Archive · 21 Jun 2025
Hindu Heritage Concerns: Yoga Appropriation and Christianization
Some people are upset because they think yoga, which started in Hinduism, is being changed and taken over by Christians.
They say that Christian groups are making yoga classes that use Christian prayers and ideas, which they believe is wrong.
They feel that the true meaning of yoga, which is about connecting with your spirit and understanding Hinduism, is being lost.
These people want to protect yoga's history and make sure it stays connected to Hinduism.
The article claims that yoga's Hindu heritage is being erased through Christianization and appropriation.
Christian yoga brands and some Western academics are accused of removing the spiritual core of yoga and rebranding it.
The author argues that corporations and instructors lack knowledge of Hindu philosophy while profiting from yoga.
The article states that the commodification of yoga has alienated Hindus from their heritage.
The author calls for cultural integrity, boycotts of appropriators, and acknowledgment of yoga's Hindu roots.
- Who
- The author and Hindu community members who are concerned about the appropriation of yoga.
- What
- The author critiques the appropriation and Christianization of yoga, arguing for the preservation of its Hindu roots.
- When
- The article references historical context (200 BCE, 1500-500 BCE), but focuses on contemporary concerns.
- Where
- Primarily within Western culture, specifically focusing on the U.S. yoga scene and related academic circles.
- Why
- To raise awareness and combat the perceived erasure of yoga's Hindu origins and spiritual practices through Christianization and commercialization.
Critics of Appropriation
Proponents of Adaptation
Spiritual vs. Physical Focus
Critics of Appropriation
Yoga's spiritual core is being removed.
Proponents of Adaptation
Yoga is a neutral exercise.
Historical Context
Critics of Appropriation
Yoga is being divorced from its historical roots.
Proponents of Adaptation
Yoga belongs to no religion.
Religious Identity
Critics of Appropriation
Yoga is a part of Hinduism.
Proponents of Adaptation
Yoga can be adapted by other religions, such as Christianity.
- Original Practice
- Rooted in Sanatana Dharma, including ethics, meditation, and devotion.
- Alleged Appropriation
- Christian yoga brands replacing Om with crosses, and using Biblical verses.
- Accusation
- Western academia fabricating a "secular" Yoga.
- Concern
- Corporations and instructors lack knowledge of Hindu philosophy.
- Resistance
- Hindus must reject spiritual colonialism.