Yoga - not just a benign exercise!

[ljubim]

I can see what you see. Its seems obvious to me also that most/many of the Y yoga teachers, and the “Cathedral” yoga teachers are not involved in any kind of conspiracy to get Hindu demons in our mind. Like you say,they are focused on the physicality of the discipline. There is most likely nothing hidden in their agendas! All of this is true!

However, what about Johnette Benkovich? She says it is not something Catholics should be doing. She is not uninformed,. She is not naive. She also sees what you see, however, she says even Y yoga is not for Catholics. What about Sharon Lee Giganti, who knows all about yoga - she also says even Y yoga by instructors by such as yours is to be avoided by Catholics.

So who are you going to listen to? Your lodcal Catholic aquaitences, who like you are going by “what seems to me”? Or to devout and informed Catholic experts? The former seems foolish, the latter wise.

I can only assume you are just ignoring these reputable Catholics, and those of us who refer to them here at CAF. And also I can only assume you also ignore the articles on this website by Catholic Answers, thinking they have nothing to offer you about Catholic teaching on the matter, and aren’t worth your serious consideration. And that you prefer going by what is before your own eyes and using your very own judgement of whatyou see instead.

Is your head in the sand because you don’t want to hear this, as, you like yoga? Just asking.

I think its unwise not to consider what those who are older, wiser and/or holier than you are saying about a thing.

I totally agree with you and the OP. It is confusing that we Catholics cannot take threats to our spiritual life seriously any more. Why can you not just do pilates? It was developed by a Greek-German gymnast, not by Hindus during their worship.

Just like a Hindu would not make the sign of the cross or make other Catholic gestures, why do we think, that we’re so smart and safe that we can fool around with other religions and God will approve? Just like if we bowed to Mecca every morning and said, oh it makes my back feel so good, why would we assume another religion’s worship positions and try to separate it from the religious component? Not everybody who uses a Ouija board gets possessed, but does that mean it’s a safe and enjoyable practice for Catholics? (Oh but it’s fun, oh it makes me feel good) We are at war every day and need to take our eternal souls seriously, no excuses and no justifications.

 

[faithfully]

I totally agree with you and the OP. It is confusing that we Catholics cannot take threats to our spiritual life seriously any more. Why can you not just do pilates? It was developed by a Greek-German gymnast, not by Hindus during their worship.

Just like a Hindu would not make the sign of the cross or make other Catholic gestures, why do we think, that we’re so smart and safe that we can fool around with other religions and God will approve? Just like if we bowed to Mecca every morning and said, oh it makes my back feel so good, why would we assume another religion’s worship positions and try to separate it from the religious component? Not everybody who uses a Ouija board gets possessed, but does that mean it’s a safe and enjoyable practice for Catholics? (Oh but it’s fun, oh it makes me feel good) We are at war every day and need to take our eternal souls seriously, no excuses and no justifications.

The thing is… the movement/poses of yoga are not strict to yoga. Many of Pilates moves are EXACTLY like yoga. This site for example shows5 poses that are exactly the same, but called different names.

So, I guess I would want a more strict def. of what we’re talking about here… YOGA, in the style that a Hindu practices with chants and prayers to a fake god, to purposefully invoke these spirits. Or are we talking about a Western practice that is most often a random series of moves (some forms are strict in order however). Moves that are borrowed by many other forms of exercise, that are seemingly ok… hence… “why not just take pilates.” (usually because it’s WAY more expensive. Especially anything on a machine!)

 

[Garyjohn2]

It’s the spirit that matters. Don’t you think God can read our hearts? He knows if we are worshipping a false diety. He knows when we are not. You can’t worship a diety by moving your body aaround…it’s the spirit that matters, your intentions. Don’t you think?

 

[faithfully]

This is answered in This Rock:

catholic.com/thisrock/2001/0107qq.asp The question about yoga further down the page…

 

[Eliza10]

… “why not just take pilates.” (usually because it’s WAY more expensive. Especially anything on a machine!)

