Yoga Information
Home | Yoga Bookstore | Yoga Clothes & Accessories | Yoga Affirmations | Yoga Videos |
Path to God - Spiritual Journeys | Wai Lana Yoga | Yoga Weight Loss Secrets | Contact

Best Yoga For Life | Yoga Information






Christian Yoga?


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


MORE RESOURCES:

Famed yogi Baron Baptiste uses yoga to help MS patients
Philadelphia Inquirer
IF YOU ARE a yoga enthusiast, you likely know or have heard of Baron Baptiste - the closest thing to yoga royalty in the United States. ...

and more »


More classes now at Nature's Remedy Yoga Studio
NorthJersey.com
At least, with yoga, that is. To really enjoy all of the many benefits of yoga, make it a regular practice, not just an intermittent or random activity. ...
Dew Yoga Grand Reopening Celebration, March 21, 2010PR.com (press release)

all 2 news articles »


Washington Post

Va. law to exempt yoga teachers from state regs
The Free Lance-Star
Bob McDonnell has signed legislation that will exempt yoga teacher-training programs from state regulations. The state's higher education council had sought ...
Yogis reach a higher state with Virginia proposalWashington Post (blog)

all 699 news articles »


Buddhism inspires Vail yoga class
Vail Daily News
VAIL — The founder of the Summit Dharma Center and Tibetan monk Michael Gregory leads a workshop at the Yoga Studio at Vail Athletic Club from 9:30 am until ...



Yoga can benefit people of all sizes
NewsOK.com
Pretzel-thin and fully flexible folks aren't the only ones who can benefit from yoga. Abby Lentz has been bringing her “HeavyWeight Yoga” to overweight and ...



Free yoga every Saturday
ABC15.com (KNXV-TV)
Every Saturday at the Civic Space Park in downtown Phoenix there is a free yoga class, right on the grass. Instructors teach basic yoga techniques, ...



PR Web (press release)

Traditional Yoga meets Non-traditional Dog Yoga
PR Web (press release)
Seattle, WA (PRWEB) March 11, 2010 -- Traditional Ashtanga Yoga meets non-traditional Dog Yoga at Westside Yoga and Doga (Ashtanga Yoga instructor Kelly ...



America's Healthiest Vacations
ABC News
So when Damsky went on a yoga retreat to Vieques, Puerto Rico, she found she was "refreshed" and better able to tackle her everyday life. ...



The Sacramento Press

Can yoga slow down aging?
Sheboygan Press
Many people think yoga is only for the young and flexible. Actually, people of all ages and fitness levels can benefit ...
Yoga and Drumming at blue lotus, March 12-14MyNC.com
Padme Yoga Center coming to SacramentoThe Sacramento Press

all 4 news articles »


NDTV.com

Yoga for a younger you
NDTV.com
It's a fact that people who practice yoga regularly look much younger than their actual age. Yoga can help you to look younger in a very natural way. ...


Google News

home | site map | Privacy Policy
© 2009 www.bestyogalife.info * | * | * Contact