Yoga and Christianity

[Mystic3]

Christianity is a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. There are many christian groups with different opinions. Some accept Yoga and some do not. First of all Yog is in the west mainly a body exercise. In this way everbody can do Yoga. Yoga is good for relaxation, fitness and mental health. In Yoga each may go his own spiritual way. Christians are allowed to keep their faith in Jesus. Most important is to which spiritual Master you pray or what role model you have. If you pray to Jesus, Jesus will lead you in your Yoga exercises. There are in Yoga many different spiritual paths and concepts of God. A Yogi can be an Atheist, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu or follower of other faiths.

Wikipedia: Some Christians integrate yoga and other aspects of Eastern spirituality with prayer and meditation. This has been attributed to a desire to experience God in a more complete way. Christian meditation is a form of prayer in which a structured attempt is made to get in touch with and deliberately reflect upon the revelations of God. The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556), the founder of the Jesuits, contain numerous meditative exercises. Saint John of the Cross (1542–1591) viewed Christian meditation as a necessary step toward union with God, and wrote that even the most spiritually advanced persons always needed to regularly return to meditation. Saint Padre Pio (1887–1968) said: “Through the study of books one seeks God; by meditation one finds him”. St. Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582) viewed Christian meditation as the first of four steps in achieving “union with God”, and used the analogy of watering the garden. She compared basic meditation (thinking) to watering a garden with a bucket, Recollection (praying) to the water wheel, Quiet (contemplation) to a spring of water and Union (enlightenment) to drenching rain.

Christian websites for yoga: (www.kath.ch) “More and more Christians discover yoga and other Far Eastern meditation techniques. The Catholic educational centers are long on this trend and offer a variety of courses. The practice of yoga is not contrary to Christian teaching. Yoga affects not only beneficial to the body and mind, but also enables new approaches to Christian spirituality.” Catholic parish of St. Michael in Stuttgart-Sillenbuch: “Yoga is an ancient system of physical and mental exercises that addresses the whole person in his unity of mind and body. Yoga tolerates very well with Christian meditation. Yoga exercises are offered in St. Michael for more than 25 years very successful.”

Nils: All the holy books of the world form a whole and complement each other. Enlightenment is difficult to understand and can be described by many different ways. Who thinks across systems understands the contexts. In the Second Vatican Council (1963 to 1965) it is stated that God is found in all religions. In Christianity, there is much uncertainty about the path of enlightenment. A major criticism is that the mystics want to redeem themselves and the Christians are saved by the grace of God. In Yoga, we focus on the spiritual practice. On the other hand one can not force enlightenment. It finally comes spontaneously, by itself, by grace. Look closely at your situation. Find flexible your spiritual path: “My personal way of spirituality is …”

:grouphug::newidea:

 

[Jessup]

I’m working towards taking it up for concentration purposes, as I have some kind of weird learning trouble and can’t focus all the time. I’m hoping that Yoga will help me to be able to be focus and retetain. My friend who has introduced me to it, says that it has helped him a bunch in learning and concentrating.

 

[flameburns623]

The exercises of HATHA YOGA–the branch of Yoga which involves the physical forms/exercises–are very good if begun gently, preferably with an experienced teacher who can ensure one doesn’t injure oneself. However: the postures of Hatha Yoga were originally POSTURES OF PRAYER: those cute names for the poses, such as “Downward-facing Dog” were meant, as one becomes more adept, to experience the transcendant “God-essence” found present in dogs, cows, rocks, bridges, & whatever other things the postures are named after. Which raises the point–there are real, (if sometimes nuanced), differences between the Vedic & Monotheistic visions of Deity. For Christians, a Yogic teacher should not ONLY be aware of physical safety in teaching the postures. Butalso–IF A CHRISTIAN OPTS TO STUDY YOGA–they should seek an instructor who is genuinely Christian in their approach. Not merely appropriatiing superficial Christian elements, but genuinely aware of the diferences between Eastern and Western worldviews.

 

[Hunter24]

Christianity is a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. There are many christian groups with different opinions. Some accept Yoga and some do not. First of all Yog is in the west mainly a body exercise. In this way everbody can do Yoga. Yoga is good for relaxation, fitness and mental health. In Yoga each may go his own spiritual way. Christians are allowed to keep their faith in Jesus. Most important is to which spiritual Master you pray or what role model you have. If you pray to Jesus, Jesus will lead you in your Yoga exercises. There are in Yoga many different spiritual paths and concepts of God. A Yogi can be an Atheist, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu or follower of other faiths.

