A Glimpse on the Controversial Christian Yoga

Yoga has gained increasing popularity among several members of many religious doctrines or organizations that do not have any specific religion. Yoga is a list of physical and spiritual activities that mostly originated from Eastern religious practices. Some implicitly associate yoga with certain other types of exercise and just seem oblivious of its relation to non-Christian practices of meditation. Presumed to have derived mainly from Hinduism and Buddhism, the Eastern practitioners consider yoga as a passageway to spiritual enlightenment, inner peace, and union. The word yoga is derived from the word “yoke,” wherein the principle of unity with that of the divine — or more accurately described nowadays as that of the union and harmony of body, mind.

Yoga has already been practiced as a physical workout for around 5,000 years. This strengthens the connection between body and mind, thereby promoting physical and spiritual health and well-being. That is why it is perfect to go on a yoga retreat in the UK to practice physical and mental exercises because of the nature’s benefits that you can get. For the last twenty years, the people engaging with yoga practice have been steadily increasing. A few of today’s most popular types of exercise are yoga, and it does have varying styles – Christian Yoga, Holy Yoga, Hatha Yoga, etc. – and appeals to people through all ages and walks of life. In this article, it will put more emphasis on the controversial type of yoga – the Christian Yoga.

Knowing More About Christian Yoga

Christian yoga is a type of meditation practice that incorporates facets of ancient yoga practice with Christianity — especially the poses, contemplation, and breathing techniques.

Yoga has gained significant popularity in the West; however, some Christians have strongly resisted it – and even opposed the practice because of its origins in Eastern religions, notably Hinduism and Buddhism. Others have adopted yoga for their mental and physical beneficial effects. Christian yogis have gone one step further; they are focused part of the practice on Christian principles and as a way to strengthen their faith.

Over the years, the term Christian yoga has been used by many Christian believers as a kind of religious act of worship to safeguard what Jesus Christ considers as His temple – a person’s body. The art of Christian yoga in today’s culture has continued to evolve into a spiritual and holistic act of worship that disciplines one’s mind, body, and spirit through Christian biblical principles. Christian yoga also includes certain poses wherein they follow particular biblical figures’ way of praying. In religious texts, it says that the devotion or glorification may be intensified during times of prayer by performing such specific postures. Christian yoga is, thus, the physical practice of intense and more intimate contact with our Creator, Jesus Christ. It is mainly focused on being ‘one’ with Him, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

There has been a great deal of controversy surrounding Christian yoga; there is also a difference in opinion about this topic. Some contend that Christian yoga tends to attract evil spirits and supernatural power. In contrast, others accept it as they perceive it as a type of fitness activity that fosters a deeper spiritual connection to God. Christian yogis believe that doing Christian yoga is an optimal way to improve and sustain a healthy body, all for God’s glory. Christian Yoga is being practiced worldwide, giving Christian followers the chance to get the most yoga benefits while immersing oneself in the Holy Scriptures. For Christian yogis, they assert that yoga practice is like doing a holy dance before the Lord.

History

Christian yoga began in the 1950s, when a French priest, Jean-Marie Déchanet, wrote a book that was later published in English called “Christian Yoga.” Currently, an increasing percentage of Christians who would like to apply faith-based yoga can be found in Christian yoga classes.

Whether it is done as a part of a class or perhaps a home practice, the practice of Christian yoga meditation opens the mind and heart to God’s word. They may reflect on the significance of the scripture reading or on simply cultivating one ‘s faith. The Christian yogis hope to respect their bodies and glorify God by the practice of poses in Christian yoga. Some would even add prayer into their yoga practice.

Instead of a Buddha or Ganesh statue, a Christian yoga class may highlight Christian symbolism, like the Bible or maybe a cross. And a Christian yoga class typically uses English (or one’s native language) names for poses, instead of the traditional names in Sanskrit that are linked with Hinduism.

Benefits of Christian Yoga

Boosts physical health

Christian yoga has been widely known for having a positive effect on health and wellness. Practicing Christian yoga helps a person to maximize such a variety of physical fitness routines. Dynamic stances used in yoga encourage stamina, endurance, balance, proper breathing, and focus control. All of these contribute significantly to a healthy body.

It helps to maintain proper body posture, balance, and boost muscle strength. It also facilitates proper breathing, which also has a lot of excellent benefits for the body.

Promote mental health

The power to quiet the mind and tamp down negative thoughts and emotions makes it possible for one to remain in a positive frame of mind and a happy disposition for longer periods of time, minimizing circumstances of being overly aggressive, getting involved in the moment, and improving mental well-being. Basically, Christian yogis believe that because they are calm, serene, and still before God, they create an atmosphere in their minds and hearts to discern the messages of the Spirit and the voice of God.

Nurtures spirituality

Most Christians advocate Christian yoga not just because of the physical body’s benefits but also because of a deeper connection with God. As for Christians, doing yoga reinforces their spiritual relationship with God. It is an intentional effort that gives them the time to pause, ponder, meditate, and be in harmony with one’s spirit. By facilitating the rejuvenation of the mind through God’s word, there is also a substantial positive influence on the outlook on life and line of thinking of a Christian to practice that which pleases the Lord.

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