Comments on: What type of yoga classes would be good for a Christian?

By: Suneel Raj

Suneel Raj — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:30:04 +0000

This is a genuine query of a genuine thinker.
Yoga’s origin is religious and mystical. There cannot be meditation without any thought. It is also doubtful how trustworthy the yoga advertisements are. What is needed is discernment. Good to choose a trustworthy teacher. Yoga forms in the west I feel are modified to suit the people.
Whereas people in the Indian educational schools are still practicing the religious yoga.

By: yati

yati — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:05:33 +0000

There is nothing wrong with ‘stretching’ or an occasional ‘sipping of wine’. When we refer to the former as Yoga(s) (various progressive religious practices found exclusively in Hinduism and sects) and the later as Communion (sacred concretions practices in Christianity), we are now speaking of religious practices specific to specific religions…Hinduism/Christianity. In misusing these words, it is misleading and unethical. In the case of Yoga it is now a distorted business that has exploited the Hindus. Calling a ‘wine tasting’ Communion, with little reflection, is equally as ludicrous, but stealing from Hindus for some reason becomes acceptable to many! Here are some FACTS the phoney yogi/yoginis throw around in ignorance:
~Sanskrit: The ancient language of the Hindus [Webster's] Note: all subsequent terms are Sanskrit (Skr.) and thus Hindu
~Aum/Om: The most sacred syllable in Hinduism [Oxford World Religions]
~yoga: Skr. “Hinduism” [Webster's]
~yoga: Oneness of Atmana and Brahman [Dict. of Skr. Names]
~yogi/yogini: (male/female) Hindu Ascetic [Oxford World Rel.]
~Atmana: Skr. Self/Spirit; Hinduism [Webster's]
~Brahman: Skr. Hindu Religion [Webster's]
~yoga: Skr. A Hindu discipline [Oxford Am. Dict.]
~ yoga: Skr. A system of Hindu religious philosophy [Thorndike Barnhardt]
~yoga: Skr. general term for spiritual disciplines in Hinduism [Columbia Encyclopedia]
~Swami: Skr. Title of respect of a (Hindu) Holy man or teacher. [Oxford World Religions]
~Guru: Skr. A teacher of worldly skills…more often of religious knowledge…liberation (Moksa). [Oxford World religions]
~Moksa: Release/liberation – the fourth and ultimate goal of Hinduism. [Oxf. World Religion]
~The first recorded evidence of the Skr. word “yoga” is found in the Vedas.
~Veda Skr. The most ancient sacred literature of the Hindus. [Webster's]
~Upanishads: Text in Hinduism which ends or completes the Vedic corpus (body of [Hindu] laws)

By: xristos_48

xristos_48 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:55:59 +0000

I suggest you take a look at http://yoga-experts.cjb.net/ it is a great yoga website with a lot of information and advice.
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By: Ancient

Ancient — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:23:59 +0000

The mantras that yoga practitioners chant are words of worship for strange gods (including aum). The body positions are also meant as forms of worship. It is better to stay away from yoga, acupuncture, transcendental meditation, qi gung, zen, and many martial arts. Feng Shui of course is also a heathen form of worship.

4:7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

4:9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

4:11 These things command and teach.

4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
———————
14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

May the Lord bless you and keep you always.
References :
1 Tim 4:7-16
John 14:11-17

By: Dances with Buddha

Dances with Buddha — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:39:59 +0000

You could take any one particular type of Hatha yoga being taught by two different instructors, and find that one taught with a lot of ‘mystical’ emphasis, while the other did not.

Teachers of any subject, including yoga teachers, can be highly individual in their teaching styles.
This includes what details they feel are important, or not important, to emphasize.

Therefore, you would probably learn much more by speaking to the instructor before you take a class and express your concern.
If their answer does not reassure you, move on and find another instructor to ask.

Namaste’,
dwb

ps When their site is back up, you may be interested in Yahweh Yoga, which bills itself as Christ centered yoga:
http://yahwehyoga.com/ .
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By: berryqueen

berryqueen — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:14:59 +0000

LOL just because it has that "eastern mysticism" doesn’t mean you have to "convert."
yoga classes offered at gyms are typically for the sole purpose of working out and have nothing to do with "religion."
it’s not religious at all, and i think you are a tad bit misinformed about what the practice of yoga really is.
i have taken lots of yoga classes and still consider myself a good christian! : )
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By: The mom

The mom — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:53:59 +0000

You can take any yoga class you like. Meditation techniques are valuable, and even the early Church fathers encouraged people to meditate on the Bible. As a Christian, you know God is Father of everyone and truths can be found in most all religious beliefs. You can ignore anything that conflicts with your own beliefs, and take from the yoga what benefits there are for you to find. I’ve never been to a yoga class yet that required you to convert. Even the mantras are only nonsensical sounds, and with practice you can use whatever words you prefer. So if you would like to attend a yoga class, I do not see why you could not do so in good conscience and still maintain your Christian beliefs. Solid faith is not so easily shaken.
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nurse

By: mark

mark — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:26:59 +0000

Meditation is not religious. It is spiritual and getting in touch with yourself. It does not conflict with your Christianity.
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By: Michael J. Beggs

Michael J. Beggs — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:20:59 +0000

Most yoga I have seen in classes does not involve mysticism or meditation. Most DVDs you can pick up on yoga don't involve the religous aspects if that is what you are concerned about.
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By: CHARLOTTE

CHARLOTTE — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:52:59 +0000

http://getinnthis.mitchill.com
A very informative website, kindly stay a minute in website and check
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