Is Yoga A Religion? Reconciliation of Yoga & Christianity.
Posted by Soleil Hepner on April 11, 2009
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, 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:
-----------------
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.
Read the entire article here...
Written by Gaylie Cashman, MA, PRYT. www.yourstillsmallvoice.com
-
-
- Posted by The Ishaya Foundation on April 11, 2009
"Enlightenment: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali" by MSI has an appendix "A note to our Christian Brothers". He commented that Yoga is a prime tool for creating Christians of the Spirit of the Law rather than those just knowing the letter of the law. You can read the free E-book at
http://www.theishayatradition.com/books/ebooks/Enlightenment.pdf
Jyoti Ishaya
-
-
-
- Posted by Soleil Hepner on April 22, 2009
I'm posting this comment written to me directly by a friend...
"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.
It appears that 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."
-
-
- Posted by
- Soleil Hepner
- Contact
- Add as Favorite
-
share:
My Listings
-
-
Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy - Intro workshops & Trainings
1 session available for $60.00 -
-
Technology for Teachers - Email Marketing
1 session available -
-
YogaBlaze Presents: "Teachers Beyond Walls" @ Discovery Park - June 7, 1 - 3:30
1 session available
My Recent Articles
Psychotherapy goes from Couch to Yoga Mat - in Time Magazine
April 21, 2009
-
-
During this time of recession, emotions tend to come to the forefront in the oddest places - including the yoga mat.
Recently, Time Magazine noticed this trend in this article: "Psychot...
Read more »
Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy - Real Stories. Real People
February 15, 2009
-
-
Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy
Real Stories. Real People
A recovering cancer patient
sobs as she allows her grief over the loss of her breasts free rein for the
first time; she has had ...
Read more »
Related Articles
a rambling: I found awareness
ELLA Yoga – November 18, 2009
-
-
I am really taking what I have gathered from all I have read, experienced, and felt and drawing it into clear genuine feeling.
How do you show what you think and what you exper...
Read more »
dear life: thank you for the opportunities.
ELLA Yoga – November 18, 2009
-
-
Really, isn't it wonderful?If your reading this right now you have the time, a computer or access to one, able to read, most likely in good health, and most certainly have the right conditions ...
Read more »
2 comments