Christian Yoga?

There is an interesting article in the September 5th issue of Time magazine. This particular article covers a spectrum of opinions about mixing Christianity with Yoga. Even, if you don't agree with a single opinion, it's a good read, as long as you remain objective.

Over the course of time, I have been lucky enough to teach, or practice, with someone from every known religious denomination; so the statement by a Professor Tiwari at the Hindu University of America, where he states that, "Yoga is Hinduism," is surprising, coming from a scholar. Possibly, this statement was taken out of context, but fundamentalism exists, to a degree, in every form of religion.

If some Christians want to practice Yoga to make a closer connection to God, who are any of us to criticize it? Isn't one of Yoga's purposes, the union of self with a Supreme Being? So what is the big deal?

Truthfully, many fundamentalists are all about division - keeping the masses divided, at war with each other, and preferably, in a "holy war." They fear the unity of mankind, letting go of power, and world peace. They don't want to loosen their grip on their followers, so they squeeze a little more.

So if a Christian group wants to practice "Son Salutations", or "PraiseMoves," give them a break. Yoga is practiced in sectarian atmospheres by a variety of different religions. Nobody has a monopoly on Yoga. Yoga is a complete health maintenance system for mind, body, and spirit.

There is a type of Yoga for everyone, and some people want a little more spiritual flavor than others. Since Yoga has been around for at least 5,000 years, there is a very big variety to choose from.

As for skeptics who "point the finger" at each other - "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone?" It might be best if we all practice a little more mindfulness, and loving kindness, before we decide to criticize things we don't understand.

Yoga is "out of the bag." It is no longer practiced by a particular group. Therefore, Yoga is a public treasure, and not a genie that we will confine to a bottle. No matter how many people try to patent, or copyright, Yoga, it will be practiced within every corner of the earth.

So, please read the article in Time magazine and enjoy it, but take the time to remain objective. Recognize motives and words for their hidden agenda. Most of all, remain in good relations with your fellow man.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.ht ml

---

Powered by Feedzilla

Contact Us Today For Ad Information...

Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Cheap Domain Names

Yoga For a Beginner

Yoga for a beginner is an exciting time when you... Read More

Yoga Position ? What Does Each Type Do?

I often wondered what the value of each type of... Read More

What is Self Mastery? - Part 1

Self Mastery, alone, sounds like a selfish term; but if... Read More

Maybe Bikram is Right?

For some reason, I had the time to sit down... Read More

How to Use Yoga DVDs and Videos to Round Out Your Practice

I absolutely love using yoga DVDs and yoga videos during... Read More

Nine Things You Should Know About Yoga for Children

Here are some guidelines and realistic expectations for parents, who... Read More

Child Yoga ? What is All the Fun About?

Many adults have taken up yoga, but yoga has not... Read More

Pain and Sorrow

Patanjali in his Yogasutra describes that people are afflicted with... Read More

The Benefit of Yoga

The benefit of yoga practice goes far beyond the actual... Read More

Ayurveda and Yoga, Ancient Sister Sciences

Ayurveda and yoga are sister sciences that have been united... Read More

Some Tantric Exercises to Increase General Well-Being and Sexual Abilities

A healthy anal and genital area is of great importance... Read More

Om Yoga Meditation: Why Yoga?

The following is an excerpt from the book "Om Yoga:... Read More

Are You Willing To Follow Eight Yoga Exercises For the Lower Back?

EXERCISES FOR BACK RELIEFMany people believe that rest is best... Read More

Hot Yoga - Bikrams Twenty Six

Even though the world population has shifted from mainly rural... Read More

Yoga, Do Not Knock It Until You Try It

Are you one of those folks who have never tried... Read More

Hatha Yoga

One of the many subsets of the 5000 year old... Read More

Yoga for Every BODY

We all want to feel loved, open, free and peaceful.... Read More

Christian Yoga?

There is an interesting article in the September 5th issue... Read More

Yoga is Unity

Experienced Yoga practitioners often feel discouraged when a naturally gifted... Read More

Stress - How To Manage Effectively

Stress is very common in all walks of life and... Read More

Eating Disorders And The Use Of Yoga In Prevention And Treatment

It was not so long ago that eating disorders, such... Read More

Eight Amazing Benefits of Teaching Yoga

Every challenging occupation yields some sort of satisfaction, but the... Read More

Paths of Yoga I

With dozens of Hollywood celebrities following in their Guru's lotus... Read More

Yoga - The Solution for Insomnia

At one time, or another, all of us have experienced... Read More

Will Yoga Help You Lose Weight?

I suppose it was only a matter of time before... Read More