Is yoga demonic or no?

[Michael_Mayo]

Catholics often refer to the *Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on some aspects of Christian Meditation *– but then skip over that it acknowledges:

That does not mean that genuine practices of meditation which come from the Christian East and from the great non-Christian religions, which prove attractive to the man of today who is divided and disoriented, cannot constitute a suitable means of helping the person who prays to come before God with an interior peace, even in the midst of external pressures.

And yet dangers can be anywhere. The letter begins with errors in the early Church (cf. 1 Jn 4:3; 1 Tim 1:3-7 and 4:3-4) and “subsequently, two fundamental deviations came to be identified: Pseudognosticism and Messalianism”

Eastern forms do not have the monopoly on dangers. Any time there is the risk of Christ being subordinate to any method, experience or other goal there is danger.

Danger to believe that out own efforts bring our salvation; danger to believe that our faith eliminates any need for effort on our part.

Danger that we stive to extingish our very self through some immersion in the indeterminate abyss; danger also that we place God within the box of our own favorite limiting images. Danger of ego extinction & danger of ego inflation.

Danger that we make our feelings the sole criteria of spiritual progress; danger that we think we have it all figured out intellectually or have the elite knowledge.

Danger to think we can control God’s action by any technique or prayer.

Danger of believing one is God; danger of failing to acknowledge God in others.

Yes, there are many, many dangers everywhere the human heart can wander. The devil wants us to sin. S/He needs our free will for that.

References have been made to the document Jesus Christ The Bearer of the Water of Life. It asks a few discerning questions regarding how we view things so that we can make intelligent informed decisions about what we do and why we are doing it.

The following questions may be the easiest key to evaluating some of the central elements of New Age thought and practice from a Christian standpoint. “New Age” refers to the ideas which circulate about God, the human being and the world, the people with whom Christians may have conversations on religious matters, the publicity material for meditation groups, therapies and the like, explicit statements on religion and so on. Some of these questions applied to people and ideas not explicitly labelled New Age would reveal further unnamed or unacknowledged links with the whole New Age atmosphere.

• Is God a being with whom we have a relationship or something to be used or a force to be harnessed?
• Is there just one Jesus Christ, or are there thousands of Christs?
• The human being: is there one universal being or are there many individuals?
• Do we save ourselves or is salvation a free gift from God?
• Do we invent truth or do we embrace it?
• Prayer and meditation: are we talking to ourselves or to God?
• Are we tempted to deny sin or do we accept that there is such a thing?
• Are we encouraged to reject or accept suffering and death?
• Is social commitment something shirked or positively sought after?
• Is our future in the stars or do we help to construct it?

 

[TheWarriorMonk]

Yoga like some forms of martial arts can cause spiritual woes because the meditations therein open one to demonic attacks.

If this stuff is true, I must be really out of the loop. I’ve met a whole lot of martial artists over the years, and continue to meet dozens more every year. They are of widely varying backgrounds racially, culturally, and religious. Guess how many I’ve met that were possessed by demons?

Zero.

That’s right, not a single one. Nor have I ever heard of any secondhand either.

The problem with these allegations is that the writers typically have to go way out of their way to find someone that meets their preconceived notions. In other words, they’re not interested in an actual study, just the one person that “proves” the biased idea. And, 99.99 times out of 100, you’ll find out that these handpicked people have issue far more serious than taking a yoga class. I’ve seen dozens of stories of people that dealt with demons. When you see their life stories they often have abuse, drug, and other issues in their lives. Causation and correlation are, incorrectly, used interchangeably.

 

[TheHolyTrinity]

I am curious about some of your statements and would like to ask a few questions about them.

If this stuff is true, I must be really out of the loop. I’ve met a whole lot of martial artists over the years, and continue to meet dozens more every year. They are of widely varying backgrounds racially, culturally, and religious.

These people that you have met over the years doing martial arts, are they acquaintances, best mates, do you invite them over for dinner?

Guess how many I’ve met that were possessed by demons?

