The advantage of yoga is twofold-- increased health and marriage of the spirit with the body. It is achieved through using various aspects, however mainly through the combination of Asanas, or postures, and breathing/meditation practices.

This raises many question in the Christian community. In my research study for this article, I was extremely surprised at the viewpoint of the Christian apologists, and their handle yoga and its practice. I have actually thought twice on writing this post due to the fact that of that perspective. However, I feel that this concern and the position of the Christian neighborhood warrants reflection on the topic.

Yoga has a history going back over 5 thousand years, to the beginning of the civilization of guy. Little is truly understood about Yoga. it is thought to have actually come from Mehrgarh, a neolithic settlement in what is now Afghanistan. Scholars believe it has outgrown Stone Age Shamanism. In this early duration of civilization's beginnings, Yoga was a community resource, due to the fact that of its efforts to determine cosmic order through inner vision, and apply it to daily living. In later years, yoga evolved into an inner discussion through which the Yogis sought to develop their own redemption and knowledge.

Historical proof of the existence of Yoga first appeared in stone seals excavated from the Indus valley. It illustrated figures in lots of Yogic Asanas, or postures, and formally put Yoga in the time duration of roughly 3000 B.C. Of higher import, it likewise connected yoga to the great Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, a period in time that was thought about contemporary and effective.

From the Indus-Sarasvati civilization came the ancient texts referred to as the Vedas, the earliest scriptures in the world. The Vedas are a collection of hymns that applaud a greater power and consists of the earliest taped history of Yoga teachings. The Vedas needed the specialist to transcend human limitations, and reach a higher spiritual plane. In later years, texts called the Brahmanas were composed to describe the routines and the hymns of the Vedas. Following this came the Aranyakas texts, which described the practice of Yogis living in the seclusion of the forest. This resulted in the beginning of India's medical custom, referred to as Ayurveda. All in all, Yoga transformed into a practice of health, consistency of the spirit, and a way of life.

The Christian perspective is thus-- 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, which opening one's mind and spirit to the advantage of yoga is both hazardous and against everything Christianity preaches. Christians believe that studying yoga is akin to practicing Hinduism, and one can not separate the viewpoint of Hinduism from their Christian beliefs, regardless of the health I thought about this benefit of yoga.

As a practicing Buddhist, I differ with this viewpoint. To me, this resembles one-track mind and narrowmindedness. A Christian is anticipated to open their heart and minds to Jesus, and to succumb 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 worldwide. A thinking person would discover this hypocritical, for on the one hand Christians preach that Yoga needs to be avoided because opening the mind to clearer vision encourages the possibility of demonic ownership, yet on the other hand preaches that a person should open the mind and heart to accept Jesus into their lives. Opening one's heart and mind is precisely that-- whether it is to check out one's self, or to accept Jesus into their lives. If, as Christians preach, we are open to demonic ownership if we look inside ourselves and open the mind to all the possibilities, how then can we securely open our hearts to the concept of Christianity? Is there a gatekeeper who makes this choice when we do so that determines what course we are to follow? I believe not ...

For the record, I was raised in a Christian home. My daddy was the deacon of a small Baptist church in the farming neighborhood where we lived. My mom, who taught us kids to question whatever, moved from the Baptist neighborhood to the Assembly of God churches, and was ostracized by my father. I think that to her passing away day, she resented my dad for this narrowmindedness. Life refers option, and my mother thought that we are not required to run under the illusion of blind faith, however to do what is best to us as an individual. And it is why I stroll the Noble 8 Folded Path. It is merely a matter of option, and questioning everything in this universe.

I think that the practice of yoga is an advantage. It offers us with great health advantages, 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 must not disrespect the feelings and ideas of others, their rights to practice as they want, or attempt to push our views down other people's throats. To reside in consistency is exactly that ...

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