I am not surprised theer is some crossover in Pilates since both that and yoga involve stretching. I am taking the advice of Johnette Benkovich because she is older, wiser and holier than me, and she is experienced in spiritual warefare, and she is in touch with our modern culture. Also I know she is aware of the difference between serious spiritual yoga and the YMCA/community center yoga, led by non-new-age, maybe Christian instructors, such as those on this threaed are advocating, and yet she still takes a strong stance against all yoga for Catholics. Sharon Lee Giganti is extremely well-informed and she very strongly says the same thing.

I see all the things you and the pro-YMCA yoga people say here and I could argue the same things here. As I said, I like yoga. In fact as I type I am wearing yoga pants! But I am taking the advice of people who are spiritually stronger and more informed and holier than me. Because I want to be holier more than I want to persue yoga. I am willling to give up what I like and what seems okay to me because they clearly say it does not seem okay to them. I don’t need to analyze it any more (but you could if you want to. You should lok into it more).

One thing I am not anzalying is that some things like Pilates have some same poses, or, that I might inadvertantly sit in a yoga pose when I get a pedicure, as was mentioned here in this thread. Because Jonette and Sharon didn’t seem too concerned about those things (and I won’t worry about my yoga pants either). One can get overly scrupulous, you know? In the end, I just want to be sure I was wise wiht the info given me, and that I did not stubbornly hang on to what “seems right” to me just becasue I liked the thing.

And I do hace sympathy for anyone who is invested in yoga. It is a big thing to give up something you are comitted to and invested in. However you just have to compare it to those who give up more for Christ. It would be wise to be open to askign God if this is something He wants you to give up - to be truly open to hearing His word on this for you. And remember, you can never outgive God.

By the way, if Pilates sounds like a good alternative, its cheap. DVD’s start at 75 cents (plus shipping) on half.com and my local Craigs list currently has a few Pilates machines starting at $60, asking. There are several, so I am sure someone woudl take less. (though real Pilates doesn’t need machines).

 

[Garyjohn2]

Yoga is a benign excersize. It’s more than benign, it’s beneficial. I encourage all catholics and non-catholics to try it out.

Yes, it originated in the Hindu religions, but the way it is practiced now is very far removed from that. The fact of the matter is, Indian wise men, over thousands of years, have studied the human body and how it moves. The result is a treasure-trove of information, excersizes, and stretches that are more than benign…they are beneficial. It is a real wisdom passed down over the ages.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

Just like a Hindu would not make the sign of the cross or make other Catholic gestures, why do we think, that we’re so smart and safe that we can fool around with other religions and God will approve? Just like if we bowed to Mecca every morning and said, oh it makes my back feel so good, why would we assume another religion’s worship positions and try to separate it from the religious component? Not everybody who uses a Ouija board gets possessed, but does that mean it’s a safe and enjoyable practice for Catholics? (Oh but it’s fun, oh it makes me feel good) We are at war every day and need to take our eternal souls seriously, no excuses and no justifications.

Following your logic, I can’t do mock kung-fu poses (with their origins in Buddhism and Chinese myth) nor can I play around with fake ninja hand seals since they have their origins in Japanese Buddhism.

Okay, imma do one now. does the Rin symbol

Nope. No evil spirit… nor is there a blue aura beneath my feet that enables me to break the plot.

Oh, does this also mean we can’t use Germanic runes because they have origins in druidism? Guess you can’t read Lord of the Rings or play D&D anymore huh.

 

[Grateful_Soul]

My intent in my original post was to wake up the discernment of what is pleasing to God and what is not. That said all Catholics should be able to discern and look into the scriptures, the teachings of Holy Mother Church and discern or see that any practice that is opposed to the true honor, service, love and worship of The Holy Trinity should not be accepted nor practiced.

Why would you even consider or defend something that was designed to worship false gods and can also put your soul at risk? It is time that we all use the grace of that tug in our spirit that says something is not quite right and then stop, renounce and avoid using or participating in it!

