|
Monday, November 28, 2011
|
Is Yoga Demonic? |
|
|
|
|
While numerous reports have documented Christianity and yoga to prove uneasy bedfellows, a Seattle pastor has fanned the flames of debate by calling yoga “absolute paganism” that can lead to “demonism.” In a lengthy blog post claiming to summarize the history and traditions
of yoga, Mark Driscoll employs apologetics (reasoned arguments intended
to justify a religious doctrine) to rebut the tenets of yoga and
demonstrate “why it is, in fact, demonic.”
At the core of Driscoll’s reasoning is the Christian tenet of the one (and only) true God, and only one path to spiritual redemption; “through the power of the Holy Spirit provided through Jesus’ death and resurrection on the cross.” Claiming the “virtual impossibility” of practicing yoga postures divorced from their spiritual origins, Driscoll notes “we should never, in our desire to be in shape and be healthy, adopt systems antithetical to Christianity because they make us feel good or have bodily value.” In support of this point, Driscoll cites the seminal work of Mark Singleton, who posits the historical origins of modern postural yoga to derive more from Western gymnastics than Indian yoga. Driscoll fails to mention, however, the rich historical lineage of “spiritual gymnastics” in the US which had little to do with Indian forms of yoga, thus weakening his equation of modern and Indian forms of yoga. Like any form of fitness activity (e.g., pilates, gymnastics, calisthenics), it is entirely possible to practice postural forms resembling yoga while reaping minimal spiritual benefit (e.g., without mindful awareness or connection to breath). For example, in Kripalu yoga, yoga is defined as the act of being compassionate and mindful of each moment; thus all of life may be considered yoga when skillfully lived, while yoga postures are mere exercise or calisthenics in the absence of mindfulness. I contend it’s entirely possible for those of different religions to engage in “yoga postures” (particularly given the origins of many such postures in gymnastics) without threat to one’s religious identity. Yoga with a capital “Y” however, intentionally practiced on (e.g., postures; pranayama; meditation) and off the mat (e.g., how you show up in relationship; your attitude in traffic), has the potential to broaden one’s perspective, generating a more spacious and compassionate perspective and softening the rigidity of views such as Driscoll’s. Political and religious conservative viewpoints have been shown in numerous studies to be motivated and sustained by fear of uncertainty and threat. Driscoll’s treatise congeals many threads of yogic and modern liberal American ideology, all of which radically deviate from (and conceivably threaten) conservative Christianity’s rigid tenets. Perhaps yoga’s inherent spirit of inquiry, of “living into the answers,” thus partially explains the fear-laced vitriol expressed towards yoga and contemplative religions by conservative Christian contingents. The inclusive and pluralistic nature of contemplative thought may easily be perceived a threat to monotheistic paradigms, which espouse the Word of God (i.e., the Bible) as the only source of truth. Do you think it is impossible to practice yoga postures divorced from their spiritual origins? 9 Comments
well thats what i have been told all my life but there is a hidden meaning to these teachings , if you do yoga your not welcome at many churches because youre teaching mite not jive with Bible.well I can say the teaching of Baptism is very similure to the teaching of meditation in both we deni self in order to do the will of God within.to die to self in order to live for God.I have my own life to acount for and hold the teaching of some denomenation that is at ends with anyone that does not agree with them dosent bother me. I been a christian all my life and dont think God is going to call me lost after learnig yoga.I had a friend from India when i was in college and asked him why do you worship a pictor of some animal he said well it may not be a the true God but if we did not have any God to be accountable to what would people do they would do anythig and have no regart for any thing. an idea that there is God better than nothing.
1
November 28, 2011
I just read a book on the history of Hinduism. Originally the religion (like all) was based on serving "the one true God, maker of the universe, whose heart is love and compassion." (hmmmm...sounds like Jesus to me). The many "gods" of Hinduism were designed to be physical representations of the character qualities of the One God. They are not recognized or worshipped as gods, just point to the One. For instance Saraswati represents God's character trait of wisdom and knowledge.