Zero.

As a Christian with the Holy Spirit we could easily experience infestation and oppression by partaking in such. Possession is the end stage of spiritual assault, normally infestation and oppression shows itself first in the order written and can occur at varying levels of intensity for many years. Possession does not always follow infestation and oppression.

My question to you … have you tested these people spiritually to come to a conclusion that they are not afflicted by diabolical presence?

That’s right, not a single one. Nor have I ever heard of any secondhand either.

Have you questioned each individual you have met about their spiritual experiences? The good and bad? How do you know your statement is true and correct? Do you know them well enough to be privy to private information.

The problem with these allegations is that the writers typically have to go way out of their way to find someone that meets their preconceived notions. In other words, they’re not interested in an actual study, just the one person that “proves” the biased idea. And, 99.99 times out of 100, you’ll find out that these handpicked people have issue far more serious than taking a yoga class

There is enough written information on the net and within books of peoples experiences of such cases and not necessarily from a Catholic writers. People are always writing on various forums that their deceased aunt visited, that their child has an imaginary friend that is teaching their child stuff that is way beyond their years, that they see black shadows (the watchers, the hatman etc) … the list goes on. In most cases people have no preconceived notions, it is not until they are in significant spiritual danger and find help do they realize the spiritual dangers they have put themselves into, sadly not all go to seek help in the right places. Think of the many thousands of people who are experiencing rather traumatic spiritual assault and don’t know where to turn.

Perhaps with your significant involvement within martial arts, you should conduct such a study.

I’ve seen dozens of stories of people that dealt with demons. When you see their life stories they often have abuse, drug, and other issues in their lives. Causation and correlation are, incorrectly, used interchangeably.

There are times when diabolical oppression occurs without people being aware. Stating that the interchangeably of causation and correlation is incorrect in the believe system of the Catholic Church.

Diabolical oppression occurs when the demonic problem becomes personal and interacts in a more focused way with one victim and can at times interface with many personal sins and personal unresolved issues. Diabolical oppression puts significant strain on the victim emotionally, psychologically, physically, and spiritually. Most certainly previous afflictions such as drug, alcohol, emotional abuse and sins of the person and generational sin and curses can be the underlying cause. In some cases the spiritual aspect is not even considered by the person or by those known to them thus becoming a vicious cycle of despair.

---

**Regarding Yoga and such … **

The problem is that most people go to classes to learn and practice. It is in these classes that philosophical elements are brought in to the movements.

Many will claim that they only join to keep fit, remain safe in the community etc. That only doing the movements poses no threat to their soul or spiritual ramifications. Catholics think it is okay so long they don’t participate in the Meditation and philosophical elements.

The postures may look very normal and harmless, stretching and exercising right? These are postures that are offered to the 320 million Hindu gods. Yoga postures really are are about offerings to the gods. If you do these postures and you do this breathing technique and the meditation, then you will be accepted by a their god, who is the little man aka satan. That’s the real danger.

In yoga they do what they call pranayama breathing. Prana is the Hindu word for life force, the same concept as the word chi in some martial arts. Yoga breathing attempts to manipulate that life energy which is a dangerous thing as when this happens we are no longer protected by Jesus. We are no match for the enemy in those areas.

Ephesians 2:2,

that Satan is the prince of the power of the air.

We are not talking about oxygen here!

The spirit of kundalini symbolizes the snake is in a coiled position until it is stimulated or aroused. As the persons goes from basic to intermediate the kundalini rises. When the kundalini spirit is aroused it will continue to move to the final center, the third eye will be opened. Once the third eye is opened many call it full enlightenment.

The first thing the person sees, hears, feels is demons in many forms of trickery.

So the meditation part will come in very subtle as does spiritual warfare. We are in battle fighting against powers, principalities in the Spiritual realm.

God Bless

THT

 

[PRmerger]

Yoga postures really are are about offerings to the gods.

One cannot make an offering to a god without* intending* to make an offering to a god.

