 Dr. Elizabeth Yoga has become so popular in western society that even churches are advertising yoga classes.
The word yoga means, ‘union’ and the goal of yoga ranges from improving health to achieving ‘Moksha'. Moksha is liberation from all worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and to unite one’s temporary or transitory self with the infinite Brahman, the Hindu concept of God. This God is not a person, but a spiritual substance that is one with nature and the cosmos.
The core of yoga’s philosophy is that everything is supplied from each individual to enable them to reach ‘self enlightenment'.
Yoga is an ancient discipline that originated in India and yoga postures have been found on artifacts dating back to 3000 B.C.
The health benefits of yoga are innumerable and have been proven scientifically. Such benefits range from improved flexibility to lowering blood pressure and heart rates, to stress reduction and improving one’s mental focus.
There are many different kinds of yoga. Hatha Yoga focuses on the physical body through special postures (or ‘asanas’), breathing exercises, and meditation. It is the most common form of yoga practiced in the west. The ‘asanas’ are a way of preparing the body for the spiritual exercises or ‘withdrawl of the mind from the 'senses.’ As one sinks deeper into each asana, it becomes a mudra, a sacred expression of deep 'inner truth’ (Hatha Yoga: The Hidden Language by Swami Svananda Radha).
Kundalini Yoga is an advanced form of yoga, which enables the person to yoke with the universal self, creating a divine union.
Christian philosophy is totally opposite to that of yoga. The Bible teaches us to die to self. Jesus teaches us, "if anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it" (Luke 9:23-24). The Bible also teaches us to turn to God and to His Word to help us with life’s difficult questions rather than to look within ourselves to solve our problems (see Col. 2:8-10).
Is it possible for a Christian to isolate the physical aspects of yoga without incorporating the philosophy behind it? 1Peter 5:8 cautions us to be careful.
*Recommended Reading: The Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin
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Comment by Dr. Elizabeth on 2010-02-26 00:20:01
In response to your question Chris, a lot depends on the yoga teacher. Some do a lot of teaching & guided meditation. If one requests the teacher that all you want is the physical aspect of Hatha Yoga i.e stretches, & nothing else, I think they respect that. I see "Hot Yoga" advertised.This is where the temperature of the room is raised , so it is like going to a gym & getting a good workout. In Karate ,I believe ,the empasis is on self development, attitude etc. |
Comment by John H. on 2010-02-24 21:25:33
Thank you Dr. Elizabeth. I believe it’s important that we not simply follow the trends of our society without understanding the background. I’ve heard similar warnings about marshal arts. |
Comment by Kara on 2010-02-24 21:42:26
Hi Dr. Elizabeth,
Thank you for the history of yoga and where its roots come from. There is an exercise out there that has been formed from a lady who used to be deeply involved with yoga until she became a Christian. She expresses in her testimony on her website the same concerns and history of yoga as you have. She wanted to create an exercise program that is completely rooted in the Bible and Christian based but still has similar body movements, exercises, and stretches. She has created "Praise Moves" and you can look up her testimony and what the program is all about by googling it. I think it might be www.praisemoves.com but you should google it first and it will come up. I own two DVD's and it gives you all the stretching and strengthening benefits similar to yoga but instead she gives Biblical names and she speaks scriptures to you through out the session as you deep breath. Its all Bible and Hebrew based, and you still get an excellent workout without it being yoga or having any yoga roots. Look it up and read the history, its excellent. I love her videos. |
Comment by Anonymous on 2010-02-24 23:05:27
Yoga is evil and that´s all it is, But because the devil is tricky he makes his works look "Good" and when he gives men the chance to say you are god also, then men turn to wicked ways and enjoy trying to fill their own soul with lies. |
Comment by Chris on 2010-02-24 23:30:38
You raise an interesting question Dr. Elizabeth. Can the spiritual aspects of yoga be separated from the physical aspects? It would be the same question with karate. Can you separate the physical elements from the spiritual roots?
Thank you for getting us to think on these VERY important questions. |
Comment by Anon on 2010-02-24 23:32:56
Remember the devil is described as an 'angel of light'. He makes it seem like he's doing good by putting sin together with Scripture. We can so easily be deceived! Be on guard. |
Comment by Anonymous on 2010-02-25 10:50:12
Thanks Elizabeth for your dissertation. Kara, your comments on the praise moves are interesting. Will have to check out their site. |
Comment by kelly on 2010-02-27 19:53:01
thanks Elizabeth for your blog we as believers need to seek the Lord and not the things of this world to help us God bless. |
Comment by Laura on 2010-03-02 21:24:44
Thanks, Elizabeth, loved your informative article.
For me, a Christian should never do yoga even though she is able to separate physical benefits from spiritual deception. Since our behaviour influences others, a less mature believer may think yoga is harmless if they see another Christian do it. It reminds me of the meat sacrificed to idols in 1Cor 10:28. |
Comment by Anonymous on 2010-03-18 13:57:41
Thank all of you for your comments . Agree Laura that our behaviour influences others . |
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