Wikipedia: Some Christians integrate yoga and other aspects of Eastern spirituality with prayer and meditation. This has been attributed to a desire to experience God in a more complete way. Christian meditation is a form of prayer in which a structured attempt is made to get in touch with and deliberately reflect upon the revelations of God. The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556), the founder of the Jesuits, contain numerous meditative exercises. Saint John of the Cross (1542–1591) viewed Christian meditation as a necessary step toward union with God, and wrote that even the most spiritually advanced persons always needed to regularly return to meditation. Saint Padre Pio (1887–1968) said: “Through the study of books one seeks God; by meditation one finds him”. St. Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582) viewed Christian meditation as the first of four steps in achieving “union with God”, and used the analogy of watering the garden. She compared basic meditation (thinking) to watering a garden with a bucket, Recollection (praying) to the water wheel, Quiet (contemplation) to a spring of water and Union (enlightenment) to drenching rain.

Christian websites for yoga: (www.kath.ch) “More and more Christians discover yoga and other Far Eastern meditation techniques. The Catholic educational centers are long on this trend and offer a variety of courses. The practice of yoga is not contrary to Christian teaching. Yoga affects not only beneficial to the body and mind, but also enables new approaches to Christian spirituality.” Catholic parish of St. Michael in Stuttgart-Sillenbuch: “Yoga is an ancient system of physical and mental exercises that addresses the whole person in his unity of mind and body. Yoga tolerates very well with Christian meditation. Yoga exercises are offered in St. Michael for more than 25 years very successful.”

Nils: All the holy books of the world form a whole and complement each other. Enlightenment is difficult to understand and can be described by many different ways. Who thinks across systems understands the contexts. In the Second Vatican Council (1963 to 1965) it is stated that God is found in all religions. In Christianity, there is much uncertainty about the path of enlightenment. A major criticism is that the mystics want to redeem themselves and the Christians are saved by the grace of God. In Yoga, we focus on the spiritual practice. On the other hand one can not force enlightenment. It finally comes spontaneously, by itself, by grace. Look closely at your situation. Find flexible your spiritual path: “My personal way of spirituality is …”

:grouphug::newidea:

Ive heard Christians say all the time that Yoga and Buddhist meditation can lead to demonic possesion, which begs the question…

If Yoga and meditation cause possesion, why isnt India and the far East overrun by demons and possesed people?

 

[flameburns623]

. . .
If Yoga and meditation cause possesion, why isnt India and the far East overrun by demons and possesed people?

IMHO, they ARE disproportionately “over-run” with possessed people, although not the kind who scream in eerie voices, spin their heads on their shoulders like tops, and/or float above their beds. Partly because of the restraining grace of God, partly because in the modern world, Satan knows his greatest ally is not superstition but disbelief–we see fewer overt signs of supernatual activity from any side. Finally–going BACK to the grace of God from another angle: in the more-generous apprehension of Baptism of Desire and Invincible Ignorance which we have today, we understand that many caught up in false religions do so from a sincere desire to serve God, a sincerity which God may count unto them as salvific righteousness.

 

[Hunter24]

IMHO, they ARE disproportionately “over-run” with possessed people

how do you know this?

 

[Michael_Mayo]

IMHO, they ARE disproportionately “over-run” with possessed people, although not the kind who scream in eerie voices, spin their heads on their shoulders like tops, and/or float above their beds.

More so than any other country such as the United States?

 

[flameburns623]

More so than any other country such as the United States?

I personally don’t have any way of confirming this for you. I have heard anecdotal evidence from such as the late Fr. Malachi Martin who I heard speak on several occaisions. In part: because most people of Western countries have made SOME profession of faith in Christ, up to and including Christian baptism, there is some measure of spiritual protection not ordinarily available to the non-Christian nations. There are also anecdotal stories told by Indian converts that speak of how fearful were their lives regarding potential for sundry sorts of spiritual assault prior to coming to Christ. Indeed, although Hindu belief in some circles can be quite uplifting & sublime, the customs of common folk seem to incorporate many practices to placate or ward off wicked spirits. Hope this helps.