In yoga they do what they call pranayama breathing. Prana is the Hindu word for life force, the same concept as the word chi in some martial arts. Yoga breathing attempts to manipulate that life energy which is a dangerous thing as when this happens we are no longer protected by Jesus. We are no match for the enemy in those areas.

This is something that is not supported by Catholic teaching, that there are times that “we are no longer protected by Jesus” based on our attempts to manipulate life energy. :nope:

 

[TheWarriorMonk]

These people that you have met over the years doing martial arts, are they acquaintances, best mates, do you invite them over for dinner?

Not just had dinner with them, but also breakfast and lunch. Plus had many as roommates. I go on various overnight/weekend events throughout the year. The last one I went to was three days, and one of my nine roommates was a guru (Kundalini yoga), It’s always better to get information firsthand rather than from someone’s else’s biased article.

My question to you … have you tested these people spiritually to come to a conclusion that they are not afflicted by diabolical presence?

No, not with them or anyone else. It would be an inappropriate conversation.

Have you questioned each individual you have met about their spiritual experiences? The good and bad? How do you know your statement is true and correct? Do you know them well enough to be privy to private information.

I have discussed such matters with more than just a few people, as there are some martial artists that seek enlightenment as part of their practice. Interestingly enough, more than a few of these people were a mess earlier in life, and were straightened out by martial arts. And, BTW, many were, are, and continue to be Christian.

In most cases people have no preconceived notions, it is not until they are in significant spiritual danger and find help do they realize the spiritual dangers they have put themselves into, sadly not all go to seek help in the right places. Think of the many thousands of people who are experiencing rather traumatic spiritual assault and don’t know where to turn.

In nearly all of the situations I’ve seen, the people are specifically engaging in occult practice, are highly open to occult signs, are mentally unbalanced, use drugs, or have been abused.

Perhaps with your significant involvement within martial arts, you should conduct such a study.

I enjoy researching things, as I have a scientific training (along with the college degrees in those fields). However, I need a plausible thesis, and I simply do not see one here. If yoga is the gateway toward demonic possession, then obviously India should be one of the most evil places on this planet. In reality, it is not. It is one of the only democracies in that part of the world, is the largest democracy in the world, and very tolerant of other nations (except the ones that are continually attacking them, of course).

The postures may look very normal and harmless, stretching and exercising right? These are postures that are offered to the 320 million Hindu gods. Yoga postures really are are about offerings to the gods.

You can see one of those postures in Church every day every time a priest puts his hands together.

If you do these postures and you do this breathing technique and the meditation,

The breathing is something that is incorporated into the practice; it is not the other way around. As noted earlier, I discovered some of these breathing techniques back in middle school while stretching, well before I ever took martial arts or yoga. Obviously if they work, they’re going to be included in any effective exercise practice, yoga, pilates, gymnastics, or otherwise.

 

[Evania]

One cannot make an offering to a god without* intending* to make an offering to a god.

Again, I would like to point out that there are many kids who think Ouija boards are just creepy board games made by Hasbro. After all, the “game” was placed in the toy section at Target, right next to the Game of Clue. Yes, you can argue that the “origin” of the Ouija board is meant to converse with the other world. The origin of yoga was to worship Hindu gods. I’m seeing people argue how one is wrong and the other is okay, and I’m trying to sort this out… Is the Ouija board okay for kids to play at a slumber party just to creep themselves out if so and so were to just happen to move the game piece? The occult is okay only if we divorce the “intent” aspect? The Church says it’s wrong period and the topic of the occult isn’t up for negotiation.

I think this whole thread is a giant misunderstanding.

Proponents are stating they are practicing yoga, which by design is meant to open yourself to Hindu gods, and that it’s no different than stretching if you divorce the “spirituality” aspect of it. So…are you really practicing yoga? I guess not. I guess it’s like people who go to Mass once a year and say that they’re practicing Catholics…Nope, you just attended church.