Our whole reason on earth is not to please ourselves, have everything that we want nor have incredibly healthy bodies! Instead our whole reason on earth is to KNOW, LOVE and SERVE GOD IN THIS WORLD SO THAT WE CAN BE HAPPY WITH HIM IN THE NEXT!
(Capitals are for emphasis not shouting)

Why risk using something that was designed for demonic worship, remember a false god has demons attached to them of course, Satan will not waste any opportunity to do his work of killing, stealing or destroying your soul just because you don’t “see” any harm or because it feels so good or seems to work for you.

There is only good (God) or evil (Satan) there is not an in between world that is benign. We either live for God or die with Satan. We must be able to discern, we are not “safe” from Satan’s tricks, deceptions or attacks just because we want to remain with our opinions of it can’t be that bad because…however you fill in the blank. We may be less cupable in the confessional for our lack of knowledge but Satan doesn’t care how much you understand and really prefers your lack of knowledge to further mislead and muddy your discernment until you have stepped further and further away from the truth.
That is what makes these New Age practices so dangerous, they have some measure of scientific truth and a full measure of demonic attraction that puts anyone’s soul at risk who participates in them.

Read the scriptures, get a concordanance, even use one online. Find out what the scriptures say about false worship, demons, divination, true worship, serving God, etc. The teachings of the Church will not contradict the scriptures. The Church has also given us documents, pontifical documents such as this vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_interelg_doc_20030203_new-age_en.html
It discusses and names many of the New Age practices that are showing up in Catholic parishes and communities. They do not have a place in Catholics lives and should not be supported by Catholic or any Christian Church. Before you react to that urge to defend their use, instead research and find out why they are not compatible with Knowing, Loving and Serving God!
This is an article about the above document and New Age practices.
staycatholic.com/new_age.htm

Johnette Benkovic’s Book “New Age Counterfeit” can immediately help fill the need to discern. In this book she examines certain facets of the New Age movement in great depth. The book is in a study guide format. Questions for reflection and applicable Scripture passages are included for each chapter. The New Age movement preaches a different Gospel. Moreover, it is interwoven into a complex array of beliefs and programs that often mask the real intent. Benkovic removes many of these masks in this book. She shows us that it is first and foremost Satan’s counterfeit; a movement intent on the destruction of Christianity.

Susan Brinkmann has written a series of small booklets called “Learn to Discern”. In each booklet she examines one or more of these pagan practices and reveals the truth. A great help is included in I believe each booklet, a 12-page appendix full of practical tools you can use to learn how to discern the difference between New Age and Christian spirituality.
I saw Sue’s and Johnette’s books here: lhla.org/newage/?page_id=26

ARM yourself with the truth first before you make a decision, don’t depend on your opinion. Mine has been wrong many times and I have had to not only repent but I also had to renounce the use of a New Age “medical” type practice. Not a surprise since we are all sinners but thankfully God gave us the merciful Sacrament of Confession to help repair our souls and give us grace to fight the good fight! In all love and Christian compassion I write this, my brother and sisters. I don’t want to lose a one of you!

Let us therefore arm ourselves with the TRUTH!
In the Holy Name of Jesus our Lord and Savior and with His Love,
Grateful Soul

 

[John7]

Maybe you should.

Maybe I should what? steer clear of it, or try to awaken my so-called latent serpentine power. Kundalini shakti, like wow man

 

[John7]

Yoga is a benign excersize. It’s more than benign, it’s beneficial. I encourage all catholics and non-catholics to try it out.

Yes, it originated in the Hindu religions, but the way it is practiced now is very far removed from that. The fact of the matter is, Indian wise men, over thousands of years, have studied the human body and how it moves. The result is a treasure-trove of information, excersizes, and stretches that are more than benign…they are beneficial. It is a real wisdom passed down over the ages.

Romans 8:5
For they that are after the flesh
do mind the things of the flesh;
but they that are after the Spirit
the things of the Spirit.

Decision everyone has to make: how much do I want to get into the flesh?

