Yoga as Religion?

This morning I read an article that disappointed me greatly. While I try to keep this blog about things that uplift, I think this needs to be discussed, especially with religious readers.

Here's the link to the article: http://news.yahoo.com/school-yoga-tries-avoid-religious-controversy-194405733.html. Go ahead and read it now. 

(I'll just wait here for you.) 

Welcome back. What did you think of the article and, more importantly, the argument? My stance: Yoga is not to be feared for having a history steeped in religion. Yoga, in a nutshell, is a series of poses and movements that teaches you to be mindful of your breathing and aware of your body. 

But there are people in California threatening a lawsuit to have it stopped. "Parents opposed to the program say the classes will indoctrinate their children in Eastern religion and are not just for exercise." Have these same parents ever taken a yoga class, or done any research into what yoga is? The series of positions called "sun salutation" is worshiping the sun? First, since when is a salutation equivalent to worshiping? When you greet your neighbor, you're worshiping them? Is quiet introspection really challenging their religion? Are their religious foundations so fragile?

If they're afraid of the unknown, find a way to know more about it. Yoga is not something to be feared, truly! 

Ok, I think I'll go do some deep breathing for a few minutes; rant concluded.

Thanks for reading.
—Cami
 
p.s. Your good juju today: yoga can benefit you, no matter your age, religion, or gender (or fear level).