Is Yoga Dangerous?
- Benjamin Lamp
- Aug 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 4, 2024
Recently, there has been considerable discussion surrounding whether Christians should engage in Yoga, considering its origins and impact. I believe it is a worthwhile subject to explore.
Origin of Yoga
Yoga has its roots in ancient India as one of the six branches of Hindu philosophy. The term Yoga translates to “yoke” or “union”. This union represents the connection with your body, mind, and soul to Brahmin or Shakti, which is a deity or a mystical power in the cosmos. Further details will be provided later on.
The Goal of Yoga
The objective of Yoga is to attain a state of meditative consciousness known as Samadhi, dwell in that state, and ultimately attain Moksha. Moksha is a Hindu concept signifying liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth. In simpler terms, Yoga aims to elevate your consciousness so that you can realize the divine conscious energy source, Shakti (god), which resides within us and can be accessed and unified through different physical and mental practices. Following so far? Excellent. Let's now explore the methods through which Yoga practitioners establish this union with Shakti.
The Stretches and Techniques
The methods employed in Yoga were specifically devised to align your mind and body with Brahmin (The Spiritual One). This is achieved through the utilization of particular techniques that involve the activation of Chakras. Chakras are focal points on the body that regulate the flow of energy from the lower part of the body to the upper part. The seven Chakras used in this practice are located at the base of the spine, the sexual organs, the navel, the heart, the throat, between the eyebrows, and the crown. These focal points are specifically stimulated by the unique techniques inherent to Yoga. By following the prescribed sequences of these techniques (as instructed by teachers), your circulation and energy will be directed to move from the lower body to the upper body, ultimately reaching the final Chakra at the crown of the head or the third eye. The spiritual significance of this process lies in achieving the highest spiritual center and a state of pure consciousness, enabling you to then attain unity with Brahmin. Is this something worth exploring? What if it's just about the physical stretches?
Let’s talk about it.
Is it Appropriate for Christians to Practice Yoga?
Considering the origins and objectives of Yoga, along with the understanding that the physical postures are the means to attain these objectives, it seems evident that Christians should refrain from participating in this activity. The Bible clearly warns against false worship and involvement in worldly practices (Exodus 20:2-6, 1 Corinthians 10:20), and based on our knowledge, it is apparent that the original purpose cannot be separated from the physical exercises themselves. Even in Westernized yoga studios that do not involve incense or idols, the postures are intended to honor a false deity and prepare the body and mind for negative influences.
What do you do if your church holds a yoga class?
When it comes to engaging in apologetics and discussing matters with fellow Christians, the approach employed is of utmost importance. It is essential to address the presence of a "small group yoga class" at your church, but it should be done with love and compassion. I recommend sharing this information with the church's Pastor or suggesting that they investigate the matter themselves. It is important to remember that practicing or teaching yoga does not automatically make someone non-Christian or a heretic. However, it does involve engaging in the worship of another religion, which necessitates repentance. Many yoga practitioners are unaware of this aspect, so it is advisable to approach them with this understanding in mind.
Sources
A concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy – John A. Grimes
The Yoga Tradition – Georg Feuerstein
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