Yoga Information
Home | Yoga Bookstore | Yoga Clothes & Accessories | Yoga Affirmations | Yoga Videos |
Path to God - Spiritual Journeys | Wai Lana Yoga | Yoga Weight Loss Secrets | Contact

Best Yoga For Life | Yoga Information






Christian Yoga?


There is an interesting article in the September 5th issue of Time magazine. This particular article covers a spectrum of opinions about mixing Christianity with Yoga. Even, if you don't agree with a single opinion, it's a good read, as long as you remain objective.

Over the course of time, I have been lucky enough to teach, or practice, with someone from every known religious denomination; so the statement by a Professor Tiwari at the Hindu University of America, where he states that, "Yoga is Hinduism," is surprising, coming from a scholar. Possibly, this statement was taken out of context, but fundamentalism exists, to a degree, in every form of religion.

If some Christians want to practice Yoga to make a closer connection to God, who are any of us to criticize it? Isn't one of Yoga's purposes, the union of self with a Supreme Being? So what is the big deal?

Truthfully, many fundamentalists are all about division - keeping the masses divided, at war with each other, and preferably, in a "holy war." They fear the unity of mankind, letting go of power, and world peace. They don't want to loosen their grip on their followers, so they squeeze a little more.

So if a Christian group wants to practice "Son Salutations", or "PraiseMoves," give them a break. Yoga is practiced in sectarian atmospheres by a variety of different religions. Nobody has a monopoly on Yoga. Yoga is a complete health maintenance system for mind, body, and spirit.

There is a type of Yoga for everyone, and some people want a little more spiritual flavor than others. Since Yoga has been around for at least 5,000 years, there is a very big variety to choose from.

As for skeptics who "point the finger" at each other - "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone?" It might be best if we all practice a little more mindfulness, and loving kindness, before we decide to criticize things we don't understand.

Yoga is "out of the bag." It is no longer practiced by a particular group. Therefore, Yoga is a public treasure, and not a genie that we will confine to a bottle. No matter how many people try to patent, or copyright, Yoga, it will be practiced within every corner of the earth.

So, please read the article in Time magazine and enjoy it, but take the time to remain objective. Recognize motives and words for their hidden agenda. Most of all, remain in good relations with your fellow man.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html


MORE RESOURCES:

E! Online

Jude Law Takes His Yoga Very Seriously
Zimbio
Starring in the Broadway production of Hamlet, Jude Law needs time to do his yoga and relax. Unfortunately, he likes to do it on the balcony of his ...
Orange You Glad Jude Law's Not Your Neighbor?E! Online
Report: Jude Law Hurls Oranges at NYU FreshmenDNAinfo
Jude Law Throws Oranges At Obnoxious NYU KidsThe Frisky
Gothamist -New York Post -Gaea Times
all 44 news articles »


THE FIT Get fit, the Wii way
Detroit Free Press
"Like if I wanted to do just all yoga or strength or play balance games to be active, I could do any of those for just one day. Or I mix it up. ...

and more »


In Chant, Listening and Singing Become One
New York Times
Perhaps it's all the yoga I've been doing lately, but by concentrating on my breath and listening for subtle textural and rhythmic changes, like the quiet ...



Blue Sky Cafe and Juice Bar- Blue Sky Yoga serves up meals, yoga
YourHub.com
Yoga Studio opened in 2003. How did you get involved in this business? I began in restaurant management with Bennigans, in 1980. ...



Lisa's Laws: A country Thanksgiving, where the turkey, pumpkin pie and fibs ...
Times Herald-Record
yoga has in fact come to the country. She'll try and make you take her Friday morning, but you have leftover pumpkin pie to eat. ...

and more »


Howell trainer makes working out fun, easy
Livingston Daily
When she's not instructing yoga courses, volunteering or working, Stevers enjoys doing activities that are appropriate for someone promoting healthy living. ...

and more »


Travel Pendleton awards first event grant to Yoga Roundup
East Oregonian
Wife and husband Tania and Cedric Wildbill created The Yoga Roundup, a new Oregon limited liability company. Tania Wildbill and James Dewar had formed the ...



Flying Yoga Workshop!
YourHub.com
Experience the union that is yoga by connecting with your fellow yogis and having fun! All levels are welcome. Flying yoga is an adventure for everyone from ...



Leader makes 'Element: Yoga for Weight Loss' a winning home workout
Fort Worth Star Telegram
If I were to take yoga classes, I'd want the instructor to be someone like Ashley Turner. The yoga expert and leader of the new DVD Element: Yoga for Weight ...



Religious Intelligence Ltd

Hindus, yoga teachers question US sales tax
The Associated Press
LOUIS — Yoga practitioners are criticizing a Missouri sales tax that applies to yoga classes, claiming they should be exempt because the lessons include ...
Missouri is now collecting taxes from yoga classesKansas City Star
Missouri enforces tax on yoga, Pilates centersColumbia Missourian
Missouri moves to tax yoga classesUnited Press International
Ozarks First -KARK -FOX2now.com
all 216 news articles »

Google News

home | site map | Privacy Policy
© 2009 www.bestyogalife.info * | * | * Contact