Bodhinatha's Yoga Panel in Melbourne

Bodhinatha was with a noble group of panelists this morning, discussing yoga. The main question before the panel was whether yoga is a Hindu practice or a dogma-neutral exercise that anyone of any religion can follow. The subtext of the panel was whether yoga is a kind of covert way to bring souls onto the Hindu path. Officially, it was titled; Practicing Yoga: Covert Conversion to Hinduism or the Key to Mind-Body Wellness for All? Interesting topic! Left to right is Suhag of the Hindu American Foundation, Dr. Chris Chappel, Leigh Bruhmshi who is Australia's foremost yoga teacher trainer and to Bodhintha's left Dr. Amir Isahak, a Malaysian sufi.

Bodhinatha was first, and presented his Keynote, which proved the perfect overview for all that followed in the next hour.

He was the only one with a Keynote. His words set the stage for a dynamic panel and discussion to follow.

Suhag Shukla gave the second generation Hindu view, and lamented that all of the jewels of Hinduism are being appropriated, including yoga. She argued that yoga is indeed inextricably tied to Hinduism.

Dr. Chapple took the opposite view, saying that yoga belongs to a broader world and is not essentially Hindu.

The sufi spoke of how yoga was important in his life, but that the ultimate goal for him had to be proximity to God and not union in God, which was an important difference for him as a spiritual Muslim. Lively questions and discussions followed. All congratulated Bodhinatha for his lucid summary. Suhag asked the monks afterwards, "Where do you get all of this wonderful stuff!"