Is Yoga Praying to a God? Clarifying Spiritual Practice vs. Physical Exercise
Is yoga praying to a god?
The Quick Answer
Modern therapeutic yoga is not inherently prayer—it's a somatic practice using movement and breath for wellness. While traditional yoga has spiritual roots in Hindu philosophy, secular classes focus exclusively on biomechanics and nervous system regulation without requiring worship or religious adherence.
Why We Ask This
Individuals from monotheistic backgrounds often experience moral distress when encountering yoga's cultural origins, fearing unintentional participation in idolatry despite seeking only physical benefits for chronic pain or anxiety.
The Practical Science
Contemporary yoga therapy separates physical postures (asanas) from their original devotional context. The International Association of Yoga Therapists emphasizes evidence-based applications for conditions like PTSD and back pain—treating yoga as a clinical modality rather than religious ritual.
In Clinical Practice
In a hospital-based yoga program, participants might hold Mountain Pose while focusing on diaphragmatic breathing to regulate heart rate variability—using the posture purely as a biofeedback tool without chanting, mudras, or references to deities.
References & Context
The ancient art of practicing yoga - BYU Daily Universe"They believe that each of the yoga poses, known as "asanas," corresponds to one of the 330 million Hindu gods and putting your body in such positions is an act of idol worship.Oct 10, 2024"