Is yoga scientific? This is a question I am often asked, in various forums. The problem that lies with this question is essentially with the understanding of what yoga is, what science is and the overarching sense of insecurity that is faced by many people relating to the Indian identity.

Let us first explain what science is. Science is a method of thinking where nothing is classified as fact, unless it is measurable and reproducible. Based on a set of facts, a hypothesis is formed which is checked on the basis of it being reliable and reproducible. If that is real it is considered to be a true event. Science is based on doubt, and it is based on evidence. Most importantly, the notion of scientific truth is not fixed, it changes as data changes and methodologies change.