. It is important and
universal approach (Bartholomew).
Furthermore, The Hindu called the faith, the method of beliefs, existence, attitudes,
Sanatana Dharma or Eternal Law. The Eternal Law is depended on the revelation as well as
universal teaching of the Veda. Hinduism was the term coined by British as well as western
power that colonized India, Bangladesh Nepal and Pakistan for the miscellaneous assortment of
god, goddess, philosophy, belief, opinions of world, ceremonies, practices, social morals,
cultural morals and spiritual life. The Buddhist, Hindu along with Jain spiritual ethnicities or
Dharma have all grown out of the general religious inheritance. Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain
spiritual traditions followed the universal approaches of Yoga. They were modified with time. It
defines the difference in Yoga methods within all these three spiritual traditions. However, in the
present world, it is saying that the yoga is developed out of the Hindu tradition. The terms Jain
Yoga, as well as Buddhist Yoga and are not utilised in common phraseology in India (Sen 25).
Additionally, the commercialization is generally problematic. However, it is used
particular for the Hindus who consider yoga to be disconnected from the root. Although, the
yoga is mean of spiritual accomplishment for every seeker. There is no point of faith. The
underlying principles of yoga came from Hindu thoughts. In USA, the Hindus are often
categorised according to “karma as well as caste” by following public school-textbook as well as
media. Therefore, the adoption of yoga as a wonderful involvement of earliest Hindus to a world
is very significant (Neil). However, the adoption does not acknowledge title of yoga. Nobody

PAPER 3
can possess the yoga practices. Somewhat, this is the gratitude of richness as well as Hindu
universality. According to Jois, the people of India follow the tradition for having belief in a
system and for having believe in moksha for deliverance. However, in relation to Western
people, there is no significant place of moksha. They do yoga for good health. However, it is
very important to know more about the heritage of India. In addition, it is also important to know
about the ancient tradition. It can see that there are certain Western people who overlook this
great heritage. Nevertheless, they are no aware about the root of yoga. They do not know about
origin of yoga. As there is connection between yoga and Hinduism, they must know about Hindu
culture (Feuerstein).
As per the above analysis, it can be concluded that Yoga comes from Vedas. There is
interconnection between yoga and Hinduism. It is found that both have same sources. There is
significant place of yoga in Hindu tradition. The Hinduism contains six main schools of thought.
These six main schools of thought are darshanas: Samkhya, Nyaya, Vedanta, Vaisheshika, Yoga
as well as Mimamsa. The underlying thread amongst six darshanas is acceptance of Veda
as comprehended scripture having greatest truth.

PAPER 4
Bibliography
Bartholomew, Bradley. "The Sweat Factor in Bikram Yoga." USA: Springer, 2018
Deslippe, Philip. "Mythical Posturing: Hagiography, History, and Scholarly Judgment in Recent
Works on Modern Yoga and Hinduism in America." India: Sambhala publication, 2018.
103-109.
Feuerstein, George. " The deeper dimension of yoga: theory and practice ". India: Shambhala
publications, 2013.
Herman, Arthur. “A brief introduction to Hinduism: Religion, philosophy, and ways of
liberation.” New York: Routledge, 2018
Neil, Celly. “ A connection between yoga and Hinduism.” USA: Springer, 2019
Sen, Rakesh " The yoga practices ". India: Sambhala publication, 2016. 25-47
Singh, Jaswinder. "Yoga: Curative and preventive therapy." New York: Routledge ,2018