The trouble with yoga - It is religious activity
published: Saturday | March 27, 2004

By Donald K. Stewart, Contributor

PART 1: WE LIVE in a fast-moving, tension-packed, high-pressure 21st century. With the sky-rocketing cost of living, the uncertainty of job security and the unprecedented levels of criminal activity, it is no wonder that so many are having nervous breakdowns, heart problems, chronic depression and even suicidal tendencies. There is definitely a need for peace, stability and a sense of security, if people in our world are to function with maximum productivity and efficiency. It is against this background that yoga is being presented as the God-given solution that will transform the way we think and live in this materialistic Western world. For the undiscerning seeker and the average, impressionable reader, yoga would definitely seem to be a 'must do'. There are very few activities in this world that are so easily accessible, 'universally embraced', cost so little and promise so much ­ as yoga. "So then", you might ask, "What's really wrong with yoga? Why shouldn't I get involved immediately?"

Let's first consider how yoga is defined (or described) by those who so eagerly promote it. Yogi Amrit Desai, for example, states categorically; "Spirituality is the heart and soul of yoga. Regardless of what system of yoga you practice, the underlying core intention is to lead you to the final experience of Samadhi - the union of Shiva and Shakti." (from Amrit Yoga Institute's website) Any investigation of these terms will clearly reveal that this does not speak of yoga as simply being a means of relaxation or stress-control through physical, breathing or mind exercises. Yoga is in fact a religious activity ­ Hinduism in disguise. On the website, "A World of Yoga", we find the following disclosures: "Yoga is designed to enable people to begin from their immediate present state of consciousness and move forward, day by day, into a state of wholeness, well-being, and enlightenment." What kind of enlightenment do you believe they are speaking of?

The word 'Yoga' itself, as often explained, is a Sanskit term translated as 'Spiritual Union' or a 'Union with the Divine'. It literally means, "To yoke with Brahman" (i.e. the infinite, universal spirit, or impersonal force regarded as the highest God of Hinduism). Yoga, therefore, represents the Hindu several different pathways to become Divine, where Atman (human soul) is liberated to become one with Brahman (God). If any of the above is a correct representation of yoga theology (and I know it is), then this has serious implications for anyone who seeks to practice yoga for fun, relaxation or health reasons. There is absolutely no way that yoga can be embraced without also endorsing and engaging in the Hindu religion, with access to its over 330,000,000 gods.

BEING BLINDLY LED

Those who are yoga practitioners, particularly in the Western world, will argue that they have no interest in Hinduism, and that they do yoga only for its physical, mental and emotional benefits. As sincere as they might be, however, this does not protect them from the spiritual (and possible demonic) consequences of their involvement. Let us not forget God's piercing and still relevant words through the prophet Hosea to his people, "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). When, for example, Yogi Amrit Desai invites you "To join us on the journey toward the enlightened self", what is he really guiding you towards? Do you think he is merely offering you a titillating therapeutic body massage or harmless techniques for anxiety control? I suggest, rather that you are being blindly led, step by step, into the vast Hinduistic ocean where New Age philosophies reign supreme, as you are being gradually moulded into becoming a 'God' (or Divine Master) like himself.

The deceptive nature of yoga is even more clearly seen as one examines the various claims and branches of yoga. The Shakti Yoga Centre has invited us to a Sunday session entitled, 'Reshape your Destiny: Dissolving Karma through Yoga Nidra' with Yogi Amrit Desai. They further instruct us to "Come prepared to enter the practice of vigorous postures, advanced pranayama, in addition to in-depth discourses on Karma, Yoga Nidra, mantra chanting and meditation." The concept of Karma, (for example) that relates to repeated rebirths (reincarnations) on the basis of behaviours in the past lives, certainly cannot be embraced by anyone claiming to be a conscious Bible-believing Christian.

SCRIPTURE IS CRYSTAL CLEAR

The New Testament scriptures make it crystal clear that salvation comes by God's grace through faith and not as a result of our own attainment, (Eph. 2:4-9, Gal. 3:1-14, Romans 3:1-28, Titus 3:3-7, 1 Tim. 1: 12-16). We also know that after death comes judgement and eternity, not a series of life and death cycles designed to make us achieve Godhead, as yoga teaches. (Heb. 6:1-2, 9:27, Rev. 20:1-15).

The practice of mantra chanting is not really understood by even numerous yoga practitioners themselves. How many, if asked, "What is a mantra?" could correctly respond that it is the name of a Hindu god being used to bring feelings of peace, tranquillity or wellness?

Wouldn't you agree that we should be careful about which names we invoke, considering that apart from Jesus, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved,"(Acts 4:12).

Is it possible that those who chant mantras may be calling down curses (and demonic spirits) on themselves without knowing it? We will consider these and other far reaching, diabolic consequences of yoga when we look at Part two of our little discussion, next time. In the meanwhile, however, remember that, "A wise man learns by his own mistakes ­ a wiser man learns by the mistakes of others." Why be wise ­ when you can be wiser?

* The Rev. Dr. Donald K. Stewart is pastor of the Portmore Lane Covenant Community Church. He may be reached via email: covcomoffice@colis.com