The advantage of yoga is twofold-- increased health and marriage of the spirit with the body. It is accomplished through the use of several elements, however generally through the mix of Asanas, or postures, and breathing/meditation practices.
This raises numerous concern in the Christian community. In my research for this short article, I was very stunned at additional hints the perspective of the Christian apologists, and their take on yoga and its practice. I have been reluctant on composing this short article because of that perspective. Nevertheless, I feel that this question and the position of the Christian community warrants reflection on the topic.
Yoga has a history going back over five thousand years, to the start of the civilization of guy. Little is really learnt about Yoga. it is believed to have actually originated in Mehrgarh, a neolithic settlement in what is now Afghanistan. Scholars believe it has actually outgrown Stone Age Shamanism. In this early period of civilization's beginnings, Yoga was a neighborhood resource, since of its efforts to identify cosmic order through inner vision, and apply it to day-to-day living. In later years, yoga evolved into an inner discussion through which the Yogis looked for to develop their own redemption and enlightenment.
Archaeological proof of the presence of Yoga first appeared in stone seals excavated from the Indus valley. It illustrated figures in lots of Yogic Asanas, or postures, and formally put Yoga in the time duration of roughly 3000 B.C. Of greater import, it likewise connected yoga to the terrific Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, a duration in time that was thought about modern-day and effective.
From the Indus-Sarasvati civilization came the ancient texts known as the Vedas, the earliest bibles in the world. The Vedas are a collection of hymns that praise a higher power and contains the oldest taped history of Yoga teachings. The Vedas required the professional to transcend human restrictions, and reach a greater spiritual aircraft. In later years, texts known as the Brahmanas were composed to discuss the rituals and the hymns of the Vedas. Following this came the Aranyakas texts, which outlined the practice of Yogis residing in the privacy of the forest. This led to the beginning of India's medical custom, referred to as Ayurveda. All in all, Yoga changed into a practice of health, consistency of the spirit, and a way of living.
The Christian perspective is hence-- if one opens the mind to clearer thinking and inner vision, they open the spirit to demonic possession. It is felt that Yoga practice borders on occultism, which opening one's mind and spirit to the advantage of yoga is both hazardous and versus whatever Christianity preaches. Christians believe that studying yoga belongs to practicing Hinduism, and one can not separate the approach of Hinduism from their Christian beliefs, regardless of the health advantage of yoga.
As a practicing Buddhist, I differ with this viewpoint. To me, this resembles one-track mind and narrowmindedness. A Christian is expected to open their heart and minds to Jesus, and to succumb to the spirit of the Lord. They are anticipated to rely on blind faith, and to accept the word of God as the only reality worldwide. A thinking individual would discover this hypocritical, for on the one hand Christians preach that Yoga needs to be prevented since opening the mind to clearer vision encourages the possibility of demonic possession, yet on the other hand preaches that a person need to open the mind and heart to accept Jesus into their lives. Opening one's heart and mind is precisely that-- whether it is to look into one's self, or to accept Jesus into their lives. If, as Christians preach, we are open to demonic belongings if we look inside ourselves and open the mind to all the possibilities, how then can we securely open our hearts to the idea of Christianity? Is there a gatekeeper who makes this decision when we do so that determines what course we are to follow? I think not ...
For the record, I was raised in a Christian home. My dad was the deacon of a small Baptist church in the farming neighborhood where we lived. My mom, who taught us children to question everything, moved from the Baptist neighborhood to the Assembly of God churches, and was ostracized by my daddy. I think that to her dying day, she resented my dad for this narrowmindedness. Life is a matter of option, and my mom believed that we are not needed to run under the illusion of blind faith, but to do what is right to us as an individual. And it is why I walk the Noble 8 Folded Path. It is simply a matter of choice, and questioning whatever in this universe.
I think that the practice of yoga is a good thing. It supplies us with terrific health advantages, clearer vision, and harmony in our souls. And in this day and age, what else is there? Whether we be Christians, Muslims, or Buddhists, we should not disrespect the sensations and thoughts of others, their rights to practice as they wish, or try to push our views down other individuals's throats. To live in harmony is precisely that ...