5 Yoga Myths Explained
Yoga is an ancient practice that dates to several years back in history. There are a lot of things to learn and understand about what yoga is about, such that those who are not involved or who have not dedicated themselves into learning those are unaware about the truth behind yoga. Hence, it is completely understandable how several myths have been created about it such that it blinds other from truly learning the truth about yoga.
Below are five of the most common myths known about yoga and the facts that explain whether there is some truth to any of them.
Yoga is ONLY a Physical Exercise
This is the most common misconception about yoga. Most people think yoga is all about a series of difficult poses that provide benefit to the body through physical enhancement such as weight loss and muscle toning. However, there are 8 basic components to yoga, which are outlined in the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali. These are yoga do's, yoga don'ts, asanas or physical exercise, pranayama or breathing exercise, sense control, concentration, meditation, and divine bliss or ecstasy.
From the eight Yoga Sutras listed above, you now understand that physical exercise is just one component in yoga. In fact, the physical body is viewed in yoga as a medium in order to access your inner consciousness and experience more profound benefits through your exercise.
Yoga is a Form of Religion
Although yoga has associations with various religious organizations and even have a strong spiritual component, it is not a form of religion. It might be tied with the beliefs of Hinduism but it is completely independent. The spiritual aspect of yoga though is believed to deliver some of its best results, such that you can go beyond the physical and attain a higher state of consciousness.
And going back to the eight yoga sutras, it is a step-by-step process that helps to cultivate the mind in order to achieve results from the external.
Yogis Must Be Vegetarians
Vegetarianism is only encouraged by yogis but is not required if you practice this ancient form of healing. There are certain dietary guidelines though that you must follow to ensure that your eating habit and pattern facilitates in enhancing the benefits of regular yoga exercises. Eating meat is something that yogis believe should be lessened as it can contribute to lowering your vibrations and affecting your overall mood. But in the end, the yogic perspective of nutrition promote moderation in everything, which includes your diet.
Yoga Can Only Be Learned Through a Guru
The role of gurus when it comes to learning yoga is indeed of undeniable importance. However, it is still possible to initiate your own yoga practice even without the guidance of a guru. In fact, it has been proven that as long as you follow the basics needed to achieve enlightenment, then you could possibly enjoy the fulfilling benefits of yoga and meditation.
Flexibility Is Required To Do Yoga
Many people are intimidated in doing yoga since they believe that you must possess a certain level of skill or flexibility in order to perform the yoga poses. In reality, this flexibility is something you develop over time as you continue practicing yoga. If you do have inherent flexibility, it could be beneficial to your learning of yoga and your advancement. But it is certainly not a prerequisite to doing yoga.