The difference between a “stretch” and “yoga” is the spiritual dimension, no? Yes, there may be similar stretches that may resemble yoga poses, but they aren’t considered yoga if you divorce the elements that it was created for. I guess my question is now: Why are you saying that you are practicing yoga, which is a spiritual practice of worshipping Hindu gods, when you really aren’t?

 

[Bob_Crowley]

The Vatican exorcist has been very clear on this:

Since we don’t need yoga in our life, we should refrain from it. Christianity has plenty of wonderful paths of meditation that will be far more effective than these nowadays popular panaceas, and even for your specific issues there are plenty of different paths you can follow.

Consider your own words:

The. OP wasn’t on about meditation. His or her interest in yoga was to do with fixing or helping to relieve old sporting injuries.

My wife is as Christian as they come, albeit Baptist. She does Yoga, but it’s purely to try to help her posture, and help with back problems.

Watch the Olympics? I wonder if you’re aware they were originally held in honour of Zeus, that delectable old pagan playboy.

From the following link -

ancientolympics.arts.kuleuven.be/eng/TD016EN.html

Greek sport cannot be separated from Greek religion. The two domains were connected in many ways.

Sports contests always took place in the context of a religious festival in honour of a god and near a sanctuary. The origin of the contests was also explained by the intervention of gods and mythical heroes. The Olympic games lasted five days, but only on two days there were contests. On the first day, the athletes and the hellanodikai swore not to offend the rules in a solemn oath to Zeus. On the third day, the climax of the festival, the contests gave way to a large sacrifice to Zeus. Participation in this sacrifice was the most important task of the representatives of other cities who travelled to the sanctuary

.

Going to ban the Olympics on account of their religious connotations?

 

[VivienneJ]

Again, I would like to point out that there are many kids who think Ouija boards are just creepy board games made by Hasbro. After all, the “game” was placed in the toy section at Target, right next to the Game of Clue. Yes, you can argue that the “origin” of the Ouija board is meant to converse with the other world. The origin of yoga was to worship Hindu gods. I’m seeing people argue how one is wrong and the other is okay, and I’m trying to sort this out… Is the Ouija board okay for kids to play at a slumber party just to creep themselves out if so and so were to just happen to move the game piece? The occult is okay only if we divorce the “intent” aspect? The Church says it’s wrong period and the topic of the occult isn’t up for negotiation.

This thread is looking specifically at yoga and bringing in ouija boards is just muddying the waters - start a separate thread for those questions.

Proponents are stating they are practicing yoga, which by design is meant to open yourself to Hindu gods, and that it’s no different than stretching if you divorce the “spirituality” aspect of it. So…are you really practicing yoga?

Proponents of yoga as exercises are saying they are doing yoga - implying that they are doing exercises, like doing aerobics, pilates, swimming, jogging, etc.

Then there are those who say that if we are doing yoga exercises that we are practicing yoga and opening ourselves to Hindu gods, serpents and a whole lot of other things that never entered our minds.

Yes,

this whole thread is a giant misunderstanding.

because people are misunderstanding the words that are being used.

 

[Evania]

Vivienne,

If you read my comment, you can see that my post of Ouija boards was clearly relevant to the point I was making. If you don’t care to address the double standard, then it would be best not to respond. Thank you!

Also, according to Hindus, the ones who created yoga, it isn’t “exercise”. Like I posted, you can “divorce” the spiritual element from it if you choose, but then it ceases to be yoga. It becomes stretches. So if that’s the case, why the heated debate?

 

[Michael_Mayo]

I guess my question is now: Why are you saying that you are practicing yoga, which is a spiritual practice of worshipping Hindu gods, when you really aren’t?

Probably most people are not that technical about it. I am going to do some yoga, meaning specific set of back stretches, hamstring stretches, joint rotations, etc. “Yoga” is a short and simple way to refer to such activity.

Rember that “yoga” as a spiritual practice also involves cleanliness, nonviolence, truth telling, kindness and contentment, etc. No one has any problem with that. So why a stretch?

