I often get asked, "Is Yoga a Religion?" And more specifically, "If I am Christian, can I practice Yoga?"
Because I am not an expert in this field, I invited my colleague, Gaylie Cashman MA, a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy and Spiritual Direction practitioner, to write this article.
For more about Gaylie's practice in Portland, OR, please visit here at www.YourStillSmallVoice.com
Here's what she writes:
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Reconciliation of Christianity and Yoga
Let me begin with the concern that yoga is a religion. Yoga is a discipline or system that invites the whole human person to be present, creating the optimal potential of well being. A whole human person is considered body, mind and spirit, so wholeness within the yoga system invites all participants’ personal spiritual beliefs and experiences into the practice. Christians most requently express concern that yoga belongs to Hinduism, perhaps because so many teachings about the benefits and value of yoga are of a Hindu perspective. If only Hinduism’s perspective on yoga is examined, the water can get muddied about what yoga is and is not. While Hinduism is the predominant religion to incorporate yoga, the fact is, yoga has much to offer all of us.
2 comments:
good choice of topics; it'll be helpful here in the Bible Belt
It is wonderful to see how Christ is using this woman to help people realize the “whole of creation”. In the Book of Mark, Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all CREATION”. When we compartmentalize out any part of His creation, then we limit the influence of the Spirit not only in our lives but in the lives of others. Jesus touched people as He walked with His disciples. He touched their bodies, but each time He did so, His intent was to touch their hearts. He came to heal the broken hearted and set the captives free. Nothing has changed. Gaylie is continuing to extend her gifts in a similar way. The world is dying for a touch of the Spirit of God, and I believe this holistic approach is just another extension of His hand to their hearts.
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