Do you have any negative thoughts, feelings or inner conflicts associated with practicing Yoga and being a Christian? Have you faced negative responses from others regarding your practice? Or do you avoid Yoga totally because of your faith? I am very interested in what you have to say.
2006-08-16 06:21:23 · 15 answers · asked by Bruce B 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am christian and I really enjoy yoga because of how relaxing and good for my body it is. However, I don't follow yoga in the spiritual sense. I do practice the breathing, but I don't 'clear my mind' or follow any of the 'spiritual guidance'. I treat it as an excersice routine like step aerobics rather then a way of life or spiritual guidance.
2006-08-16 06:33:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do Yoga and I am a Christian but I do not feel any conflicting feelings or feel like I am out of place unless I am in a class where the instructer is very into the religious aspect of it. I enjoy doing it for the strength and flexability and I also find that the meditation provides a great time for me to stop and thank God for the blessings in my life and ask for help. I feel more open to God when my mind is empty of other thoughts and yoga seems to get the blood flowing and calm me down enough to talk to God with my whole heart. I'm not saying this is my only prayer time but it is just some extra time that I can use to talk to God.
2006-08-16 13:35:24 · answer #2 · answered by O 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I consider myself Christian and I practice Yoga---I see no conflict with the two. My church actually has yoga once a week at the church. I go to Unity of Fort Myers.
2006-08-16 13:28:17 · answer #3 · answered by araujojessica9 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there are many forms of yoga and a lot of new hybrids out there, but as a christian, i enjoy practicing yoga poses for strength and flexibility training. a lot of the yoga philosphies are in keeping with many christian principles, my god will always remain the same with or without yoga. what others think is theirs to think!
2006-08-16 13:31:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yoga is an activity not a religion... Buddhism which is often associated with Yoga is a religion- sort of.
2006-08-16 13:27:02 · answer #5 · answered by annathespian 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My cousin is christian and she does yoga..I got her into it...You do not have to do yoga for the spiritual aspect of it and the meditation. Do it for the work out. Last time i checked, working out was not a sin.
2006-08-16 13:26:58 · answer #6 · answered by Marlee 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think the activity of yoga is fine!
For most people, clearing your mind and focusing on nothing is beneficial.
The Sufi tradition talks of emptying yourself so that you can be filled with the spirit of God.
Hard to complain about that!
2006-08-16 13:44:08 · answer #7 · answered by Bobby E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exercise is fine .... and you can do all the stretching you want but I ain't meditating upon anything but the word of God..... I'll be one with His Spirit not nature because we aren't to commune with nature....I have done some martial arts, yoga and palates.... but I keep my mind focused on God and I don't do mantras.... I just say my prayers and sing songs of worship to the Lord.
2006-08-16 13:32:06 · answer #8 · answered by jaimestar64cross 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a practicing Catholic and I practice yoga.
Yoga isn't about practicing another faith. It's not about giving thanks to Budda. It's about centering myself, calming my mind, and finding my own inner voice. I actually find it to be extremely relaxing.
2006-08-16 13:29:19 · answer #9 · answered by sylvia 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've taken yoga with a good friend of mine, we're both Christians, and for me it doesn't conflict with my beliefs, it's just a really good workout, I love it :)
2006-08-16 13:27:04 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ Luveniar♫ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