I'm a Christian and I've heard that yoga is really fun and empowering but I'm not sure how it would relate to Christianity. Alot of it is about focusing on yourself, and I was wondering if as a Christian you can do that?
2006-08-19 08:08:56 · 46 answers · asked by basketball chica 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
one thing i meant the meditating part not the excersise part
2006-08-19 08:17:11 · update #1
Absolutely.
It is really all a matter of where *YOU CHOOSE* to focus your mind and spirit.
Focusing on yourself is not bad. We all spend most of your day focused on various aspects of our lives. However while doing your yoga asanas you can choose an attitude of prayer.
It really is up to you.
2006-08-19 08:15:17 · answer #1 · answered by Pablito 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No! Have you ever checked into the philosophy of yoga. You should always make an educated decision about your beliefs. I use to participate in Yoga and Tai Chi myself. I noticed some health benefits and stress reduction to a point and I practiced everyday. But there are other exercise methods that do the same with out being tied to any philosophy that may conflict with your Christian beliefs.
Yoga means to join. Meaning the body and spirit. Are christians suppose to join their body and spirit with the Hindu Gods?
Please read the following before making a desicion.
http://www.probe.org/content/view/614/241/
2006-08-19 08:26:39 · answer #2 · answered by nubins 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in Mexico, I am catholic and I am a yoga teacher. Sorry if my english is not the best
The most sacred text of yoga where hatha yoga is based is the yoga sutra and recopiled by the sage patanjali around 2000 years ago. Patanjali talks about Niyama what means: religious observance. The fifht niyama is called ishwara pranidhana what means: offering our own´s life to God. Iswara exactly means our own conceptual representation of God, so no matter if we are christian, jew, or any other religion, we may practice yoga and offer our practice to him.
Search for the book christian yoga, where a nun explains how to use catholic or christian rites in the yoga practice.
2006-08-22 05:12:14 · answer #3 · answered by truenaturals 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can practice Hatha yoga if you have nothing against improving your health, your mind, your mental acuity, your physical condition and your emotional balance. These are all of the benefits of Hatha yoga. Yoga is a Sanskrit word which means union and is used in the practice of yoga to mean the union of body, mind, spirit and soul. If anything in there doesn't agree with your take on Christianity, then don't do yoga. Otherwise, relax and enjoy yourself.
2006-08-20 15:31:46 · answer #4 · answered by quietwalker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I do feel that the basic philosophy of yoga, and that of Christianity (non-violence, and spiritual growth), are essentially the same. Yoga was first brought to earth by the Hindu gods, so it does have a certain degree of Hinduism in it, but the general concept of it is very harmonious with Christianity.
2006-08-19 08:18:04 · answer #5 · answered by oceansoflight777 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are lots of things Christians (and everyone) do that focuses on the self... showering, grooming, eating, praying, exercising, the list is endless.
Yoga is not a religion, know that. There is NOTHING wrong with a theist - no matter the religion - to practice yoga. Actually anyone can, theist, atheist, agnostic, whomever.
2006-08-19 08:13:47 · answer #6 · answered by Dolores G. Llamas 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am christian, and I do practice most of the yoga. I tend not to do the chanting thing, but the exercises and meditation are good. Try using the meditation time to pray, or just simply listen for how God wants you to be. Most of all, enjoy, and be healthy!
2006-08-19 08:17:33 · answer #7 · answered by KoKo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would depend on what type of Christianity you follow, and what type of Yoga you are pursuing.
With that said , however, most likely you would have no problem as you probably want the health benefits of Yoga practice to enhance your ability to follow your Christian beliefs.
Ask yourself why, and ask at your place of worship for the answer that applies to you!
2006-08-19 08:17:00 · answer #8 · answered by uncledad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read all this: http://answers.yahoo.com/search/search_result;_ylt=ArQYDuhqjNDTgpi35uZuik8ezKIX?p=christian+yoga
I stopped practicing and do Pilates and plyometrics instead. Yoga has its basis in Hinduism. If you are at a level where you are okay with delving into other beliefs then proceed with a clear conscience. I used to take classes and had some great tapes. Yoga is great and I don't discount it, I just choose not to practice anymore. It's a personal decision, made with no judgement.
2006-08-19 10:55:59 · answer #9 · answered by Sleek 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yoga practicing has nothing to do with religion. It is basically a physical as well as mental training. It is true that philosophy behind this culture originated from Hindu saints in India but it is noway related to the practice of any specific religion. Yoga means 'addition' and it aims to unify body with soul. Such approach is extremely valuable for religious mind as well as normal domesticated animals like us :-)
2006-08-19 08:25:39 · answer #10 · answered by adit_b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know for certain that you cannot do all forms of Yoga. So much of it is concentrated and rooted in demonic activity. Calling certain "energies", and speaking forth certain meditations is not for any true believers. I have heard of some type of yoga that might be okay, but I personally stick with Pilates, they limber you up, and help you with balance and even help you lose weight. As far as spiritual excercise goes, I speak in tongues to stay edified, built up, like the Word says.
2006-08-19 08:23:16 · answer #11 · answered by strong_beautifulqueen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