Yoga is neither acrobatics nor physical exercise system. Modern science lays great stress on physical exercise for keeping fit, concentrates more on muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Yoga aims at transcending the body by practices at physical level so that the practitioner becomes fit for higher practices of yoga. Many research studies suggest that physical practices of yoga including Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Sat Karma greatly influence physiology, biochemistry, psychology of an individual. There is great difference between physical exercises and yoga practices is the way they are done, former does not involve or involve mind mechanically and habitually while later involve mind consciously for raising the level of consciousness. That is why Patanjali says practitioner of asana become immune to dualities i.e. one gains powers at physical and mental level to remain unaffected by pains and pleasures, hot and cold and other dualities.

Yoga is not a religion

Religion follows particular belief in god, codes, rituals and customs in order to live a religious life. Further, adherence to rules and rituals and rites written in religious scriptures are very important in religious life. Yoga inspires one to live spiritual life that transcends all religions on one hand while on the other hand, inculcates qualities, develops attitude for becoming a better person in personal, professional, social lives. Yoga even, does not meet the traditional definitions of a religion as it aspires for a consciousness that transcends all religions, customs, dogma, belief etc.

Yoga is not a magic

Yoga is neither renunciation nor indulgence

Many people who have vague idea about yoga considers it a form of penance, renunciation, ascetics, self immolation etc. yoga is not any one of them, neither yoga believes in indulgence as is done in many forms of tantra Yoga. However, ancient Yoga maters had done innumerable experimentation to explore, rediscover the purest and the highest consciousness that directly manifests peace, love, harmony, and bliss and takes one to fourth state of consciousness. However, the practices of penance and renunciation help in controlling attachments, indulgence, sufferings etc. Many people practice self immolation by torturing the body i.e. lying on a bed of nails, burying oneself underground, chewing or swallowing pieces of glass, drinking acid, swallowing nails or piercing oneself with pins and needles. These practices do not come under yoga as they offer extreme sufferings, problems, afflictions, pain etc and indicate abnormal mentality.

Yoga is not performance of rites and rituals