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Can Christians practice Yoga? Yoga, one of the basic faith of Hinduism is defined as the union of physical, mental, and spiritual practices as mentioned in the ancient Hindu text, Rigveda and Upanishads.Let’s discuss the three aspects of Yoga now. Physical, Mental and Spiritual. Yoga lovers claim different yoga postures IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY,BURNS BODY FAT, IMPROVES BALANCE AND ENERGY, RELIEVES FROM BACK PAIN, ENHANCES METABOLISM, DROPS BLOOD PRESSURE, SUGAR LEVELS AND CHOLESTEROL, IMPROVES FUNCTIONING OF LUNGS, IMPROVES BLOOD FLOW and PREVENT HEART ATTACKS. But the proven fact is exercises like, brisk walking, swimming, jogging, cycling, home workout, aerobics and gym also address all these health issues even better than what yoga does.
Well, now let’s get into the mental and spiritual side of Yoga as I am addressing Christians NOW. the physical exercise in yoga itself is aimed at worshipping hindu gods, like the sun god. Reciting Hindu mantras are part of the spiritual side of Yoga. It’s simply verbal praising, adoring and worshipping Hindu gods. Christians say they don’t do the spiritual part of yoga, but follow only the physical aspect by doing Asanas. Scientists and psychologists call this human behavior as “openness”. When we hear about new ideas, we tend to try it out expecting new experiences. Psychologists call this as, “openness”.
Though Yoga does the same as other exercises do to our bodies, we tend to believe the new experience through Yoga A better one. For many Christians in the West who don’t understand the history behind it, Yoga is simply a means of physical exercise and strengthening and improving flexibility of the muscles. However, the philosophy behind Yoga is much more than physically improving oneself. It is an ancient practice derived from India, believed to be the path to spiritual growth and enlightenment. The word Yoga means "UNION” and the goal is to unite one’s transitory (temporary) self with the infinite Brahman, the Hindu concept of "God." This god is not a literal being, but is an impersonal spiritual substance that is one with nature and the cosmos. This view is called "Pantheism," the belief that everything is God and that reality consists only of the universe and nature. Because everything is God, the Yoga philosophy makes no distinction between man and God.
Hatha Yoga is the aspect of Yoga that focuses on the physical body through special postures, breathing exercises, and concentration or meditation. It is a means to prepare the body for the spiritual exercises, with fewer obstacles, in order to achieve enlightenment. The practice of Yoga is based on the belief that man and God are one. It is little more than self-worship disguised as high level spirituality.
The question becomes, is it possible for a Christian to isolate the physical aspects of Yoga as simply a method of exercise, without incorporating the spirituality or philosophy behind it? Yoga originated with a blatantly anti-Christian philosophy, and that philosophy has not changed. It teaches one to focus on oneself instead of on the one true God. It encourages its participants to seek the answers to life’s difficult questions within their own consciousness instead of in the Word of God. It also leaves one open to deception from God’s enemy, who searches for victims whom he can turn away from God (1 Peter 5:8).
Hello Christians, Yoga is a meditative exercise, focusing on Hindu deities. You are turning your faith from God of the Bible towards other Hindu deities without you realizing or feeling it in your mind. You are trapped. In Mark 3:29 Jesus says that “whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” It’s reiterated in Matthew 12:31-32 too. Never be forgiven? Though every sin is forgivable because of what Christ has done for us, this unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit actually MEANS WALKING away from the God of the Bible, after knowing and accepting Christ. This indicates you ARE NOT saved in the first place, because our salvation is secure, had we been really saved by accepting Christ meaningfully. Shocking? Please take your private time to explore all that I said seriously.
Whatever we do should be done for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31), and we would be wise to heed the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8, "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise”. A Christian should exercise caution and pray for discernment regarding involvement in yoga. So, yoga is to the body what mantra is to the mouth.
One explanation says that for the mantra, “One has to chant a word or a phrase until he/she transcends mind and emotions. In the process, the super consciousness is discovered and achieved.”, they claim. Note the use of word, in that mantra-like way, in order to move into the super consciousness. In other words, Yoga exercises are a spillover from that kind of verbal repetition and philosophy of how one moves physically and emotionally and intellectually to this super consciousness. We should not unnecessarily damage our bodies, which are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Well, Romans 12:1. Says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship,” and Romans 12:2 continues, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”.
Now, listen to these Bible verses too carefully. 1 Timothy 4:1 “The Spirit says clearly that in later times some believers will desert the Christian faith. They will follow spirits that deceive, and they will believe the teachings of demons”. 1 John 4:1 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world”. Philippians 4:8-10 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Well, you heard it all. Enjoy good health by following one or more of the exercises like, brisk walking, swimming, jogging, cycling, home workout, aerobics and gym. Did I say, brisk walking or running does it all? Dear Christian, know your God. No Yoga.
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