This subject may belong in the spirituality section, but I wanted to get a few opinions here. I've been doing Hatha Yoga, and a few min. of meditation a day for my health for a few months. I've lost a few pounds, and feel better overall. My question is, since Yoga has it's roots in India, is there a basic conflict between Yoga and Judaism or Christianity? I've heard some Jews and Christians say "No" but others disagree. Any thoughts?
Originally posted by bill718 This subject may belong in the spirituality section, but I wanted to get a few opinions here. I've been doing Hatha Yoga, and a few min. of meditation a day for my health for a few months. I've lost a few pounds, and feel better overall. My question is, since Yoga has it's roots in India, is there a basic conflict between Yoga and Judaism or Christianity? I've heard some Jews and Christians say "No" but others disagree. Any thoughts?
Just realize that "some Christians" or some people of any belief system, will curse you for relying on any other source of guidance, or comfort, or whatever, in addition to or stead of, their own chosen source.
Originally posted by bill718 This subject may belong in the spirituality section, but I wanted to get a few opinions here. I've been doing Hatha Yoga, and a few min. of meditation a day for my health for a few months. I've lost a few pounds, and feel better overall. My question is, since Yoga has it's roots in India, is there a basic conflict between Yoga and Judaism or Christianity? I've heard some Jews and Christians say "No" but others disagree. Any thoughts?
Its a very interesting subject and I suspect that ultimately it will depend on your conscience and what you hope to achieve. Much of what I can see on the internet termed , 'yoga', is no more than stretching exercises with no religious or spiritual connotations and yet for others it has a deep spiritual significance and their motivations may be entirely different than relaxation and meditation which of course foments a conflict of interests for the discerning.
Originally posted by bill718 This subject may belong in the spirituality section, but I wanted to get a few opinions here. I've been doing Hatha Yoga, and a few min. of meditation a day for my health for a few months. I've lost a few pounds, and feel better overall. My question is, since Yoga has it's roots in India, is there a basic conflict between Yoga and Judaism or Christianity? I've heard some Jews and Christians say "No" but others disagree. Any thoughts?
It all depends on what your meditation involves. If there are religious aspects to it, or magical aspects to it, there may be a conflict. If you keep your meditation (and any other practices) entirely secular then there should be no conflict.
Sam Harris promotes secular forms of meditation. Although he himself is anti-religion, the meditation he promotes is not.
Originally posted by bill718 This subject may belong in the spirituality section, but I wanted to get a few opinions here. I've been doing Hatha Yoga, and a few min. of meditation a day for my health for a few months. I've lost a few pounds, and feel better overall. My question is, since Yoga has it's roots in India, is there a basic conflict between Yoga and Judaism or Christianity? I've heard some Jews and Christians say "No" but others disagree. Any thoughts?
No matter what your religion, the human body and mind benefit from focused calming (as well as calming focus) exercises. Do what works is the best advice.
Originally posted by bill718 This subject may belong in the spirituality section, but I wanted to get a few opinions here. I've been doing Hatha Yoga, and a few min. of meditation a day for my health for a few months. I've lost a few pounds, and feel better overall. My question is, since Yoga has it's roots in India, is there a basic conflict between Yoga and Judaism or Christianity? I've heard some Jews and Christians say "No" but others disagree. Any thoughts?
You may want to consult your government leaders before making your decision.
After all, they know far better how to live your life than anyone else on the planet.
If you treat Yoga simply as a sort of sport, then it is compatible with any and every religion.
However, Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline. Training the body is its means of training the mind for spiritual ends. It is not exclusive and is therefore compatible with Judaism &/or Christianity, at least from the Hindu perspective. Judaism and Christianity tend to be exclusivist religions, and so may not be compatible with Yoga from their perspective.
24 May '15 05:241 edit
Yoga, Judaism and Christianity
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