Myths about yoga
What is yoga according to you? A combination of complex asanas performed by people who are fit and flexible, right? We can’t blame you because that’s how most people view yoga. But it won’t be wrong to say that it’s a highly shallow version of yoga that we all know. With people across the world practicing yoga, some myths associated with the practice have now settled in the mainstream yoga. Well, it is time to debunk these myths.
Below we bust 8 such myths about yoga with inputs from Isha Foundation.
Myth 1: One has to be flexible to do yoga
All the yoga asanas are designed in a way to fit every person’s body, regardless of their flexibility, balance and strength. Not all yoga poses are difficult to perform.
No one is expected to perform the toughest pose in the first class, everything is taught successively and gradually. So, if you are not flexible and strong, regular practice can make you both.
Yoga makes you flexible and not expects you to be one already.
Myth 2: Yoga is all about impossible postures
The yoga images that you come across most frequently are of people performing headstands and all kind of complex twisted postures.
But the truth is, in the yogic system, there is very little importance given to asanas. To be specific, out of 200 yoga sutra, only one is dedicated to asanas. And the irony is most people think of yoga as a practice only involving asanas.
Ideally, the journey should start from within and move towards the inner nature. Yoga is meant to make people attain their higher self. Breathing life into your practice is what will make it alive and help you to rise to a different level.
Myth 3: Yoga can help you make six pack abs
Yoga is not an exercise. Yes, you read that right. Yoga has a fitness dimension attached to it and what you get out of it is good health. Go to a gym or play sports for bodybuilding as yoga done for burning calories and making six pack abs is not yoga.
Myth 4: Yoga has gone viral lately
Yoga is not new but a practice that has survived as it worked for the human well-being like no other. According to the yogic culture, Shiva is the Adioyogi or the first yogi.
Seven full enlightened beings – called Sapta Rishis were created by Shiva who were then sent to seven different directions of the world to help evolve human beings beyond all compulsions and limitations.
Myth 5: Music and yoga go well together
There should be no music or mirror in the room where you practice yoga. Hatha yoga requires the involvement of your body, mind, energy and innermost core. Yoga teachers in yoga classes speak while they teach, which surely is not the right thing to do.
Mental focus, breath and stability of energy is important when you do asanas and not talking is a rule while doing so. Doing improper yoga can make one lose their mental balance.
Myth 6: You can learn yoga from a book
Learning yoga from books that claim to make you a Yogi in 7 or 21 days, will only cause heavy damage to you. Proper guidance from a Guru is a must. A book can inspire you but it cannot teach you yoga.
Myth 7: Yoga comes from Hinduism
Yoga was originated in India and thus people tend to co-relate it with Hinduism. Yoga is like a technology and anyone willing to learn can make use of it for their benefit.