What is the difference between yoga as a Hindu activity and yoga as a secular activity?
The main difference between yoga in the Hindu tradition and yoga
as a secular activity is in the intent of the practice. While many
Westernized forms of yoga are more athletic and body-oriented than
the classical Hatha tradition, most of the poses are still the
same, as is the emphasis on breathing, focus and calm. In addition,
the concept of yoga in Hinduism encompasses much more than the
physical practice. One of the foundational texts of yoga lists
eight limbs, or elements of yoga, including meditation, physical
practice and codes of ethics. While some schools of Western yoga
still dwell on the spiritual side, most secular yoga classes spend
less time on it.