Yoga is Not The Work of the Devil
There seems to be at this time a more concerted campaign against Yoga by some Christian organizations and denominations in the west, particularly the U.S. This is most unfortunate, because such a campaign demeans Yoga and those who practice it while at the same time shows the fear and ignorance of those who propagate it.
Both Yoga and Christianity put forth as one of their major teachings, the idea, concept and action that we should love one another. One would question what difference it makes as to how we get to such a state of living, acting, thinking and being. The most important thing is that we are there.
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 1, verse 8, we are taught that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud; it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”.
If Christians or any other group of people or denominations do such a thing as condemn Yoga or Buddhism, they fail to understand and practice this teaching, just as those who practice Yoga or Buddhism may think badly or ignorantly about Christian teachings and those put forth in the bible.
We can find and see narrow - minded attitudes among Christians and also among Yoga and Buddhist practitioners.
Mathew, chapter 7, verse 12 suggests that we “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you”. This is such wise advice, that being to treat people with the understanding, love and respect that we would like to be treated.
Yoga suggests such a thing when it tells us to practice loving kindness and compassion.
Perhaps most importantly, as the teaching put forth in the first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, chapter 5, verse 18 tells us “In everything give thanks….” . We can give thanks that Christianity and Catholicism assist in enlightening people and show them a way to healthier, wiser and compassionate living, just as we can say the same thing as regards what Yoga and Buddhism has brought some people to.
Life and the interaction with people that it provides us with gives us the opportunity to give thanks, though many times we are too busy or not patient, calm and interested enough to understand these things as being opportunities.
One thing that many people who have been exposed to Christian teachings and Christians and then come to Yoga and Buddhism will state is that the understanding, knowledge and wisdom that Yoga and Buddhism provides them with brings joy, health and balance, whereas the teachings of Christianity as put forth by some people and denominations make them feel guilt and shame and do not allow for compassionate understanding and actions to all people.
Some of these same people have stated that in some Christian denominations and among some leaders, clergy, and teachers of these teachings there may be a need to control people or keep them weak and dependent on them, whereas Yoga and Buddhism seek to free people from all of those things that keep them down.
Whether these are accurate observations is beyond the capacity of this writer to say, though such thoughts have been relayed to him by others.
Perhaps if we can just rejoice in the day and experience before us, regardless of whether we are a practicing Yoga, Buddhist or Christian and live and act with their teachings in our heart, the ignorant use of our time and energy in condemning others because of how they choose to live and elevate themselves can be put aside with an understanding that many of the things that man has created are good regardless of what they involve.
©2005 John C. Kimbrough/Yoga is for Better Health and Living