Arm Lift: Two Things You're Forgetting To Do

The advantage of yoga is twofold-- increased health and marriage of the spirit with the body. It is achieved through using several elements, but primarily through the mix of Asanas, or postures, and breathing/meditation practices.

This raises numerous question in the Christian neighborhood. In my research study for this article, I was really stunned at the viewpoint of the Christian apologists, and their take on yoga and its practice. I have thought twice on writing this article since of that perspective. Nevertheless, I feel that this concern and the position of the Christian neighborhood warrants reflection on the subject.

Yoga has a history dating back over 5 thousand years, to the beginning of the civilization of man. Little is really understood about Yoga. it is thought to have originated in Mehrgarh, a neolithic settlement in what is now Afghanistan. Scholars think it has grown out of Stone Age Shamanism. In this early duration of civilization's starts, Yoga was a neighborhood resource, due to the fact that of its attempts to determine cosmic order through inner vision, and use it to everyday living. In later years, yoga progressed into an inner discussion through which the Yogis looked for to develop their own redemption and enlightenment.

Historical evidence of the presence of Yoga initially appeared in stone seals excavated from the Indus valley. It illustrated figures in lots of Yogic Asanas, or postures, and officially put Yoga in the time period of roughly 3000 B.C. Of higher import, it also connected yoga to the terrific Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, a period in time that was thought about modern and effective.

From the Indus-Sarasvati civilization came the ancient texts called the Vedas, the oldest bibles worldwide. The Vedas are a collection of hymns that applaud a higher power and consists of the oldest documented history of Yoga mentors. The Vedas needed the practitioner to transcend human restrictions, and reach a greater spiritual airplane. In later years, texts known as the Brahmanas were written to describe the rituals and the hymns of the Vedas. Following this came the Aranyakas texts, which detailed the practice of Yogis residing in the seclusion of the forest. This caused the beginning of India's medical tradition, called Ayurveda. All in all, Yoga changed into a practice of health, harmony of the spirit, and a lifestyle.

The Christian perspective is therefore-- 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 benefit of yoga is both unsafe 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, no matter the health benefit of yoga.

As a practicing Buddhist, I disagree with this viewpoint. To me, this resembles tunnel vision and narrowmindedness. A Christian is expected to open their heart and minds to Jesus, and to succumb to the spirit of the Lord. They are anticipated to rely on blind faith, and to accept the word of God as the only truth in the world. A thinking person would discover this hypocritical, for on the one hand Christians preach that Yoga needs to be avoided since opening the mind to clearer vision encourages the possibility of demonic possession, yet on the other hand preaches that one should open the mind and heart to accept Jesus into their lives. Opening one's heart and mind is exactly 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 belongings if we look inside ourselves and open the mind to all the possibilities, how then can we safely open our hearts to the idea of Christianity? Exists a gatekeeper who makes this choice when we do so that identifies what course we are to follow? I believe not ...

For the record, I was raised in a Christian family. My father was the deacon of a little Baptist church in the farming neighborhood where we lived. My mom, who taught us kids to question everything, moved he has a good point from the Baptist neighborhood to the Assembly of God churches, and was ostracized by my dad. I believe that to her passing away day, she resented my father for this narrowmindedness. Life is a matter of option, and my mom thought that we are not required to operate under the impression of blind faith, however to do what is right to us as an individual. And it is why I walk the Noble 8 Folded Path. It is simply a matter of option, and questioning whatever in this universe.

I believe 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 exists? Whether we be Christians, Muslims, or Buddhists, we must not disrespect the feelings and thoughts of others, their rights to practice as they wish, or attempt to press our views down other people's throats. To live in consistency is exactly that ...