The benefit of yoga is twofold-- increased health and unification of the spirit with the body. It is achieved through the use of various elements, but generally through the mix of Asanas, or postures, and breathing/meditation practices.
This raises numerous concern in the Christian community. In my research for this post, I was really shocked at the viewpoint of the Christian apologists, and their handle yoga and its practice. I have been reluctant on writing this article due to the fact that of that viewpoint. However, I feel that this question and the position of the Christian neighborhood warrants reflection on the topic.
Yoga has a history dating back over five thousand years, to the start of the civilization of man. Little is actually known about Yoga. it is thought to have actually come from Mehrgarh, a neolithic settlement in what is now Afghanistan. Scholars think it has actually grown out of Stone Age Shamanism. In this early period of civilization's beginnings, Yoga was a neighborhood resource, due to the fact that of its efforts to figure out cosmic order through inner vision, and use it to everyday living. In later years, yoga developed into an inner dialogue through which the Yogis sought to develop their own redemption and knowledge.
Historical evidence of the presence of Yoga initially appeared in stone seals excavated from the Indus valley. It depicted figures in many Yogic Asanas, or postures, and formally put Yoga in the time period of roughly 3000 B.C. Of higher import, it likewise linked yoga to the fantastic Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, a duration in time that was thought about modern and efficient.
From the Indus-Sarasvati civilization came the ancient texts referred to as the Vedas, the oldest bibles worldwide. The Vedas are a collection of hymns that praise a greater power and contains the earliest taped history of Yoga teachings. The Vedas required the practitioner to transcend human restrictions, and reach a greater spiritual aircraft. In later years, texts known as the Brahmanas were written to discuss the rituals and the hymns of the Vedas. Following this came the Aranyakas texts, which outlined the practice of Yogis living in the privacy of the forest. This caused the beginning of India's medical custom, known as Ayurveda. All in all, Yoga changed into a practice of health, consistency of the spirit, and a lifestyle.
The Christian perspective is hence-- if one opens the mind to clearer thinking and inner vision, they open the spirit to demonic belongings. It is felt that Yoga practice borders on occultism, and that opening one's mind and spirit to the advantage of yoga is both hazardous and against whatever Christianity preaches. Christians think that studying yoga belongs to practicing Hinduism, and one can not separate the philosophy of Hinduism from their Christian beliefs, no matter the health advantage of yoga.
As a practicing Buddhist, I differ with this viewpoint. To me, this resembles tunnel vision and narrowmindedness. A Christian is expected to open their heart and minds to Jesus, and to give in to the spirit of the Lord. They are expected to depend on blind faith, and to accept the word of God as the only truth worldwide. A believing individual would discover this hypocritical, for on the one hand Christians preach that Yoga must be prevented since opening the mind to clearer vision motivates the possibility of demonic belongings, yet on the other hand preaches that a person must open the mind and heart to accept Jesus into their lives. Opening one's heart and mind is exactly that-- whether it is to look into one's self, or to accept Jesus into their lives. If, as Christians preach, we are open to demonic belongings if we look inside ourselves and open the mind to all the possibilities, how then can we securely open our hearts to the idea of Christianity? Exists a gatekeeper who makes this decision when we do so that determines what path we are to follow? I think not ...
For the record, I was raised in a Christian home. My daddy was the deacon of a little Baptist church in the farming neighborhood where we lived. My mother, who taught us kids to question everything, moved from the Baptist community to the Assembly of God churches, and was ostracized by my dad. I think that to her dying day, she resented my dad for this narrowmindedness. Life is a matter of option, and my mother believed that we are not required to operate under the illusion of blind faith, however to do what is right to us as an individual. And it is why I walk the Noble 8 Folded Course. It is just a matter of choice, and questioning whatever in this universe.
I think that the practice of yoga is a good idea. It supplies us with fantastic health benefits, clearer vision, and harmony in our souls. And in this day and age, what else is there? Whether we be Christians, Muslims, or Buddhists, we should not disrespect the feelings and thoughts of others, their rights to practice as they want, or try to press our views down other people's throats. To live in consistency is https://lukassbvd747.shutterfly.com/43 precisely that ...