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

This raises lots of concern in the Christian neighborhood. In my research study for this article, I was really stunned at the perspective of the Christian apologists, and their take on yoga and its practice. I have hesitated on writing this article due to the fact that of that viewpoint. 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 five thousand years, to the start of the civilization of man. Little is actually understood about Yoga. it is thought to have originated in Mehrgarh, a neolithic settlement in what is now Afghanistan. Scholars believe it has grown out of Stone Age Shamanism. In this early duration of civilization's beginnings, Yoga was a neighborhood resource, since of its attempts to figure out cosmic order through inner vision, and apply it to everyday living. In later years, yoga developed into an inner discussion through which the Yogis looked for to establish their own salvation and enlightenment.

Archaeological evidence of the existence of Yoga first appeared in stone seals excavated from the Indus valley. It portrayed figures in many Yogic Asanas, or postures, and officially put Yoga in the time duration of approximately 3000 B.C. Of higher import, it likewise connected yoga to the excellent Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, a period in time that was considered modern and effective.

From the Indus-Sarasvati civilization came the ancient texts called the Vedas, the oldest scriptures on the planet. The Vedas are a collection of hymns that praise a greater power and consists of the earliest taped history of Yoga mentors. The Vedas required the specialist find more to go beyond human limitations, and reach a higher spiritual airplane. In later years, texts called the Brahmanas were written to discuss the routines and the hymns of the Vedas. Following this came the Aranyakas texts, which laid out the practice of Yogis residing in the seclusion of the forest. This caused the beginning of India's medical tradition, known as Ayurveda. All in all, Yoga changed into a practice of health, consistency of the spirit, and a way of living.

The Christian perspective is therefore-- 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, and that 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 approach of Hinduism from their Christian beliefs, no matter the health benefit of yoga.

As a practicing Buddhist, I take issue with this viewpoint. To me, this smacks of tunnel vision 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 fact on the planet. A believing individual would find this hypocritical, for on the one hand Christians preach that Yoga must be avoided due to the fact that opening the mind to clearer vision motivates the possibility of demonic belongings, 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 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 possession if we look inside ourselves and open the mind to all the possibilities, how then can we securely open our hearts to the principle 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 home. 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 whatever, moved from the Baptist neighborhood to the Assembly of God churches, and was ostracized by my daddy. I believe that to her passing away day, she resented my daddy for this narrowmindedness. Life refers option, and my mother believed that we are not required to operate under the illusion of blind faith, but to do what is best to us as an individual. And it is why I stroll the Noble 8 Folded Path. It is simply a matter of choice, and questioning everything in this universe.

I think that the practice of yoga is an advantage. It supplies us with excellent health benefits, clearer vision, and consistency in our souls. And in this day and age, what else exists? Whether we be Christians, Muslims, or Buddhists, we must not disrespect the sensations and ideas of others, their rights to practice as they wish, or try to push our views down other individuals's throats. To live in harmony is exactly that ...