 

[Evania]

Probably most people are not that technical about it. I am going to do some yoga, meaning specific set of back stretches, hamstring stretches, joint rotations, etc. “Yoga” is a short and simple way to refer to such activity.

Rember that “yoga” as a spiritual practice also involves cleanliness, nonviolence, truth telling, kindness and contentment, etc. No one has any problem with that. So why a stretch?

I guess I see it as a bit of a “stretch” to say that yoga is a shorter and simpler way of saying stretch, which is only one syllable.

I’m just kidding.

In all seriousness though, I have no problem with stretching. I totally get the point that many on here made when they say that they “divorced” the exercise from the spiritual practice, but the point I think many are trying to convey is, that it ceases to be yoga. Therein, lies the divide. Yoga is a spiritual practice that incorporates certain stretches to honor their gods. If you divorce the exercise…it’s just stretching. As to your point that yoga as a spiritual practice has all these positive aspects such as kindness, contentment , cleanliness, nonviolence…These are traits that ALL religions try to incorporate. The question is: should we adopt the practices of other religions in order to achieve these ends, or should we keep the Gospel unadulterated?

 

[TheWarriorMonk]

Proponents are stating they are practicing yoga, which by design is meant to open yourself to Hindu gods, and that it’s no different than stretching if you divorce the “spirituality” aspect of it. So…are you really practicing yoga? I guess not.

There’s a difference between discussing yoga in India and yoga in a western country. Yoga in the western country does not necessarily mean Hindu spiritual practice. To the majority of people is an exercise program. Many people insist that “yoga is yoga,” and hence draw the wrong conclusions.

I guess it’s like people who go to Mass once a year and say that they’re practicing Catholics…Nope, you just attended church.

Actually it is not the same. According to the Church, if they are baptized Catholic, they are Catholic by definition. No if, ands, or buts.

 

[Michael_Mayo]

In all seriousness though, I have no problem with stretching. I totally get the point that many on here made when they say that they “divorced” the exercise from the spiritual practice, but the point I think many are trying to convey is, that it ceases to be yoga. Therein, lies the divide. Yoga is a spiritual practice that incorporates certain stretches to honor their gods. If you divorce the exercise…it’s just stretching. As to your point that yoga as a spiritual practice has all these positive aspects such as kindness, contentment , cleanliness, nonviolence…These are traits that ALL religions try to incorporate. The question is: should we adopt the practices of other religions in order to achieve these ends, or should we keep the Gospel unadulterated? (I.IV.40)

I just read something in the Pope’s recent exhortation that might speak to this:

Within the Church countless issues are being studied and reflected upon with great freedom. Differing currents of thought in philosophy, theology and pastoral practice, if open to being reconciled by the Spirit in respect and love, can enable the Church to grow, since all of them help to express more clearly the immense riches of God’s word. For those who long for a monolithic body of doctrine guarded by all and leaving no room for nuance, this might appear as undesirable and leading to confusion. But in fact such variety serves to bring out and develop different facets of the inexhaustible riches of the Gospel.

I think “Yoga” like anything, is a tool, a tool that can be used or abused. We can use it to honor the one true God or to honor an imaginary diety or Satan himself, or nothing at all, same with burning incense or candles. The importance is in the nuance of intention which here as proven to be * leading to confusion* .

I have been doing yoga ( or a systematic serious of non-Yoga stretches if you prefer) for 37 years as part of my offering of my body to Christ in prayer so it truly is body, mind and spirit that are involved. It calms me, refreshes me and assists me to make my prayer less rote and more heart felt, less something just in my head and more something of my entire being. So for me it is spiritual but not in the distorted sense that detractors insist.

And by the way, when you look at the entire system of yoga including the doing of good and avoiding bad, shouldn’t that be some indication that this pre-Christian quest actually has divine origin?

1.Ahimsa: Nonviolence. Abstinence from injury that arises out of love for all, harmlessness, the not causing of pain to any living creature in thought, word, or deed at any time.

2.Satya: truthfulness, word and thought in conformity with the facts, honesty.

