So is there a basis in the Bible for the ideas and practice of yoga? Genesis Ch. 2:7 reads, "And the LORD God formed a man's body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life. And the man became a living person (or soul)." The strength behind all yoga practice is the prana or breath. By breathing slowly and deeply while you practice yoga you will not only provide plenty of oxygen to your muscles but make your physical practice all the more rewarding. The majority of people who come to see me with irritable bowel, mid-back pain, poor circulation, lymphoedema, tiredness and low energy have one thing in common. They do not breathe deeply enough. I teach them exactly the principles of breathing or prana that I have learned in yoga. Guess what? Their energy improves, their eyes clear as toxins are removed. Movement of lymph and venous blood improves, digestion starts working again, the gall bladder starts to work and they have more energy.
"Yoga is a path to find God"
Some people do find that yoga deepens their spiritual walk and we should respect them for that. Others simply use yoga stretches to improve their physical condition. Teachers vary in their approach. One of my teachers (Andreas of course) said recently, "If you think that you can find God through stretching your head down to your big toe you will be disappointed. All you will find is athletes foot."
The apostle Paul wrote, "I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." 1 Cor. 9:27. Paul was clear that his spiritual goals came first but he also brought his body into subjection. Yoga does exactly that if you practise regularly. It teaches you that you are in charge of your body. Too many Christians are inactive, unfit, complaining about their poor health and making every excuse to do nothing about. You should go some yoga sessions and bring your body into subjection to your mind. It will not do you any harm and might do you a lot of good.
What if when you go there is a little statue of a Buddha sitting in the corner? Yoga in practice originated in Hindu philosophy so there might be a Krishna instead. As it spread through northern India and on into China via the Silk roads yoga picked up Buddhist adherents.
In a previous chapter (1 Cor. 8) Paul discusses whether Christians should eat meat offered to idols or become vegetarians. He laid down a principle, that those Christian who have more faith can eat meat offered to idols. Those with a weaker faith might choose to abstain. In effect, he is saying that you are free to choose but don't make other Christians with a more sensitive conscience make themselves feel guilty. I have never met a yoga teacher who tries to force you into their philosophy although some come across quite strongly with their own thoughts.
Personally if a yoga teacher asks us to meditate I sit quietly do just that. Except that my meditation invites the presence of Jesus Christ and the Creator God. I don't object to saying the Om which is a Hindu name for God. It is a great sound that resonates through the chest cavity but means nothing to me as a name for God.
Having been to Iyenga, Hatha and Anusara yoga sessions I settled for Ashtanga. I call it 'Man yoga' because it mainly involves hard physical practice with few breaks. It fits none of the stereotypes where you think of people lying around relaxing. There are some great yoga teachers in Milton Keynes of all persuasions.
Here are some names whom I know and recommend,
Andreas Wren at Shenley Leisure Centre http://www.mkyoga.co.uk,
Toby at Axis yoga Newton Longville http://www.axisyoga.com,
Bridget Rooney Anusara yoga http://www.brigitteyoga.co.uk,
Debbie Twigger M: 07764 391687
Katie James: katiesarahjames@hotmail.co.uk,
Jenny Wong: jennywellbeing@gmail.com,
Helen Stephenson http://www.helenstephensononline.co.uk.
If you are a Christian and nervous about going to yoga I suggest that you try Axis yoga in the methodist church in Newton Longville. They meet on a Monday and Wednesday from 7.30 pm to 8.45 pm. The church has a pleasant setting with familiar posters around. Toby is not allowed to say the Om. His music is neutral, he welcomes beginners and draws them into the class. You will feel quite at home there then you can try other classes.
