3 Non-yoga Yoga Teachings Your Should Know
In modern yoga the principles of non-judgement, compassion and acceptance are seen as foundations of the practice both on and off the mat. If we look outside the classical yoga texts, these same principles are found, and usually articulated in a more practical way through story telling. Here’s 3 of my favourite:
1. "He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone."
(John 8:7)
In this well-known story, Jesus is confronted with a crowd baiting to punish a woman accused of wrongdoing. Instead of endorsing their judgment, Jesus offers a simple challenge: “let he without sin cast the first stone.”You can imagine the silence as the crowd reflects, each person leaves, recognising their own imperfections.
Interpretation: This teaching calls for self-reflection before judgment. It reminds us of ahimsa (non-harming), a core yogic value that discourages harm in thought, word, and action. When we criticise or judge others, we’re often blind to our own flaws. By recognising that no one is perfect, we cultivate compassion and understanding, rather than blame. Practicing non-judgment, like yoga’s non-harming principles, encourages us to treat others with kindness and acceptance, fostering a sense of unity over division.
2. "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the plank in your own eye?"
(Matthew 7:3)
This teaching uses vivid imagery to highlight the tendency to focus on others’ minor faults while ignoring our own more significant issues. Jesus advises that we should first address our own shortcomings before criticising or trying to "fix" others.
Interpretation: This teaching emphasises self-awareness and the importance of inner work — central elements of yoga and mindfulness practices. Similar to the yogic principle of svadhyaya (self-study), this quote invites us to focus on our own personal growth and healing rather than fixating on others' flaws. Self-awareness, a cornerstone of meditation and mindful living, allows us to recognise our own biases, habits, and areas for improvement, so we can approach others with empathy rather than judgment.
3. "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
(Matthew 19:24)
Here, Jesus uses a striking metaphor to illustrate the difficulty of pursuing spiritual growth while being overly attached to material wealth and possessions. I don’t feel the teaching is saying there’s anything wrong with wealth, it’s more of a nod to attachment. He suggests that true spiritual connection is hindered by excessive focus on material gain and attachments.
Interpretation: This teaching touches on the concept of aparigraha (non-attachment), one of the yamas, or moral disciplines, in yoga. Yoga and many spiritual traditions view attachment to wealth, status, or material things as distractions from spiritual growth. Rather than focusing on accumulating possessions, we are encouraged to focus on inner fulfillment and contentment. Letting go of attachment — be it to material wealth, outcomes, or ego — allows for greater inner peace and freedom, helping us live more fully in the present moment and in alignment with our deeper values.
Bringing These Teachings into Yoga Practice
Together, these teachings encourage self-awareness, non-judgment, and letting go of attachments — qualities that support a mindful, compassionate, and balanced life. For yoga practitioners and teachers, reflecting on these messages can deepen our practice by reminding us that the journey inward often leads to greater empathy and detachment from external desires. Through these “non-yoga yoga teachings,” we can find guidance on how to treat ourselves and others with compassion, humility, and open-heartedness, supporting both our spiritual and personal growth.