I know, I know- walking is free too. So is running. Even the yoga DVD's that I bought (and used quite a bit years ago) are free to use now. But it's just not the same a going to a class.
Anyway, on to my question. I was so excited that I called my mom- a fellow yoga fanatic.
Or Former fanatic, as I discovered. Her response was a somber face with the warning to
"Be careful."
"Be careful."
"Don't worry!" I assured her, "I know all the basics and know not to do too much too quickly."
"No, Kim, I mean spiritually. You're walking a fine line. "
Now, I don't want to be arrogant or tread ignorantly where I shouldn't, but- seriously? I've been doing yoga off and on since my freshman year in college. As far as I'm concerned, it's pure physical and mental relaxation and rejuvenation.
Yes, I do the "sun salutation" and "namaste"- is this anti-Christian or Catholic? Or is this another "Harry Potter is evil" controversy where I just say, "Ok mom, I'll be careful" and leave it at that?
5 comments:
I think St. Francis might have a good answer for you:
http://www.prayerfoundation.org/canticle_of_brother_sun.htm
Have fun at yoga :)
I think participating in yoga as long as you're doing it for exercise is fine. I'm with you though, its the best workout!
So, I had to ask my husband about this one since I've never heard of yoga being sketchy. He said that it originated in Eastern religions (like Buddhism) because of its meditative aspect. He also said that there are upper levels of yoga that weigh more heavily on meditating than exercise. If it were me, just to play it on the safe side, I would rather join a class at a gym than at a yoga center. Good luck!
By the way, he heard about it on Catholic Answers Live (the radio show). He has also heard some anti-Christian things about Harry Potter on there for anyone who is interested.
Hey Kim as a current yoga fanatic I thought I would weigh in. Yoga is associated with a handful of religions, not just Buddhism. The original purpose was to prepare the body for long meditation sessions, so it started as the physical component of a spiritual goal. But, there is no necessary connection between yoga and religion. The connection is between yoga and meditation. Meditation is good for your mind and your body whether it's connected to religious belief or not. If you run across a yoga instructor who proselytizes - I have. They are few and far between, but they exist - you can handle it the same way you would the Jehovah's witnesses who come to the door. Give them a polite, thanks but no thanks.
Forgive me for going on, but I wanted to say one more thing. I don't know how much credibility I have for reasons obvious to you, but I have this notion that the belief that reading Harry Potter or practicing yoga (or in my day it was seeing the movie "The Exorcist") belongs to a notion of religion that is too easy. It lets you off the hook. You get to blame a book or exercise for your loss of faith. It negates the idea of free will. Even if a person has a crisis of faith, it doesn't mean he or she has to throw in the towel. You work to get your faith back. If you give up and decide to try another religion, it is your choice, not some spell the other religion put on you. It is true that you shouldn't put yourself in the way of temptation, but is it really putting yourself in the path of temptation to do a little yoga? Even if the instructor is openly not Christian? I would say your faith, Kim, can easily withstand someone else talking about theirs right before you exercise together.
Last thing - I read the book "The Exorcist" - rebel that I am - even though I was too young to see the movie. I checked it out of the library at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Thought you'd enjoy the irony. Love from your Auntie Linda
Hmmmmm....yoga a threat to spirituality??? When I was in India, I saw a billboard that said, "Prayer is TALKING to God, Meditation is LISTENING to God".
Cute...but missed the point. Prayer calls us to commune with God and the Holy Spirit. "Commune" is 2-way communication, both talking and listening.
Meditation allows us to clear our minds and focus on listening...nothing wrong with that as far as I can see....
Now, if you start seeing visions of Buddha telling you to run wild in the streets....I suspect that would more likely due to LSD in your juice than a spiritual message... ;-)
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