Sunday, December 20, 2009

Christian Yoga? This Sounds Like an Oxymoron

Christian yoga is a new form of yoga that incorporates Christian beliefs with the physical practice of yoga. Many Christians with an interest in yoga are often put off by the Hindu beliefs associated with it. Christianity is the most practiced religion in the United States so in order to include non-Hindu participants many studios have begun to completely cut out the spiritual aspect of yoga.

As many of you know the purpose of this exercise is to get the body and mind in sync. Without a spiritual aspect yoga is merely a series of positions to help increase flexibility and tone the body. This is the main reason why there is a renewed trend to incorporate the beliefs and values of Christianity with yoga practice.

Although yoga originates with the Hindu people, yoga poses are actually quite universal and often coincide with many forms of religion. The poses, exercises and meditations that define yoga are a perfect workout for spiritual reflection. The focus of Christian yoga is more about changing personality when comparing to the Hindu center it is more about becoming humble and letting go of the ego.

Many patrons of Christian practice have likened their journey of Christian yoga to that of Jesus Christ's own journey in the New Testament. It is a spiritual journey of complete transformation in an attempt to become closer with God. Some Christians believe that yoga will lead people away from God toward an "I am God" doctrine proposed by some eastern religions. It has also been stated that yoga and Christianity are incompatible because it blends these two opposite belief structures.

Christian yoga is a great way for people of different spiritual beliefs to experience the benefits of yoga as a universal method to unify their body, mind, and soul with God. Yoga when combined with spiritual meditation is an incredible enlightening tool to help better understand yourself, your world, and your God.

There is a whole lot more to learn about the natural way -Natural Health Techniques

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

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