Yoga for Christians
Posted on 04/03/2008 9:49:57 AM PDT by Terriergal
Hindu religious leaders have strongly criticized a Catholic spiritual teacher for encouraging her pupils to find God through yoga.
Tue, Apr. 01, 2008 Posted: 09:32:22 AM EST
Hindu religious leaders have strongly criticized a Catholic spiritual teacher for encouraging her pupils to find God through yoga.
Winnie Young, 96, meanwhile, questions why people misunderstand yoga to be a religion.
Young who studied yoga under one of the world's leading yoga practitioners, Yogacharya BKS Iyengar, claims to have spent most of her life teaching yoga.
She says the national yoga institute that she founded in 1975 practices Hatha yoga, which advocates controlled breathing to calm the body and cleanse the mind in an effort to achieve nirvana – an elevated mental state.
Explaining how yoga helped her draw closer to Christ, Young says, “I have been led by my Christian beliefs, but I don’t do indoctrination. I teach as a Christian, my Christian principles guide me.”
In her book “Yoga for the Christian,” Young concedes that she knows yoga is based on an Eastern philosophy but says Christians don’t have to accept the Hindu beliefs incorporated in yoga.
“[Christians] can learn the techniques and use it in a better way,” she says
Ashwn Trikamjee, the head of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, however, has criticized Young's ideas.
"It's hypocrisy of the highest order. I don’t understand how anyone can teach yoga from a Christian background," he commented.
Trikamjee further added that if Christians want to teach yoga, they should teach the true form and not be guided by any religion.
Yoga teacher Kanchana Moodliar, on the other hand, feels that it is possible to teach yoga from different faith perspectives.
“Yoga does form part of the Hindu religion, but does that mean we need to own it and not share it? Are we not about sharing, tolerance, embracing all and about making better people, no matter what their religion is?” she asked.
“Yoga is a philosophy, and the practice is an exact science aimed at reaching a higher consciousness, so it can be adopted by anyone who has a yearning to connect with the Divine," Moodliar continued.
“So, whether yoga is taught from a Christian point of view or Hindu, as long as it enables the yogi to get into their bodies and through the body reach a higher consciousness, who are we to stop that?” she said.
Last September, two church halls in England refused to allow a children's exercise class to be held on their premises because it taught "un-Christian" yoga.
At the time, the Rev. Tim Jones, vicar of St. James’s, defended the decision, saying: “Yoga may appear harmless or even beneficial, but it is encouraging people to think that there is a way to wholeness of body and mind through human techniques – whereas the only true way to wholeness is by faith in God through Jesus Christ.”
Yoga instructor Louise Woodcock, however, insisted that her class had no religious content at all, and only involve music and movement.
“I explained to the church that my yoga is a completely nonreligious activity. Some types of adult yoga are based on Hindu and Buddhist meditation but it’s not a part of the religion and there is no dogma involved,” she said.
Dibin Samuel
Christian Post Correspondent
I agree with Ashwin Trikamjee.
Key phrases from the story:
“Yoga does form part of the Hindu religion," "“Yoga is a philosophy,"
Yes, and we are to reject philosophies which conflict with Scripture.
"and the practice is an exact science aimed at reaching a higher consciousness, so it can be adopted by anyone who has a yearning to connect with the Divine,"
(read - connect with the supernatural, not the divine - because God has said we cannot connect with him this way)
Rev Tim Jones: “Yoga may appear harmless or even beneficial, but it is encouraging people to think that there is a way to wholeness of body and mind through human techniques – whereas the only true way to wholeness is by faith in God through Jesus Christ.”
Exactly. To think we can augment our spirituality or connection to God with 'spiritual disciplines' of any sort is an offense to Christ, and his sufficiency, also to the sufficiency of Scripture to guide our lives.
“I explained to the church that my yoga is a completely nonreligious activity.
Then don't call it Yoga. The word YOGA itself means 'union with the divine' or YOKING with the divine.
Words mean things. If you are teaching stretching with no religious/spiritual aspect, you are not teaching Yoga and are advertising falsely. Teach Pilates instead, doesn't that have no spiritual connotation but involves the same physical idea?
Thanks for the ping
Instructions to Timothy
1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
6If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
9This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.
11Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Teach Pilates instead, doesn’t that have no spiritual connotation but involves the same physical idea?
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And you get a good core body workout. When I walk for my exercise I pray and essentially meditate as a Christian. I find the combination of prayer and exercise a good one . . . so stretching and prayer would go very well together. But that’s probably different than Yoga.
yup!
As Christians we should pray without ceasing! :-)
But yes that’s different than Yoga.
Ok...?
I looked at your profile:
“When I’m concerned about something, I figure out a plan of action, and then I give it to God...I just ask to be carried through it. God’s never failed me yet.” - Condoleezza Rice
Great quote.
I find it easy to almost completely focus on prayer while doing aerobic exercise; it’s a bit harder to focus on prayer when I’m on a business call! I don’t know what that says about me as a Christian . . . maybe there is the ability to truly pray continuously for some rather than snatch a brief prayer in the midst of a moment . . . but walking (and I’d imagine heavy stretching) almost always allows me deep focus on prayer and meditation. Even Christ chose to walk away and be alone in prayer sometimes. I spend maybe 40 minutes a day in prayer that way, while taking my walk, and the prayer is very continuous and fulfilling.
