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
one time home cleaning Highland Park ..What you are about to read applies to teaching, in... Read More
Patanjali in his Yogasutra describes that people are afflicted with... Read More
Internal defeat is a state of mind, where you begin... Read More
Everyone has heard of the mythical "Fountain of Youth", but... Read More
To continue with our overview of the physical component of... Read More
EXERCISES FOR BACK RELIEFMany people believe that rest is best... Read More
Now, let's cover the last component of self-mastery, which is... Read More
I suppose it was only a matter of time before... Read More
At this point, let's break down the major components of... Read More
Spending eight or more hours a day in an office... Read More
Yoga for a beginner is an exciting time when you... Read More
It was not so long ago that eating disorders, such... Read More
For some reason, I had the time to sit down... Read More
Being a practicing Christian myself, there are very few things... Read More
Unlike some other sports, you don't need a lot of... Read More
Every process of Yoga... neigh Meditation that frees us from... Read More
Are you one of those folks who have never tried... Read More
In order to find a quality yoga instructor, you need... Read More
A healthy anal and genital area is of great importance... Read More
At one time, or another, all of us have experienced... Read More
Stress levels around the world are on the rise. In... Read More
Initially, enlightenment is living in the present moment and accepting... Read More
Time is valuable and there are a number of successful... Read More
I absolutely love using yoga DVDs and yoga videos during... Read More
Some people may wonder if using a yoga prop can... Read More
licensed cleaning services Park Ridge ..At one time, or another, all of us have experienced... Read More
Time is valuable and there are a number of successful... Read More
Pilates can benefit your overall health and sense of well-being... Read More
Cultivating positive energy: Most of us who study Yoga have... Read More
Some people may wonder if using a yoga prop can... Read More
Self Mastery, alone, sounds like a selfish term; but if... Read More
I absolutely love using yoga DVDs and yoga videos during... Read More
Now, let's cover the last component of self-mastery, which is... Read More
Many people wonder if yoga can improve their muscle fitness.... Read More
I am often asked by beginners about how to evaluate... Read More
There is an interesting article in the September 5th issue... Read More
The following are questions that Yoga teachers still need to... Read More
We all want to feel loved, open, free and peaceful.... Read More
The benefit of yoga practice goes far beyond the actual... Read More
Many people feel that there is a limited amount of... Read More
Experienced Yoga practitioners often feel discouraged when a naturally gifted... Read More
Yoga is an ancient system of movement designed to generate... Read More
The history of yoga is long and steeped in tradition.... Read More
Initially, enlightenment is living in the present moment and accepting... Read More
As described in my earlier article... thoughts in the mind... Read More
At this point, let's break down the major components of... Read More
Are you one of those folks who have never tried... Read More
A true Yogi(practitioner) is one who has acquired self-knowledge and... Read More
In order to understand the basics of Pilates and why... Read More
With dozens of Hollywood celebrities following in their Guru's lotus... Read More
Yoga |