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Yoga and Christianity a Conflict?
Being a practicing Christian myself, there are very few things in Yoga that conflict with Christianity. Some critics argue that Yoga and Christianity cannot co-exist, and yet we know that Yoga is not a religion. However, that depends on your opinion. Recently, I was reading about someone who claims Kundalini is "new age witchcraft." Sorry to say, another person recently stated, "Good Christians should avoid the devil's exercise," in reference to Yoga. Are the Salem witch trials still so close to our hearts? These claims are interesting because ministers and priests have been practicing meditation for centuries, without any complaints. I suppose, if someone devoted enough time to meditating on bad thoughts, meditation would be a bad experience. To be honest, it depends upon what you meditate about; and in truth, within some schools of Yoga, Hinduism, or Buddhism is taught. For me, this has always been a conflict, as I love Yoga, but have no desire to change my faith. The many teachings of Yoga and meditation, are non-sectarian. Now, if Yoga were a religion, which would it be? The principles of Yoga are universal. The Yamas and Niyamas are similar, in principle, to the Ten Commandments, but as a Christian you have the right to pick and choose what you want from Yoga. You also have the right to avoid sectarian ashrams. Yoga practice, and meditation, give many Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and Moslems, a closer connection to God, but there will always be someone who feels tempted to change their faith. Let's be honest, the people who worry about a sudden change of faith are, for the most part, rooted in two distinct camps of thought. 1. Someone who is on the fence about their own religion and not quite sure where they really stand. 2. Severe intolerance of any idea that is new or might result in opening the mind. Let's stop the intolerance now. When you are driving in your car, waiting in line, or come face-to-face with someone who is different from you, please set an example for your children and give the other person a break. 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 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. yoga-teacher-training.org
MORE RESOURCES: Yoga and music are both passions of mine since they are very therapeutic in nature to me. By combining both tunes and yoga poses (asanas) you can get a workout like no other. You can create an awesome experience, depending on your music choices and rather you are performing poses... Depression is a common complaint among both men and women. Just turn on the television and you will see numerous commercials for antidepressants. We live in a fast paced, hectic world. Yoga is a wonderful way to relieve depression, either on its own or as a compliment to traditional... GILBERT, Ariz., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc., one the nation's largest providers of yoga classes, meditation and Tai Chi, has taken a bold move the announcement of its ... As one who is a Christian and enjoys yoga, I was delighted to discover Holy Yoga . Yoga is excellent on its own, and so it Christianity. However, when the two practices are combined, the result is one great experience that goes beyond excellence. The New York Giants have been participating in yoga with their instructor, Gwen Lawrence to prepare for the big game. Lawrence said, "Pro athletes of all types see that it will improve their health and longevity on the field of play." All the rookies on the team have to... APPLETON, Wis. -- Wanda Schnetzer never imagined she'd take a trip to Bali. She also never pictured herself teaching a midnight yoga class after the late shift. APPLETON, Wis. -- Wanda Schnetzer never imagined she'd take a trip to Bali. She also never pictured herself teaching a midnight yoga class after the late shift. Once upon a time, the airport was where you waited to take a plane to go somewhere. Now it's a place where you can make yourself at home, and live for years, if you're so inclined. Many preach that yoga helps keep them centered, toned and flexible. The messages seem to be spreading — according to a recent New York Times article, the number of Americans practicing yoga grew from about 4 million in 2001 to an estimated 20 million in 2011. Stressed out by flying? |
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