I am of two minds on this (pun). Yes, the only way to wholeness in the ultimate sense is through faith in God through Jesus Christ. However, I do believe that eastern arts, medicines and techniques can offer some practical benefits without compromising one's Christian spiritual position. Having said that, I choose not to participate in Yoga because it is too tied in with its religious background. However, I will participate in Tai Chi, which in most instances is not so intertwined. Back when I was actively doing the exercises I would often say my Catholic prayers at the same time.
If you are excercising while praying that’s fine... it’s the idea that severe treatment of the body results in higher spirituality that is the problem, or that you can achieve closeness to God by some ritual not prescribed in Scripture (frankly communion and baptism are only valid because of God’s Word being present in the act) that’s where the problem is. And that is exactly what Yoga says.
http://yoga.iloveindia.com/what-yoga.html
“Yoga focuses on harmony between mind and body. Yoga derives its philosophy from Indian metaphysical beliefs. The word yoga comes from Sanskrit language and means union or merger. The ultimate aim of this philosophy is to strike a balance between mind and body and attain self-enlightenment. “
Yoga Uncoiled by Caryl Matrisciana
http://carylmatrisciana.com/x2/content/view/38/56/
“Many believe they can practice yoga postures, breathing, and focusing techniques devoid of yoga’s spirituality, not realizing that yoga is an inherent part of Hindu philosophy which teaches man and nature are one with divinity.”
“Video-journalist Caryl Matrisciana, who was born and raised in India, returns to her native land to search for truth among India’s leading experts and examines what Christian Yoga practitioners in the West are saying about their Yoga participation.”
****
There is a video at that link also.
I know what you mean. :-) But I think it just means to be praying A LOT! Much as you would communicate to your family during the day. like “Keep the lines of communication open always!”
"Wholeness", perhaps not. But Hatha Yoga can certainly be healthful exercise if one proceeds carefully. Taken in that spirit I see nothing wrong with us non-Hindus practicing it. ....at least in its non-religious aspects.
There is NO WAY I could ever do that. I’m doomed. :O)
“It’s hypocrisy of the highest order. I don’t understand how anyone can teach yoga from a Christian background,” he commented.
I agree with Ashwin Trikamjee.
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you comment on your agreement with Ashwin...you must therefore fully understand Ashwin’s philosophy. Is this the case?
Key phrases from the story:
“Yoga does form part of the Hindu religion,” ““Yoga is a philosophy,”
Yes, and we are to reject philosophies which conflict with Scripture.
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Are you suggesting that the “philosophy” of yoga cannot be compatible with a christian faith? If so you have little faith in your god!
“and the practice is an exact science aimed at reaching a higher consciousness, so it can be adopted by anyone who has a yearning to connect with the Divine,”
(read - connect with the supernatural, not the divine - because God has said we cannot connect with him this way)
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Is not god everywhere, in everything? If so, how is it that you could not be with god in yoga?
Rev Tim Jones: “Yoga may appear harmless or even beneficial, but it is encouraging people to think that there is a way to wholeness of body and mind through human techniques – whereas the only true way to wholeness is by faith in God through Jesus Christ.”
Exactly. To think we can augment our spirituality or connection to God with ‘spiritual disciplines’ of any sort is an offense to Christ, and his sufficiency, also to the sufficiency of Scripture to guide our lives.
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An offense to christ??? Do you have the mind of christ, and by default the mind of god to make such a statement?
“I explained to the church that my yoga is a completely nonreligious activity.
Then don’t call it Yoga. The word YOGA itself means ‘union with the divine’ or YOKING with the divine.
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Is it possible that there can be a unique personal connection with yoga that is not religious (i.e., that strives to unite ones body and mind, and takes no position on the supernatural)? Even if this is not possible in your mind given your post, is it not possible that words may have more than one meaning to more than one person? Given this, is it therefore not possible that the “devine” has nothing to do with the supernatural (i.e., a god) but rather has to do with a personal experience of concious awareness derived from yoga?
Words mean things. If you are teaching stretching with no religious/spiritual aspect, you are not teaching Yoga and are advertising falsely. Teach Pilates instead, doesn’t that have no spiritual connotation but involves the same physical idea?
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Words do mean things...they mean many different things to many different people. Your strict interpretation of the term “yoga” is your interpretation, and possibly that of thers. Nonetheless, there are still others that will have their own interpretation. To suggest that this is “advertising falsely” stipulates that there is only one “yoga”. I think that it has been suggested within these threads, and it is clearly evident in the world outside of this blog, that there may be more than one definition of “yoga”.
But I figure this one is yours
An offense to christ??? Do you have the mind of christ, and by default the mind of god to make such a statement?
Yes, in fact, we as Christians do - see Scripture below... (though not all who claim Christianity are truly of Christ, and no true Christian is 100 percent faithful and obedient all the time even in their thoughts).
Funny that with all the yoga-ing going on people still (implied by your question) don't. What is the point of uniting with the "divine" then?
1 cor 2:12-16 12Now(U) we have received not(V) the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13And we impart this(W) in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit,(X) interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.[c]
14The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are(Y) folly to him, and(Z) he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15The(AA) spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16(AB) "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But(AC) we have the mind of Christ.
I agree with his statement.
However, using your own requirement here, you have prohibited yourself from commenting on Christian use of Yoga since you do not fully understand Christianity. (As illustrated by your challenge "do you have the mind of Christ?").
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