Yoga has Hindu roots but it benefits everybody
While it is unfortunate that a group of Muslim hardliners have taken to manufacturing a controversy over the religiosity of the Surya Namaskar in particular and yoga practices in general, the fact is that the debate over the ‘Hindu-ness' of yoga has been long settled. Official definitions notwithstanding, yoga is primarily a comprehensive set of physical, mental and spiritual practices that brings about harmony within the body, mind and soul.
Yes, it has its roots in Hindu thought and philosophy but yoga is still very much a ‘secular' regime for personal well-being. Its benefits have been scientifically proven and are universally acknowledged. And just in case some religious bigots are still unconvinced, let them be assured that the benefits of yoga do accrue equally to Hindus and non-Hindus alike — one need only ask any of the thousands of Muslims and Christians, Sikhs and Buddhists who practice yoga, in many cases with religious fervour, across the world. Unfortunately, some ignoramuses in India, who seem to have neither a holistic understanding of Islam nor the ability to comprehend the virtues of another faith, are having a hard time wrapping their heads around this simple idea.
To them, as well as to the members of the All India Muslim Personal law Board, fretting over how performing the Surya Namaskar will make Muslims subservient to some sort of a false god, one may try to point out that while offering namaaz even the most pious Muslims are engaging in yogic positions. One can also try telling them about the many yoga centres that are flourishing in the staunchly Islamic Republics of Iran, Turkey, even Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf countries. One may draw their attention to a recent ruling by a California court that yoga is not a religious practice and, therefore, can be taught in Government-run US schools which are mandated by law to be of non-religious character.
One may also underline how the White House has for long officially encouraged Americans to take up yoga and enjoy the fruits of healthy living. But it is unlikely that any of these exhortations will help open up prejudiced minds — especially if the motivations, driving their anti-yoga campaigns, are more political than religious.
The Modi Government will be well-advised to simply ignore these nay-sayers and continue with its plans to celebrate India's most popular export to the rest of the world. In this effort, it already has the support of not just the country's vast majority but also that of the international community. This is evident in the worldwide endorsement received by the Modi Government's international Yoga Day proposal. The plan was put forth at the UN General Assembly last September, and now, less than a year later, India is already preparing to commemorate the first official world Yoga Day on June 21 (an unofficial version, marked on February 21, has been in vogue since 2007).