Maybe you’ve heard or read that “yoga is a science.” I know many yoga teachers and practitioners who define it this way. So, what does that even mean? And is yoga actually science?
The answer depends on who you ask. Let’s start by defining what science is.
Crack it open, dust it off
The Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines science in the following ways:
- the state of knowing
- knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws, especially as obtained and tested through the scientific method
- such knowledge or such a system of knowledge concerned with the physical world and its phenomena
If you turned to a Western-trained scientist, and asked if yoga fits these definitions, you’d like likely hear “no!”
Another useful definition from the Science Council may help further explain the “no” response: science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following systematic methodology based on evidence.” This methodology involves building and organizing knowledge that is testable and repeatable.
So, based on this more explicit definition of science, yoga’s approach to the study of the self and the nature of the universe does not fit. Yes, there is a growing body of research literature on the benefits of yoga from a biological and psychological perspective but the available evidence is in its infancy.
The push back
Yoga means “union” as defined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the ancient text of yoga. But if you turn back to your dictionary, here are some other definitions:
- a Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation
- a system of physical postures, breathing techniques, and sometimes meditation derived from yoga but often practiced independently especially in Western cultures to promote physical and emotional well-being
Both definitions are limiting. While there are references to yoga in Hindu literature, it is not inherently a religious, blind worship sort of practice. And if you just looked at the more popular Western version of yoga, you could simply define it as something that makes you more flexible and calm. That sounds great, but this version is kind of like making a meal without any spices.
Yoga’s primary, fundamental purpose is to build awareness and understanding of the nature of the mind so you can live with greater ease. It teaches us how to do this in a systematic way through the 8 limbs of yoga. So, its systematic? Yes. And, it is a process of building knowledge? Well, yes. And it has done so over hundreds of years, repeated through the experience of many practitioners? Okay, yes. So, it’s a science then! No, not so fast.
So, what’s the truth?
Yoga builds knowledge in its own systematic, case-study-of-one kind of way. It does so using different methods (postures, breath work, meditation, wisdom) that do not fit into the standard and accepted definitions of science. The definition of yoga as a science is reaching into territory that is out of its current scope.
The scientific study of it has yet to build a critical mass of evidence on its effectiveness or value for disease prevention and treatment. It may be more helpful to define it as a system or model for how to approach life. You also could look at it as a non-dogmatic, mind-body health maintenance tool. It is something to be experienced to be understood, and from my perspective, has unlimited value for most everyone. So, how do you see it?