 

[Eliza10]

This is answered in This Rock:

catholic.com/thisrock/2001/0107qq.asp The question about yoga further down the page…

Yes, that* brief comment* in Catholic Answer’s This Rock 2001 reflects your thinking and that of some others here on this thread. You must admit, though, that it is a very brief comment, and, there is no evidence of the author of the comment having looked deeply into the issue. Although I agree that the Catholic Answers mag. is a good source.

However, perhaps Catholic Answers has put more thought into the question since 2001, because in 2007, Catholic Answers Live featured guest Susan Brinkmann - (Correspondent for the Catholic Standard and Times which is the newspaper of the archdiocese of Philadelphia; member of third order discalced Carmelites.)

Brinkman said that “EVERY Yoga posture is designed as a position of worship to a Hindu god. …”

Brinkmann also says “Hindu professors laugh at the thought of “Christianizing” Yoga and they say Hinduism is always present in it regardless of what veneer one tries to put on it.”

I found the above info from a writer on Patrick Madrids blog, here, on this page:patrickmadrid.blogspot.com/2010/07/why-is-yoga-incompatible-with.html

This same writer, M. Burns, points out:

.** [it is interesting to note that St. Justin Martyr, in his First Apology, states that pagan gods are actually demons!*]

I think St. Justin Martyr is someone to listen to, particularly since he learned from the St. John the evangelist. And it is from their experience with* spiritual warfare* that Benkovich and Gigante and others say that Catholic should stay away from ALL yoga classes.

I guess if you think spiritual warfare is nothing to be concerned about these days this won’t bother you (and it you think that, you must have your head in the sand). I know that Benkovich and those speaking against yoga know way more about spiritual warfare than I do, so I listen to them.

M. Burns mentions other venerable Catholics who speak against it, and gives links. Here they are:

Moira Noonan - (Revert to Catholicism who used to be HEAVILY involved in the New Age Movement and had actual occult powers. She had to be delivered of several demons of the occult.) Her article on Yoga is at spiritbattleforsouls.org/id36.html

Anne Feaster - She has two articles on Yoga on her Web site, swordoflightandtruth.org (click on Articles & Newsletters in the sidebar).

Clare Merkle - Her article Yoga: Health or Stealth is found at crossveil.org/page7.html.

So how can anyone in good conscience ignore these voices? Only people who don’t think, or don’t want to think, in my opinion.

These are thoughful and convincing reason why you should avoid yoga, and they are given by venerable Catholics that I want to be more like. I would think if you were doing yoga, you would read them thoughtfully - unless you didn’t *want *to know the truth, that is. But the truth exists, and stays the same, whether you want to know it or not.

*** 1 Corinthians 10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. ***

 

[Eliza10]

My intent in my original post was to wake up the discernment of what is pleasing to God and what is not. That said all Catholics should be able to discern and look into the scriptures, the teachings of Holy Mother Church and discern or see that any practice that is opposed to the true honor, service, love and worship of The Holy Trinity should not be accepted nor practiced.

Why would you even consider or defend something that was designed to worship false gods and can also put your soul at risk? It is time that we all use the grace of that tug in our spirit that says something is not quite right and then stop, renounce and avoid using or participating in it!

Our whole reason on earth is not to please ourselves, have everything that we want nor have incredibly healthy bodies! Instead our whole reason on earth is to KNOW, LOVE and SERVE GOD IN THIS WORLD SO THAT WE CAN BE HAPPY WITH HIM IN THE NEXT!
(Capitals are for emphasis not shouting)

Why risk using something that was designed for demonic worship, remember a false god has demons attached to them of course, Satan will not waste any opportunity to do his work of killing, stealing or destroying your soul just because you don’t “see” any harm or because it feels so good or seems to work for you.

There is only good (God) or evil (Satan) there is not an in between world that is benign. We either live for God or die with Satan. We must be able to discern, we are not “safe” from Satan’s tricks, deceptions or attacks just because we want to remain with our opinions of it can’t be that bad because…however you fill in the blank. We may be less cupable in the confessional for our lack of knowledge but Satan doesn’t care how much you understand and really prefers your lack of knowledge to further mislead and muddy your discernment until you have stepped further and further away from the truth.
That is what makes these New Age practices so dangerous, they have some measure of scientific truth and a full measure of demonic attraction that puts anyone’s soul at risk who participates in them.

