The benefit of yoga is twofold - increased health and unification of the
spirit with the body. It is accomplished through the use of many different
aspects, but mainly through the combination of Asanas, or postures, and
breathing/meditation practices.
This raises many question in the
Christian community. In my research for this article, I was very surprised at
the viewpoint of the Christian apologists, and their take on yoga and its
practice. I have hesitated on writing this article because of that viewpoint.
However, I feel that this question and the stance of the Christian community
warrants reflection on the subject.
Yoga has a history dating back over
five thousand years, to the beginning of the civilization of man. Little is
really known about Yoga. it is believed to have originated in Mehrgarh, a
neolithic settlement in what is now Afghanistan. Scholars believe it has grown
out of Stone Age Shamanism. In this early period of civilization's beginnings,
Yoga was a community resource, because of its attempts to determine cosmic order
through inner vision, and apply it to daily living. In later years, yoga evolved
into an inner dialogue through which the Yogis sought to develop their own
salvation and enlightenment.
Archaeological evidence of the existence of
Yoga first appeared in stone seals excavated from the Indus valley. It depicted
figures in many Yogic Asanas, or postures, and officially put Yoga in the time
period of approximately 3000 B.C. Of greater import, it also linked yoga to the
great Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, a period in time that was considered modern
and efficient.
From the Indus-Sarasvati civilization came the ancient
texts known as the Vedas, the oldest scriptures in the world. The Vedas are a
collection of hymns that praise a higher power and contains the oldest recorded
history of Yoga teachings. The Vedas required the practitioner to transcend
human limitations, and reach a higher spiritual plane. In later years, texts
known as the Brahmanas were written to explain the rituals and the hymns of the
Vedas. Following this came the Aranyakas texts, which outlined the practice of
Yogis living in the seclusion of the forest. This led to the beginning of
India's medical tradition, known as Ayurveda. All in all, Yoga transformed into
a practice of health, harmony of the spirit, and a way of life.
The
Christian viewpoint is thus - if one opens the mind to clearer thinking and
inner vision, they open the spirit to demonic possession. It is felt that Yoga
practice borders on occultism, and that opening one's mind and spirit to the
benefit of yoga is both dangerous and against everything Christianity preaches.
Christians believe that studying yoga is akin to practicing Hinduism, and one
cannot separate the philosophy of Hinduism from their Christian beliefs,
regardless of the health benefit of yoga.
As a practicing Buddhist, I
take issue with this viewpoint. To me, this smacks of tunnel vision and
narrowmindedness. A Christian is expected to open their heart and minds to
Jesus, and to give in to the spirit of the Lord. They are expected to rely on
blind faith, and to accept the word of God as the only truth in the world. A
thinking person would find this hypocritical, for on the one hand Christians
preach that Yoga must be avoided because opening the mind to clearer vision
encourages the possibility of demonic possession, yet on the other hand preaches
that one must open the mind and heart to accept Jesus into their lives. Opening
one's heart and mind is exactly that - whether it is to look into one's self, or
to accept Jesus into their lives. If, as Christians preach, we are open to
demonic possession if we look inside ourselves and open the mind to all the
possibilities, how then can we safely open our hearts to the concept of
Christianity? Is there a gatekeeper who makes this decision when we do so that
determines what path we are to follow? I think not...
For the record, I
was raised in a Christian household. My father was the deacon of a small Baptist
church in the farming community where we lived. My mother, who taught us
children to question everything, moved from the Baptist community to the
Assembly of God churches, and was ostracized by my father. I think that to her
dying day, she resented my father for this narrowmindedness. Life is a matter of
choice, and my mother believed that we are not required to operate under the
illusion of blind faith, but to do what is right to us as an individual. And it
is why I walk the Noble 8 Folded Path. It is simply a matter of choice, and
questioning everything in this universe.
I believe that the practice of
yoga is a good thing. It provides us with great health benefits, clearer vision,
and harmony in our souls. And in this day and age, what else is there? Whether
we be Christians, Muslims, or Buddhists, we must not disrespect the feelings and
thoughts of others, their rights to practice as they wish, or try to push our
views down other people's throats. To live in harmony is exactly that...
About the Author:
Alden Smith is a published and award winning
author who's website
http://www.benefitofyoga.blogspot.com informs and educates the person
wanting to learn more about yoga and its practice. Visit his site to stay
informed on the exciting world of yoga.
Yoga comes from a Hindu philosophy used to attain spiritual insight and
harmony, but generally refers in common use to a system of exercises that
is practiced as part of this discipline. The word itself is derived from
the Sanskrit "yeung", meaning to join. A yoke as used on oxen is closely
related, but also the same root gives us "join", "junction", "junta",
"adjust", "joust", and "juxapose" to name a few. The Mueller Center offers
classes for both beginners and those more advanced. ...
Meaning union with the divine, yoga is a philosophy and discipline
applied to the development of mind, body, and spirit. There are many
disciplines of yoga emphasizing different aspects or combination of mind
body spirit. Through practices of holding a variety of body positions or
asanas, and the centering of the mind and breath in a meditative way, the
practitioner increases body awareness, posture, flexibility of body and
mind and calmness of spirit.
An ancient system of practices originating in India. It is aimed at
integrating mind, body and spirit to enhance health and well-being. There
are many different forms of yoga. Hatha yoga — the most widely practised
form of yoga in the Western world — uses specific postures and breathing
exercises.
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