Can't Yoga and Christmas Trees Just Get Along?

Some parents in Canada believe yoga stretches constitute religion and that for that reasons teachers ought not teach them in an exercise program. The article "B[ritish] C[olumbia] school yoga classes slammed" has the details.

I believe that calling the yoga exercise (the stuff mostly taught in America on exercise videos and at YMCAs, etc.) a religion is like claiming that giving someone a gift on Christmas is a way to commit your life to Jesus.

I understand yoga physical exercises to be extracted from the philosophy, Yoga, developed in India. Yoga is a part of the Hindu religion (but also important in Buddhism and Jainism). Yoga apparently consists not only of postures, but also meditation, social action, devotion and study. Unless these kids are doing all this stuff according to Hindu practice, they are not going to become Hindus, no matter how hard anyone tries.

However, I note that many non-Christians have been very extreme in reacting to practicing in schools connected with — though not promoting — Christianity, e.g., Christmas trees and parties, etc. Often, the media views these people as defenders of civil liberties and religious freedom.

The reaction of the parents fighting the yoga stretches is fanatical overreaction. Perhaps, it should give us some perspective, though, on the liberal protesting that crosses the line to fanaticism: against prayers in school? — understandable. Against a Christmas tree — what happened to 'tolerance'?

So I don't think the yoga exercises should be considered a problem. If people in the Canadian school in question like their jobs, however, I hope that yoga-leading teacher is avoiding using words like "energy", "soul", "being", etc. during yoga stretches.