3.Asteya: non-stealing, non-coveting, non-entering into debt.

4.Brahmacharya: being constantly aware of the universe, immersed in divinity, divine conduct, continence, celibate when single, faithfulness when married.

5.Kshama: patience, releasing time, functioning in the now.

6.Dhriti : steadfastness, overcoming non-perseverance, fear, and indecision; seeing each task through to completion.

7.Daya: compassion; conquering callous, cruel and insensitive feelings toward all beings.

8.Arjava: honesty, straightforwardness, renouncing deception and wrongdoing.

9.Mitahara: moderate appetite, neither eating too much nor too little; nor consuming meat, fish, shellfish, fowl or eggs.

10.Shaucha: purity, avoidance of impurity in body, mind and speech.

What more could you ask of a pre-Christian spiritual search? There is so much good here, why not welcome it as we did Greek philosophy. Especially since we are still trying to evangelize. **Bringing Christ to Yoga **ought to be a welcome enterprise for those with the interest. Don’t you think?

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I just read something in the Pope’s recent exhortation that might speak to this:

Within the Church countless issues are being studied and reflected upon with great freedom. Differing currents of thought in philosophy, theology and pastoral practice, if open to being reconciled by the Spirit in respect and love, can enable the Church to grow, since all of them help to express more clearly the immense riches of God’s word. For those who long for a monolithic body of doctrine guarded by all and leaving no room for nuance, this might appear as undesirable and leading to confusion. But in fact such variety serves to bring out and develop different facets of the inexhaustible riches of the Gospel.

I think “Yoga” like anything, is a tool, a tool that can be used or abused. We can use it to honor the one true God or to honor an imaginary diety or Satan himself, or nothing at all, same with burning incense or candles. The importance is in the nuance of intention which here as proven to be * leading to confusion* .

I have been doing yoga ( or a systematic serious of non-Yoga stretches if you prefer) for 37 years as part of my offering of my body to Christ in prayer so it truly is body, mind and spirit that are involved. It calms me, refreshes me and assists me to make my prayer less rote and more heart felt, less something just in my head and more something of my entire being. So for me it is spiritual but not in the distorted sense that detractors insist.

And by the way, when you look at the entire system of yoga including the doing of good and avoiding bad, shouldn’t that be some indication that this pre-Christian quest actually has divine origin?

1.Ahimsa: Nonviolence. Abstinence from injury that arises out of love for all, harmlessness, the not causing of pain to any living creature in thought, word, or deed at any time.

2.Satya: truthfulness, word and thought in conformity with the facts, honesty.

3.Asteya: non-stealing, non-coveting, non-entering into debt.

4.Brahmacharya: being constantly aware of the universe, immersed in divinity, divine conduct, continence, celibate when single, faithfulness when married.

5.Kshama: patience, releasing time, functioning in the now.

6.Dhriti : steadfastness, overcoming non-perseverance, fear, and indecision; seeing each task through to completion.

7.Daya: compassion; conquering callous, cruel and insensitive feelings toward all beings.

8.Arjava: honesty, straightforwardness, renouncing deception and wrongdoing.

9.Mitahara: moderate appetite, neither eating too much nor too little; nor consuming meat, fish, shellfish, fowl or eggs.

10.Shaucha: purity, avoidance of impurity in body, mind and speech.

What more could you ask of a pre-Christian spiritual search? There is so much good here, why not welcome it as we did Greek philosophy. Especially since we are still trying to evangelize. **Bringing Christ to Yoga **ought to be a welcome enterprise for those with the interest. Don’t you think?

I can’t add anything more than what you’ve expressed well here.

It’s time for me to begin myself centered for Advent, so I’m taking a fast from debates, and such.

God Bless you all!

Jim

 

[Evania]

There’s a difference between discussing yoga in India and yoga in a western country. Yoga in the western country does not necessarily mean Hindu spiritual practice. To the majority of people is an exercise program. Many people insist that “yoga is yoga,” and hence draw the wrong conclusions.