 

[centurionguard]

Christianity is a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. There are many christian groups with different opinions. Some accept Yoga and some do not. First of all Yog is in the west mainly a body exercise. In this way everbody can do Yoga. Yoga is good for relaxation, fitness and mental health. In Yoga each may go his own spiritual way. Christians are allowed to keep their faith in Jesus. Most important is to which spiritual Master you pray or what role model you have. If you pray to Jesus, Jesus will lead you in your Yoga exercises. There are in Yoga many different spiritual paths and concepts of God. A Yogi can be an Atheist, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu or follower of other faiths.

Wikipedia: Some Christians integrate yoga and other aspects of Eastern spirituality with prayer and meditation. This has been attributed to a desire to experience God in a more complete way. Christian meditation is a form of prayer in which a structured attempt is made to get in touch with and deliberately reflect upon the revelations of God. The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556), the founder of the Jesuits, contain numerous meditative exercises. Saint John of the Cross (1542–1591) viewed Christian meditation as a necessary step toward union with God, and wrote that even the most spiritually advanced persons always needed to regularly return to meditation. Saint Padre Pio (1887–1968) said: “Through the study of books one seeks God; by meditation one finds him”. St. Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582) viewed Christian meditation as the first of four steps in achieving “union with God”, and used the analogy of watering the garden. She compared basic meditation (thinking) to watering a garden with a bucket, Recollection (praying) to the water wheel, Quiet (contemplation) to a spring of water and Union (enlightenment) to drenching rain.

Christian websites for yoga: (www.kath.ch) “More and more Christians discover yoga and other Far Eastern meditation techniques. The Catholic educational centers are long on this trend and offer a variety of courses. The practice of yoga is not contrary to Christian teaching. Yoga affects not only beneficial to the body and mind, but also enables new approaches to Christian spirituality.” Catholic parish of St. Michael in Stuttgart-Sillenbuch: “Yoga is an ancient system of physical and mental exercises that addresses the whole person in his unity of mind and body. Yoga tolerates very well with Christian meditation. Yoga exercises are offered in St. Michael for more than 25 years very successful.”

Nils: All the holy books of the world form a whole and complement each other. Enlightenment is difficult to understand and can be described by many different ways. Who thinks across systems understands the contexts. In the Second Vatican Council (1963 to 1965) it is stated that God is found in all religions. In Christianity, there is much uncertainty about the path of enlightenment. A major criticism is that the mystics want to redeem themselves and the Christians are saved by the grace of God. In Yoga, we focus on the spiritual practice. On the other hand one can not force enlightenment. It finally comes spontaneously, by itself, by grace. Look closely at your situation. Find flexible your spiritual path: “My personal way of spirituality is …”

:grouphug::newidea:

Why is Yoga incompatible with Catholicism?
catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0275.html

The Trouble with Yoga
catholic.com/magazine/articles/the-trouble-with-yoga

 

[ValPal]

Once again, there is a vast chasm between practicing a religion and an exercise. You should not be practicing the religious aspects of Yoga, but there is nothing wrong with the practicing the exercises associated with it.

One of the issues that westerners don’t really understand is the manner is which many eastern cultures view things. Many of these cultures view everything as interconnected, whereas westerners don’t. Westerners see only what they want to see, such as the religion associated with exercise. But it doesn’t stop there; it’s also true of medicine, f ood, etc. If you really believe that you shouldn’t practice the exercises associated with Yoga because of the religious aspect, then to be consistent you should be shunning everything associated with the entire culture, food and all.

IMHO, it all has to do with intent. I occasionally do Yoga exercises (in fact, I did them earlier today). However, I do not associate them with any Hindu gods, but rather with improving the body that God gave me.

 

[flameburns623]

Why is Yoga incompatible with Catholicism?
catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0275.html

The Trouble with Yoga
catholic.com/magazine/articles/the-trouble-with-yoga

The second article cited was outstanding. My sole critique would be that the author cites the plaints of Hindus about Christian attempts to transplant Christian spirituality onto Yogic practices–the Hindus seeing this as an effort to “convert Hindus”. Actually–I see the insistance that Yoga MUST be tied to it’s Monist Hindu spirituality as an effort to convert Christians. After all, the author of the article no where rebuts the claim of (Christian) HolyYoga proponents that the Yoga postures predate Vedic spirituality. So clearly, Vedicists have no exclusive claim that their spirituality alone can be married to Hatha Yoga postures.