Read the scriptures, get a concordanance, even use one online. Find out what the scriptures say about false worship, demons, divination, true worship, serving God, etc. The teachings of the Church will not contradict the scriptures. The Church has also given us documents, pontifical documents such as this vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_interelg_doc_20030203_new-age_en.html
It discusses and names many of the New Age practices that are showing up in Catholic parishes and communities. They do not have a place in Catholics lives and should not be supported by Catholic or any Christian Church. Before you react to that urge to defend their use, instead research and find out why they are not compatible with Knowing, Loving and Serving God!
This is an article about the above document and New Age practices.
staycatholic.com/new_age.htm

Johnette Benkovic’s Book “New Age Counterfeit” can immediately help fill the need to discern. In this book she examines certain facets of the New Age movement in great depth. The book is in a study guide format. Questions for reflection and applicable Scripture passages are included for each chapter. The New Age movement preaches a different Gospel. Moreover, it is interwoven into a complex array of beliefs and programs that often mask the real intent. Benkovic removes many of these masks in this book. She shows us that it is first and foremost Satan’s counterfeit; a movement intent on the destruction of Christianity.

Susan Brinkmann has written a series of small booklets called “Learn to Discern”. In each booklet she examines one or more of these pagan practices and reveals the truth. A great help is included in I believe each booklet, a 12-page appendix full of practical tools you can use to learn how to discern the difference between New Age and Christian spirituality.
I saw Sue’s and Johnette’s books here: lhla.org/newage/?page_id=26

ARM yourself with the truth first before you make a decision, don’t depend on your opinion. Mine has been wrong many times and I have had to not only repent but I also had to renounce the use of a New Age “medical” type practice. Not a surprise since we are all sinners but thankfully God gave us the merciful Sacrament of Confession to help repair our souls and give us grace to fight the good fight! In all love and Christian compassion I write this, my brother and sisters. I don’t want to lose a one of you!

Let us therefore arm ourselves with the TRUTH!
In the Holy Name of Jesus our Lord and Savior and with His Love,
Grateful Soul

Excellent post. I admire what you said.

 

[faithfully]

Brinkman said that “EVERY Yoga posture is designed as a position of worship to a Hindu god. …”

Brinkmann also says “Hindu professors laugh at the thought of “Christianizing” Yoga and they say Hinduism is always present in it regardless of what veneer one tries to put on it.”​

And then perhaps that is the answer to my question… The POSTURE is the position of worship… so the postures should be avoided… Even under the guise of Pilates, or stretching or resting.

 

[kozlosap]

Yes, that* brief comment* in Catholic Answer’s This Rock 2001 reflects your thinking and that of some others here on this thread. You must admit, though, that it is a very brief comment, and, there is no evidence of the author of the comment having looked deeply into the issue. Although I agree that the Catholic Answers mag. is a good source.

However, perhaps Catholic Answers has put more thought into the question since 2001, because in 2007, Catholic Answers Live featured guest Susan Brinkmann - (Correspondent for the Catholic Standard and Times which is the newspaper of the archdiocese of Philadelphia; member of third order discalced Carmelites.)

Brinkman said that “EVERY Yoga posture is designed as a position of worship to a Hindu god. …”

Brinkmann also says “Hindu professors laugh at the thought of “Christianizing” Yoga and they say Hinduism is always present in it regardless of what veneer one tries to put on it.”

I found the above info from a writer on Patrick Madrids blog, here, on this page:patrickmadrid.blogspot.com/2010/07/why-is-yoga-incompatible-with.html

This same writer, M. Burns, points out:

.** [it is interesting to note that St. Justin Martyr, in his First Apology, states that pagan gods are actually demons!*]

I think St. Justin Martyr is someone to listen to, particularly since he learned from the St. John the evangelist. And it is from their experience with* spiritual warfare* that Benkovich and Gigante and others say that Catholic should stay away from ALL yoga classes.

