It would be an interesting study to trace how the “original intent of the “ancients” got so tainted with a corrupt style of thought or ‘impersonalism’ as you describe it. The great Deceiver perhaps feared where adherents of “hatha” yoga went spiritually when they indulged in it and and he therefore sought to corrupt it.
Even the Bible states..”Be still and know that I am God”...and learning to center “down” in his presence is important. Yet strange Yoga contortions are not necessary to quiet oneself before God....just an attitude of humility! Yoga, stripped of its corrupting promises of “inner godhood”(the ancient lie of the garden), might be a good form of exercise as you put it....but it is the HOLY SPIRIT that causes the inner man to shine out in the surrounding darkness of this world! Yoga can’t touch what God brings to the inner man!
Jesus did not indulge in Yoga, if he had, he would have taught his disciples and us to do so.
The “be still” part of that verse can be misinterpreted.
The actual language connotation is more closely akin to “cease striving [on your own]”. It’s more of an admonition to not rely on your own strength, wisdom, and efforts, but to turn to God.
“Jesus did not indulge in Yoga, if he had, he would have taught his disciples and us to do so.”
Remember, Jesus said to his disciples There are things that I share with you that you should not share with other people. They are not ready for it. Do not give your pearls to the swine lest they turn on you.
For thousands of years, yoga was not taught outside of the ashrams as it was too powerful for the common folk to experience. The spiritual awakening process can cause severe harm to an individual if they do not have proper guidance. I have cleaned up the messes that improper knowledge of yoga has created in people from both Kripala in MA and Himilayan Institute in PA, two of the top yoga schools on the east coast. The number one problem is partial paralysis of the lower limbs from blowing out an energy center. The student loses the ability to walk or stand. Yoga can be dangerous, but like a surgical knife, it can be very, very beneficial. Thankfully most people teaching yoga truly do not understand it and therefor do not have the ability to take it to levels that harm their students.
The key is not in the stretchng and postures, the key is in the focus location of consciousness and the breathework such as in kundalini yoga.
There is a very true saying.. “Never meditate/or do yoga over the septic tank!”