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

This raises many concern in the Christian neighborhood. In my research for this article, I was really shocked at the viewpoint of the Christian apologists, and their handle yoga and its practice. I have actually hesitated on composing this article due to the fact that of that perspective. Nevertheless, I feel that this question and the stance of the Christian neighborhood warrants reflection on the topic.

Yoga has a history dating back over five thousand years, to the beginning of the civilization of man. 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 starts, Yoga was a community resource, due to the fact that of its efforts to determine cosmic order through inner vision, and use it to daily living. In later years, yoga evolved into an inner dialogue through which the Yogis sought to develop their own redemption and enlightenment.

Historical proof of the presence of Yoga first appeared in stone seals excavated from the Indus valley. It portrayed figures in numerous Yogic Asanas, or postures, and officially put Yoga in the time period of approximately 3000 B.C. Of higher import, it likewise connected yoga to the terrific Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, a period in time that was considered modern-day and efficient.

From the Indus-Sarasvati civilization came the ancient texts known as the Vedas, the oldest scriptures worldwide. The Vedas are a collection of hymns that praise a greater power and contains the earliest recorded history of Yoga teachings. The Vedas required the specialist to go beyond human limitations, and reach a greater spiritual airplane. In later years, texts known as the Brahmanas were written to describe the routines and the hymns of the Vedas. Following this came the Aranyakas texts, which laid out the practice of Yogis living in the privacy of the forest. This caused the start of India's medical custom, referred to as Ayurveda. All in all, Yoga transformed into a practice of health, harmony of the spirit, and a lifestyle.

The Christian perspective is hence-- if one opens the mind to clearer thinking and inner vision, they open the spirit to demonic possession. It is felt that Yoga practice borders on occultism, which opening one's mind and spirit to the benefit of yoga is both harmful and versus everything Christianity preaches. Christians believe that studying yoga belongs to practicing Hinduism, and one can not separate the viewpoint of Hinduism from their Christian beliefs, despite the health benefit of yoga.

As a practicing Buddhist, I differ with this perspective. To me, this smacks of one-track mind Reduction Mammaplasty and narrowmindedness. A Christian is anticipated to open their heart and minds to Jesus, and to give in to the spirit of the Lord. They are expected to count on blind faith, and to accept the word of God as the only reality 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 ownership, 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 precisely that-- whether it is to look into 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 securely open our hearts to the idea of Christianity? Exists a gatekeeper who makes this decision when we do so that determines what path we are to follow? I think not ...

For the record, I was raised in a Christian household. My father was the deacon of a little Baptist church in the farming neighborhood where we lived. My mother, who taught us children to question everything, moved from the Baptist community to the Assembly of God churches, and was ostracized by my father. I think that to her dying day, she resented my daddy for this narrowmindedness. Life refers choice, and my mom thought that we are not required to run under the impression of blind faith, however to do what is right to us as a person. And it is why I walk the Noble 8 Folded Course. It is just a matter of choice, and questioning everything in this universe.

I think that the practice of yoga is a good thing. It provides us with excellent health advantages, clearer vision, and consistency in our souls. And in this day and age, what else exists? Whether we be Christians, Muslims, or Buddhists, we need to not disrespect the feelings and ideas 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 precisely that ...