I guess if you think spiritual warfare is nothing to be concerned about these days this won’t bother you (and it you think that, you must have your head in the sand). I know that Benkovich and those speaking against yoga know way more about spiritual warfare than I do, so I listen to them.

M. Burns mentions other venerable Catholics who speak against it, and gives links. Here they are:

Moira Noonan - (Revert to Catholicism who used to be HEAVILY involved in the New Age Movement and had actual occult powers. She had to be delivered of several demons of the occult.) Her article on Yoga is at spiritbattleforsouls.org/id36.html

Anne Feaster - She has two articles on Yoga on her Web site, swordoflightandtruth.org (click on Articles & Newsletters in the sidebar).

Clare Merkle - Her article Yoga: Health or Stealth is found at crossveil.org/page7.html.

So how can anyone in good conscience ignore these voices? Only people who don’t think, or don’t want to think, in my opinion.

These are thoughful and convincing reason why you should avoid yoga, and they are given by venerable Catholics that I want to be more like. I would think if you were doing yoga, you would read them thoughtfully - unless you didn’t *want *to know the truth, that is. But the truth exists, and stays the same, whether you want to know it or not.

*** 1 Corinthians 10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. ***

Two words - Common Sense. Sometimes you just have to use your head a figure “things” out for yourself. Some people on the radio think that there is a conspiracy behind every rock (or yoga pose) Be well.

 

[Stylites]

My intent in my original post was to . . .

Remember: The path to hell is paved with good intentions.

 

[PatrickSebast]

Listening to those that are older, wiser, and “holier” (I put this in quotes because I am generally opposed to the idea of any human claiming any degree of holiness, or even attempting to objectively compare holiness when compared to Christ’s ocean we couldn’t hope to fill a thimble) is generally a good thing yes, but ignoring the words of the young simply because they are young is unwise. Let us not forget that Christ praised the wisdom of Children over the wisdom of some of the highest ranked Jewish leaders at the time.

15
When the chief priests and the scribes saw the wondrous things he was doing, and the children crying out in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant
16
and said to him, “Do you hear what they are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes; and have you never read the text, ‘Out of the mouths of infants and nurslings you have brought forth praise’?”

On top of that the idea that anyone here should submit to a non-authoritative Catholic teaching that we see no reason to when many of us know people, such as priests, in positions of authority who have expressed no qualms with it, and perhaps even permitted it to go on with church facilities is silly.

If I am to grow in wisdom then I need the reason and not simply the command. If the practice of secular Yoga is somehow sinful for Catholics then I would be obligated as a Catholic to notify fellow Catholics of this and be capable of explaining it to them. So far no reasoning that fits with Church teachings or my understanding of sin has been offered. Certainly if you feel obligated by your conscience not to participate in Yoga then you should not do it, but an action having the occasion for sin in no way makes that action sinful. After all wine is a pretty big part of both Catholic and secular culture, and trying to claim that the simple use of it is sinful would be condemning Christ himself. Yet we can not deny that alcohol brings occasion for sin.

In addition the Church specifically doesn’t teach on cultural and media phenomena BECAUSE they feel the use of things such certain exercise methods (yoga) or fiction books (Harry Potter, Davinci Code) are best left to the conscience of the individual, so those saying it doesn’t feel wrong or corrupting are thinking more like Catholics than you think.

 

[LilyM]

Why would you even consider or defend something that was designed to worship false gods and can also put your soul at risk? It is time that we all use the grace of that tug in our spirit that says something is not quite right and then stop, renounce and avoid using or participating in it!

What, like altars and incense and temples were first (doubtless) used in the worship of false gods before anyone thought of using them in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist or worship of the God of Abraham (well, before Abraham’s time on earth anyway)?

Or like trees were considered to be pagan deities - and decorated and worshipped for that reason - before St Boniface adapted and supplanted the pagan practice by coming up with the idea of the Christmas tree?

Or like the title ‘Pontifex Maximus’, or Supreme Pontiff, one of the Pope’s many titles - was originally a title for the chief PAGAN priest of Rome, well before the birth of Christ?

