2006-08-07 15:58:55 · 10 answers · asked by Colts fan 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
OMG, some of the answers here make me want to weep with despair.
Let's look at this intelligently, shall we?
While it may be beneficial to start a yoga practice with a certified instructor, you can turn it into a routine that you practice by yourself, anywhere. While an instructor may focus on the "occult" (I got a kick out of that reference) aspects, you do not have to.
Yoga can be a simple exercise program, a series of movements that aid in flexibility and strength. It does NOT HAVE TO BE a new religion!
Yoga can be much more than an exercise program, but you don't have to go there. It's not like buying a harley where you're practically forced to adopt a new lifestyle.
I don't recommend cutting yourself off from these wonderful exercises simply because someone screams Satan!
As for meditation, the same holds true. There are many different ways in which to meditate. One definition of meditation is simply clearing the mind, a de-stresser. How is that evil?
Extremists may claim that unless you're thinking about god every minute, you're sinning or something. So ok, if you believe that, then why not meditate on god?
But again, let's be adults here. A meditation practice can be as simple as counting your breaths. You do this to clear your mind. Where's the evil there? Or focusing on a picture. Unless you're focusing on kiddie porn, I really don't see how that's bad.
One other purpose of meditation is to clear the mind so that you can truly know yourself. Absence of conscious thought can free you to really listen to your subconscious. I know many religions wouldn't want you to think too much, because then ... well, you know.
But I think you'll be safe enough. It takes a long time to master breath meditation - it's harder than you would suppose. But if you're afraid to look into yourself too deeply, then you should definitely not meditate.
I hope this helps!
2006-08-08 06:01:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No they cannot go together.
Yoga's source is in Eastern Mysticism/Hinduism.
That would make it idolotry for a Christian.
2006-08-07 16:06:59 · answer #2 · answered by Bob L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absoulutly...meditation is part of Christianity...but it takes a lot to get results...the other physical aspects are great for your body...if you get deep into yoga it becomes harder because they believe in other things but instead of mmmmmm....you think...christ
2006-08-07 16:07:05 · answer #3 · answered by tweetz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I visited a Methodist church a couple of days ago that had a big sign up for yoga lessons.
2006-08-07 16:04:41 · answer #4 · answered by lenny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No our "center" should always be Christ. You can get peace from prayer or christian meditation. Do not focus on yourself or anyone else in meditation this is idolatry.
2006-08-07 16:04:46 · answer #5 · answered by Makemeaspark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course not. Yoga deals with spiritism, and the Bible prohibits spiritism!
Here is more about yoga. Please take some time and read through it. There are more articles on the left hand margin.
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2002/8/1a/article_01.htm
2006-08-07 16:14:45 · answer #6 · answered by AnGeL 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not sure about yoga, but meditation is occult, so it doesn't go together.
2006-08-07 17:03:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't see why not. Consider it time for silent prayer. Some churches consist of sitting silently and waiting for god to speak. I don't see how this is any different.
2006-08-07 17:01:09 · answer #8 · answered by ravencadwell 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course they can. Taking good care of your mind and body is good stewardship of what God has given you
2006-08-07 16:04:11 · answer #9 · answered by Lyzzyr 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes... as long as the focus remains on God.
2006-08-07 16:02:06 · answer #10 · answered by impossble_dream 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