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. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

Yoga therapy for stressed out motormen
Times of India, India - 10 hours ago
The railways have now tied up with an NGO to study the effect of regular yoga on the health of stressed out motormen. Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute ...

Hatha yoga at Rowley Public Library
Ipswich Chronicle,  USA - 9 hours ago
The Rowley Public Library offers a mixed level Hatha yoga class for adults of all fitness levels Wednesdays Sept. 3-Oct. 29, 5:30-6:45 pm, in the Community ...

Yoga with a kick
KOLD-TV, AZ - 15 hours ago
By Jenny Anchondo - email If you're tight and lack overall flexibility, the last thing you should attempt is yoga, right? Wrong. ...

The conventions: Good for a laugh
Boston Globe, United States - 8 hours ago
I kept my eyes glued to Sara Avant Stover's pieces on the Yoga Journal website, where she has written on subjects like "The DNC's Challenge: Can You Walk ...

Yoga for youth: Ancient practice finds new fans in urban teens
Kansas City Star, MO - Aug 28, 2008
Barnett-Lewis, 13, asked during a teen yoga class in Riverwest, Wis., this month. "Where's it from?" Many youths are engaged in the usual pastimes: chatting ...

Yoga at the River’s Edge continues
Marshfield Mariner,  USA - 14 hours ago
North and South Rivers Watershed Association’s Yoga at the River’s Edge series will continue through Sept. 20. Weekly classes, taught by certified yoga ...

News 8 Austin
Yoga, acrobatics and Thai massage rolled into one
News 8 Austin, TX - 16 hours ago
If you're into yoga, you might be interested in trying a different kind, called acroyoga. Acroyoga blends traditional yoga with Thai massage and the power ...

Nikita, not dressed for the occasion?
Times of India, India - 5 hours ago
Yoga guru Yogi Ashwini recently organised a spiritual healing session to promote the practice of yoga. Former Miss India-Universe Nikita Anand rued that she ...

Healing Rhythms: A Day of Dance, Yoga and Activities to benefit ...
iBerkshires.com, MA - 18 hours ago
Rhythms, A Center for the Movement Arts in conjunction with the Aspinwell Open Market, is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a day of dance, yoga ...

Martha's Vineyard Magazine
Finding your yoga
Martha's Vineyard Magazine, MA - 23 hours ago
Just like Goldilocks trying to find the right porridge and bed, this writer had to sample different styles of yoga before settling into a groove that worked ...

Eight Amazing Benefits of Teaching Yoga

Every challenging occupation yields some sort of satisfaction, but the fitness professionals industry had an... Read More

Ayurveda and Yoga, Ancient Sister Sciences

Ayurveda and yoga are sister sciences that have been united for thousands of years for... Read More

A World of Infinite Opportunities

Many people feel that there is a limited amount of abundance, wealth, or chances to... Read More

Yoga and Pregnancy

Every woman wants to have a healthy baby. Yogic practices, when done with care, can... Read More

Discover How Yoga Will Help You Reach Your Goals ? Part 1

Time is valuable and there are a number of successful methods for goal realization. Yoga... Read More

Yoga Your Way To A Happy Vacation

Yoga Your Way To A Happy VacationThere have been many studies into holiday stress. Sadly,... Read More

Yoga for Fun and Profit

Stress levels around the world are on the rise. In order to deal with this,... Read More

Yoga is Unity

Experienced Yoga practitioners often feel discouraged when a naturally gifted dancer, gymnast, or martial artist,... Read More

Positive Energy

Cultivating positive energy: Most of us who study Yoga have been taught that an abundance... Read More

Some Tantric Exercises to Increase General Well-Being and Sexual Abilities

A healthy anal and genital area is of great importance both for the general well-being... Read More