Or like the custom of the wedding ring was first come up with by pagan Romans, again well before the time of Christ? They were even the first to put it on the third (“ring”) finger, as it was believed a vein from that finger led directly to the heart!

Friend, with all due respect to you and Johnette Benkovic and co, Catholicism has adopted and adapted, and incorporated into itself and its worship, more practices that originated in pagan rites and worship than you’ve had hot dinners. Yoga is just one more, and I doubt it is any more dangerous than any of the others.

 

[Garyjohn2]

Romans 8:5
For they that are after the flesh
do mind the things of the flesh;
but they that are after the Spirit
the things of the Spirit.

Decision everyone has to make: how much do I want to get into the flesh?

Is not the body the temple of this same Spirit?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Yoga is an excellent way to honor our bodies, which is a supreme gift from God.

We can speak of Yoga’s benefits for the spirit as well, even the Holy Spirit. I think yoga can help lead us to God.

Silence, and meditation can help lead us to God. The relaxation the yoga provides is excellent. It frees one up from daily worries and helps quiet the mind. This can aid in prayer and meditation. I find it does anyways.

 

[Grateful_Soul]

Quote
"Friend, with all due respect to you and Johnette Benkovic and co, Catholicism has adopted and adapted, and incorporated into itself and its worship, more practices that originated in pagan rites and worship than you’ve had hot dinners. Yoga is just one more, and I doubt it is any more dangerous than any of the others. "

This is illogical since the Pontifcal Document has already warned about the use of yoga and other New Age or practices. And because it is a provisional document there will be more that will be published concerning these and other New Age practices. I can’t beleive that it will be given the same adoption as say a wedding ring. I do understand that right now many of these practices are being sanctioned by priests but I feel that is simply because of the lack of information that has been available in the past to the truth of what these practices such as yoga were/are and how they are not in line with Christian tenets.

Many practices that Catholics use are not “approved” so to speak but are adopted. Take the practice of burying a statue of St. Joseph upside down until your house sells. This seems to be superstitious not Christian in practice. What is in line with the teachings of the Church is to call upon the saints for aid through prayers such as a Novena.

If the logic that you propose is used then any false worship or occult practice can be adapted and adopted if it is only cleaned up a bit with say a prayer. Nevermind the practice was and still is a way of worship to false gods (demons) whose head is the Father of all Lies and only come to kill, steal and destroy our souls.

I also understand that the Holy Spirit converts the mind and soul so I will just leave this to prayer. There are many others who have experienced the damaging effects of practicing yoga and their experiences are much more valuable than my simple research. I have already posted links to their books and books that will help us discern so that we remain faithful to our Lord in all things.

Love to you through Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, THE WORD MADE FLESH WHO WALKED AMONG US!
Grateful Soul

 

[Grateful_Soul]

Remember: The path to hell is paved with good intentions.

I prefer these teaching quotes as they fit what I meant better than your quote:

PART THREE
LIFE IN CHRIST

SECTION ONE
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

CHAPTER ONE
THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

ARTICLE 4
THE MORALITY OF HUMAN ACTS

1749 Freedom makes man a moral subject. When he acts deliberately, man is, so to speak, the father of his acts. Human acts, that is, acts that are freely chosen in consequence of a judgment of conscience, can be morally evaluated. They are either good or evil.

1752 In contrast to the object, the intention resides in the acting subject. Because it lies at the voluntary source of an action and determines it by its end, intention is an element essential to the moral evaluation of an action. The end is the first goal of the intention and indicates the purpose pursued in the action. The intention is a movement of the will toward the end: it is concerned with the goal of the activity. It aims at the good anticipated from the action undertaken. Intention is not limited to directing individual actions, but can guide several actions toward one and the same purpose; it can orient one’s whole life toward its ultimate end. For example, a service done with the end of helping one’s neighbor can at the same time be inspired by the love of God as the ultimate end of all our actions.

Love to you in Christ Jesus Our Lord and Savior THE WORD MADE FLESH WHO WALKED AMONG US!
Grateful Soul