Yoga as a Religion

              Yoga is not a religion. That being said, yoga can act as a supplement or a compliment to religious practice and traditions without interfering or disputing ones beliefs or faith. Furthermore, similarities and skills developed throughout years of practice as a yogi can assist your religious disciplines when it comes to the extremes of religious practices that require a great amount of discipline and focus.
              Throughout history, yoga and famous yogis have marginally attempted to keep themselves removed from religious quarrels and disputes in an attempt to harmonize the relationship between yoga and the rest of the known world. Yogic teaching never attempt to dispute or criticize other religious practices, therefore it can be practiced by Muslims, Christians, Catholics, Hindus, and any other religious practices.
              Yoga should never separate itself from religion entirely as it can survive and thrive being recognized as a compliment to religious traditional practices while maintaining a neutral stance between all religions. I see yoga more as a lifestyle and as a form of discipline that is useful for enhancing quality of life and possibly performance in other arts and religious practices.