Actually it is not the same. According to the Church, if they are baptized Catholic, they are Catholic by definition. No if, ands, or buts.

I never said they weren’t Catholic. Did you see where I typed “practicing” Catholic? Can you be a practicing Catholic if you are not following the precepts of the Church? You might be a lapsed Catholic, but certainly not a “practicing” one. Same with yoga or any other spirituality/religion. You may say you are doing whatever you want, but if you are rejecting the core of it, you are not practicing it.

 

[TheWarriorMonk]

I never said they weren’t Catholic. Did you see where I typed “practicing” Catholic? Can you be a practicing Catholic if you are not following the precepts of the Church? You might be a lapsed Catholic, but certainly not a “practicing” one.

They’re still Catholics, by definition, regardless of the labels you are placing on them.

Same with yoga or any other spirituality/religion. You may say you are doing whatever you want, but if you are rejecting the core of it, you are not practicing it.

“Yoga” does not necessarily mean “spiritual,” notably outside India. In the western world it has also come to mean a serious of exercises. You may not wish to believe that, but if you take that position, then placing your hands in prayer position in Church is practicing yoga.

Any type of spiritual practice may involve prayer, body positioning, breathing, and meditation. That doesn’t mean because a practice includes, say, breathing, that by simply breathing you are practicing a particular religion. The same is true of any other body position.

If you have any official Church documents stating that being in a particular body position means that one is practicing another religion, even if they intend not to, I would like to see the reference. In other words, being in a certain body position is, by definition, practicing another religion, even if one intends not to. It certainly has not heretofore been referenced.

 

[Evania]

I can’t add anything more than what you’ve expressed well here.

It’s time for me to begin myself centered for Advent, so I’m taking a fast from debates, and such.

God Bless you all!

Jim

Good debate Jim!

God Bless you!

 

[PRmerger]

This thread is looking specifically at yoga and bringing in ouija boards is just muddying the waters - start a separate thread for those questions.

I think that it is quite appropriate to bring in the topic of the Ouija board, as it applies to this discussion.

 

[PRmerger]

Yoga is a spiritual practice that incorporates certain stretches to honor their gods.

That’s your definition of Yoga.

If we use the definition to mean a series of stretches and relaxation exercises, then what’s wrong with that? Even the part about finding your center and breathing in a way that induces relaxation—what’s so horrific about that?

 

[PRmerger]

Again, I would like to point out that there are many kids who think Ouija boards are just creepy board games made by Hasbro. After all, the “game” was placed in the toy section at Target, right next to the Game of Clue. Yes, you can argue that the “origin” of the Ouija board is meant to converse with the other world. The origin of yoga was to worship Hindu gods. I’m seeing people argue how one is wrong and the other is okay, and I’m trying to sort this out… Is the Ouija board okay for kids to play at a slumber party just to creep themselves out if so and so were to just happen to move the game piece? The occult is okay only if we divorce the “intent” aspect? The Church says it’s wrong period and the topic of the occult isn’t up for negotiation.

I think this whole thread is a giant misunderstanding.

Proponents are stating they are practicing yoga, which by design is meant to open yourself to Hindu gods, and that it’s no different than stretching if you divorce the “spirituality” aspect of it. So…are you really practicing yoga? I guess not. I guess it’s like people who go to Mass once a year and say that they’re practicing Catholics…Nope, you just attended church.

The difference between a “stretch” and “yoga” is the spiritual dimension, no? Yes, there may be similar stretches that may resemble yoga poses, but they aren’t considered yoga if you divorce the elements that it was created for. I guess my question is now: Why are you saying that you are practicing yoga, which is a spiritual practice of worshipping Hindu gods, when you really aren’t?

One cannot play the Ouija board without the intent of contacting the other world.

However, if one wants to open the board, and push the little thing around and goof off with that, I say, go for it.

If one is doing Yoga with the intent of worshipping other gods, then it is sinful.

If one is doing Yoga with the intent of stretching and realaxing, go for it!