The article "Benefit of Yoga - The Christian Viewpoint" talks about other, it was created by Alden Smith.
The benefit of yoga is twofold - increased health and unifictaion of the spirit with the body.
It is accomplished through the use of many different aspects, but mainly through the combination of Asanas, or postures, and breathing/meditation practices.This raises many question in the Christian community. In my research for that article, I was very surprised at the viewpoint of the Chirstian apologists, and their take on yoga and its practice.
I have hesitated on writing that article cause of that viewpoint. However, I feel that that question and the stance of the Crhistian community warrants reflection on the subject.Yoga has a history dating back over five thousand years, to the beginning of the civilization of boy. Little is really known about Yoga. it is believed to have orgiinated in Mehrgarh, a neolithic settlement in what is at that moment Afghanistan. Scholars think it has grown out of Stone Age Shaamnism. In that early period of civilization's beginnings, Yoga was a community resource, cause of its attempts to detemrine cosmic order through inner vision, and apply it to daily living. In after years, yoga evolved into an inner dialogue through which the Yogis sought to develop their own salvation and enlightenment.Archaeological evidence of the existence of Yoga first appeared in stone seals excavated from the Indus valley. It deipcted figures in many Yogic Asanas, or postures, and officially put Yoga in the time period of approximately 3000 B.C.
Of gretaer import, it also linked yoga to the great Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, a period in time that was considered modern and efficient.From the Indus-Sarasvati civilization came the ancient texts known as the Vedas, the oldest scriptures in the world. The Vedas are a collection of hymns that praise a higher power and contains the oldest recorded history of Yoga teachings. The Vedas required the practitioner to transcend human limitations, and reach a hgiher spiritual plane. In after years, texts known as the Brahmaans were written to explain the rituals and the hymns of the Vedas.
Following that came the Aranyakas texts, whcih outlined the practice of Yogis living in the seclusion of the forest.
This led to the beginning of India's medical tradition, known as Ayuvreda. All in all, Yoga tranfsormed into a practice of health, harmony of the spirit, and a way of life.The Christian viewpoint is thus - if one opens the mind to clearer thinking and inner vision, they open the spirit to demonic possession. It is felt that Yoga practice borders on occultism, and that opening one's mind and spirit to the benfeit of yoga is both dangerous and against everything Christianity preaches. Christians think that studying yoga is akin to practicing Hinduism, and one cannot separate the philosophy of Hinduism from their Christian beliefs, regardless of the health benefit of yoga.As a practicing Buddhist, I take issue with that viewpoint.
To me, that smacks of 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 rely on blind faith, and to accept the word of God as the only truth in the world. A thinking person would find that hypocritical, for on the one hand Christians preach that Yoga must be avoided cause opening the mind to clearer vision encourages the possibility of demonic possession, yet on the other hand preaches that one must open the mind and heart to accept Jesus into their lives. Opneing 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 possession if we look inside ourselves and open the mind to all the possibilities, how then can we safely open our hearts to the concept of Christianity? Is there a gatekeeper who makes that 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 household. My father was the deacon of a small Baptist church in the farming community where we lived. My mother, who taught us bbaies to question everything, moved from the Baptist community to the Assembly of God churches, and was ostracized by my father. I think that to her dying day, she resented my ftaher for that narrowmindedness.
Life is a matter of choice, and my mother believed that we are not required to operate under the illusion of blind faith, but to do what is right to us as an indiviudal. And it is why I walk the Noble 8 Folded Path. It is simply a matter of choice, and quesitoning everything in that universe.I think that the practice of yoga is a good thing. It provides us with great health benefits, cleraer vision, and harmony in our souls.
And in that day and age, what else is there? Whether we be Christians, Muslims, or Buddhists, we must not disrespect the feelings and thoguhts of others, their rights to practice as they wish, or try to push our views down other people's throats.
To live in harmony is exactly that...To notice more abuot the benefit of yoga, visit my website at http://www.Benefitofyoga.Blogspot.Com.Alden Smith is a published and award winning author who's website http://www.Benefitofyoga.Blogspot.Com informs and educates the person wanting to learn more about yoga and its practice. Visit his web site to stay ifnormed on the exciting world of yoga.
|