 

[Michael_Mayo]

I personally don’t have any way of confirming this for you. I have heard anecdotal evidence from such as the late Fr. Malachi Martin who I heard speak on several occaisions. In part: because most people of Western countries have made SOME profession of faith in Christ, up to and including Christian baptism, there is some measure of spiritual protection not ordinarily available to the non-Christian nations. There are also anecdotal stories told by Indian converts that speak of how fearful were their lives regarding potential for sundry sorts of spiritual assault prior to coming to Christ. Indeed, although Hindu belief in some circles can be quite uplifting & sublime, the customs of common folk seem to incorporate many practices to placate or ward off wicked spirits. Hope this helps.

“spiritual assault prior to coming to Christ” Yes, I can imagine that.

“The customs of common folk seem to incorporate many practices to placate or ward off wicked spirits.” Yes, or bad Qi? Feng Shui anyone? Horse shoes, rabbit feet… The common folk superstitions may be everywhere. I wonder though if Africa is the worse.

 

[Nine_Two]

If a Christian is looking for meditation, they would be best off seeking one that came out of a Christian, not a Hindu or Buddhist, tradition. Of course so much of Christianity is vapid and void of its own traditions to draw on these days, so people have no choice. Those who are lucky enough to come from traditions with a meditative history (Catholicism, Orthodoxy) would be smart to stick with them.

As far as stretching exercises, I see no harm, although not being a practitioner I have no idea where the line at which spirituality comes in to play is.

 

[MartinJordan]

If a Christian is looking for meditation, they would be best off seeking one that came out of a Christian, not a Hindu or Buddhist, tradition. Of course so much of Christianity is vapid and void of its own traditions to draw on these days, so people have no choice. Those who are lucky enough to come from traditions with a meditative history (Catholicism, Orthodoxy) would be smart to stick with them.

As far as stretching exercises, I see no harm, although not being a practitioner I have no idea where the line at which spirituality comes in to play is.

+1



MJ

 

[InJesusItrust]

Ive heard Christians say all the time that Yoga and Buddhist meditation can lead to demonic possesion, which begs the question…

If Yoga and meditation cause possesion, why isnt India and the far East overrun by demons and possesed people?

It is. At least as far I know it is common for committed Hindus to go to exorcisms and undo “black magic”. Of course it is not openly talked about because it is embarrassing to talk about with the secularly educated who “know better” but have no experience.

When abandoning Hinduism I was oppressed by evil. My theory is that demons don’t care what false religion you follow, but if you try to go near Christ they terrorize you. Stay away from idols and the occult. I am in India. It is because westerners abstain from these things and generally already follow Christ that demons do not oppress them. If demons oppressed them they would know that the devil exists.

 

[Hunter24]

It is. At least as far I know it is common for committed Hindus to go to exorcisms and undo “black magic”. Of course it is not openly talked about because it is embarrassing to talk about with the secularly educated who “know better” but have no experience.

When abandoning Hinduism I was oppressed by evil. My theory is that demons don’t care what false religion you follow, but if you try to go near Christ they terrorize you. Stay away from idols and the occult. I am in India. It is because westerners abstain from these things and generally already follow Christ that demons do not oppress them. If demons oppressed them they would know that the devil exists.

so you were oppressed? how so if you dont mind me asking?

 

[InJesusItrust]

Every night my household would feel unnatural fear at night, as though we were in danger. I would also hear dogs whimpering, babies crying, women screaming, and could not sleep without pills because I was too terrified from sunset to sunrise. Only with an exorcism did these things stop.

 

[Hunter24]

Every night my household would feel unnatural fear at night, as though we were in danger. I would also hear dogs whimpering, babies crying, women screaming, and could not sleep without pills because I was too terrified from sunset to sunrise. Only with an exorcism did these things stop.

so you suffered from sever anxiety?

 

[InJesusItrust]

Better that than a direct attack. Again, I emphasize that my whole household felt the presence of evil and all these things only stopped when an exorcism was done. Also if you have seen Christians cast demons out of people you would know that they exist, but because you live in the west where these things are not common you cannot believe.

In reality, demons do not do things like you see in horror movies.

 

[Izdaari]

I do believe demons are real and may need to be exorcised. If I’m not mistaken the Catholic Church believes this too, and trains some priests in exorcism. It may not be common, but just in case.

I see no harm in a Christian practicing yoga or martial arts (I am myself a martial artist – originally in Japanese Karate, now in Jeet Kune Do) so long as they take care to avoid harmful spiritual practices. And btw, Zen and philosophical Taoism helped bring me back to Christian faith from almost-atheism. They served as stepping stones back to a place where I could see the Gospel story as being true.