As a Christ follower who loves yoga practice, I recognize that the Supreme Being who is the embodiment of love and compassion is too large to be contained in any religious box, and to real to be an exclusivist hater. 2
December 05, 2011
"As a Christ follower who loves yoga practice, I recognize that the Supreme Being who is the embodiment of love and compassion is too large to be contained in any religious box, and to real to be an exclusivist hater."
I couldn't have said this better myself. 3
December 06, 2011
This article reminds me of the Yoga ban in Malaysia because it is considered a threat to Isalm and fearing that "Hindu roots could corrupt Islam". And eventually there was a backlash from the public and I think they had to eventually lift the ban or make it more lenient in its scope.
It is a difficult issue. I am a vegetarian, but do I think that people who eat meat are demonic? No. I think it is ridiculous to to call something demonic just because you happened to be born in a different country/religion and were brought up believing in a certain way of thought. I think a better way is to be more objective. If something is against your way of being/belief system then ignore it, I think we are living in an age and time where people are relatively free to be how they want to be. You don't have to torment yourself, No one is forcing anyone to practice yoga. There is definitely a spiritual elemnt to yoga if you choose to pursue that. If not, then I think yoga can still be practiced in a purely "gymnastic" form. My philosophy is to try out different things, stick with what you think works for you and discard the rest. 4
December 10, 2011
I completely agree with Lisa Cat....."As a Christ follower who loves yoga practice, I recognize that the Supreme Being who is the embodiment of love and compassion is too large to be contained in any religious box, and to real to be an exclusivist hater."
I am continually surprised at the fear for some that condemn yoga as a threat to Christian beliefs.....would seem to me that an open heart and mind would strengthen anyone's core values.... 5
December 12, 2011
Did you know that Christian missionaries have inspired Africans to BURN their fellow man alive, so that they suffer a slow death due to the suspicion that they are WITCHES? Tell me what is this "demonic" is?
6
December 21, 2011
I'm a Christian, and i practice Yoga purely for the physical benefits!Although i respect the spiritual origins, i don't do meditation. So it's possible!!
7
December 21, 2011
I am not religious now, but I was raised Southern Baptist. Seems to me that were I still a believer, I could understand meditation to be listening to the Holy Spirit. The Zen "Buddha Within" also. Some folks just seem to be hostile to anything different or new. I think Rev. Driscoll needs to learn to relax, but I'm afraid that he would consider that to be “antithetical to Christianity” :(
8
January 07, 2012
Yoga brought me to God. Or God used yoga to bring me back to Him. Strip away labels. Just let God move us. He is the best instructor we will ever have.
9
January 15, 2012
Write comment
You must be logged in to a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.
|
Our Sponsor
 Discover a new method to learn
challenging yoga poses. |
| Free Newsletter |
|---|
| Premium Content |
|---|
| Our premium members have access to deluxe features, detailed yogic information and downloadable MP3s. Check out our Premium Membership Benefits page to find out all of the rewards of joining. |
| New Users |
|---|
| To get the most out of our site, we suggest you take some time to explore before jumping into the practice. Browse our yoga 101 section for general info on the history and types of yoga, then start exploring asanas the physical postures used in hatha yoga. Remember to breathe and always start your yoga practice with a brief meditation. Questions? check out our yoga message board. If you are new to yoga, please read our Yoga for Beginner's page |
| Yogic Wisdom |
|---|
|
Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted--a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul. Rabbi Harold Kushner |
| Our Most Popular Pages |
|---|
| RSS Syndication |
|---|
 Subscribe to our RSS feed to keep informed on all new updates to YogaBasics.com.
In order to use our Newsfeed you need to cut and paste the URL into a RSS reader or use your browser's RSS "subscribe" button.
|
Ahimsa, the yogic practice of non violence must be adhered to when engaging in the practice of hatha yoga. Respect your body's limitations and inner wisdom, if something feels wrong or dangerous, please do not do it.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.
All contents copyright 2001-2012 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.
All contents copyright 2001-2012 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.
