Chapter 6 Science of Yoga

Yoga is a pure science. It is neither theistic nor atheistic. Patanjali was neither atheist nor an atheist. Theism is mythology; atheism is anti-mythology. They are both fictional, human-made allegories. One suits some people; another suits others. Patanjali had no interest in legends or myths. He was only concerned with naked truth. He would not embellish, dress up, or decorate the truth. That was not his way.

Patanjali truly is a miracle of humanity, the pinnacle of human achievement. He never spoke of God. Even when he did, it was only as one of the ways to reach that ultimate goal; God does not exist. Believing in God is merely a technique that makes prayer possible; through faith in God, surrender becomes more likely. Most importantly: surrender and prayer, not God. Patanjali is truly incredible! He said that God—belief in God, the concept of God—is also one of the many techniques for reaching the truth. Ishwara pranidhan: Believing in God is only one path. But it is not a necessity; you can choose other paths. You come to my house via a fixed street route; these streets are not the destination; they merely help you get there. You can also come to my house from different streets; others arrive via different routes. Perhaps you pass through a verdant street; other routes are not . So God is only one path. Remember the difference: God is not the destination; he is only one of the paths to it.

Patanjali was a scientist within the religious world. He was absolutely scientific. He didn't adhere to any concepts. That's rare. That's why Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are rare and unique. Such a classic is unprecedented and unparalleled because he recorded everything that could be written about yoga; not a single detail was omitted. No one could add anything more. There will never be another possibility in the future for anyone to create a Yoga Sutras like Patanjali's. He completed his work completely, and he was able to do so entirely because he was impartial. If he had any bias, he wouldn't have been able to complete it completely. Patanjali never denied or assumed. He was absolutely scientific. He wasn't creating a religion; he simply showed you all the possible paths and laws that could transform you. God is just one path; he's not a necessity. Not believing in God doesn't mean you're not religious. Patanjali said you can reach your goal without believing in God; you don't need to concern yourself with God.

Before we delve into that, we need to understand the difference between scientists and religious figures. Scientists are uncompromising. Patanjali wouldn't compromise with you. Whatever the facts, he stated them. He wouldn't lower himself even a small step to engage with you; he would never compromise. Science must be like that. Science cannot compromise; otherwise, it would become a religion.

This has caused a tremendous shock and confusion throughout history. Christians find it difficult to imagine how the Buddha attained ultimate truth because he never believed in God. Hindus also find it difficult to imagine how Mahavira achieved final liberation because he never believed in God. H.G. Wells once described the Buddha as: "The Buddha was the most atheistic yet the most devout. He never believed in God and never wanted anyone to believe in God, yet he himself was the ultimate manifestation of divinity." Mahavira, similarly, attained truth without needing God.

This is the key point: Some people reach their destination through God, which is good—reaching the destination through faith in God, because once the destination is achieved, you will discard your faith. In other words, faith is merely a tool. If you have no faith, that's fine; you don't need faith. Reach your destination through non-faith means.