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Your yoga program is more than just physical exercise if…

By April 1, 2012June 20th, 2014No Comments

You have a guru.

When it comes to yoga, a guru is not just a teacher or instructor, but rather a spiritual leader who passes on transcendental knowledge to his or her followers. Serious yogis are expected to find a guru in order to reach enlightenment. The whole guru idea stems from Hindu teachings, which ultimately regard gurus as embodiments of the gods through which disciples liberate their souls. A guru should be a big red flag to any believer, since Christians’ foundational belief is that Christ alone is the way to know God. In John 14:6 Jesus states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

You practice OM yoga.

OM yoga uses incantation and meditation on the syllable “om” to reach enlightenment. According to Hindu teachings, “om” is the sound of the universe. The Upanishad, ancient Hindu documents translated from Sanskrit, state, “Om is the Supreme Brahman. . . . He who utters Om with the intention ‘I shall attain Brahman’ does verily attain Brahman.” If your yoga program ever suggests or even hints at using mantras or chanting of any kind, it is definitely time for a new workout regimen.

You find inner peace.

Yoga claims to be a method of achieving inner peace through meditation and breathing techniques. Ultimate peace can be found only through Jesus Christ and a right relationship with Him. No amount of mental focus can bring you the peace that passes understanding that God alone can provide (Philippians 4:7). Don’t go to yoga looking for something you already have been given by the Maker of all things; you will only be disappointed.

You are encouraged to empty your mind.

Traditional yoga programs are just as much about your mind as they are about your physical health, encouraging you to empty your mind and even leave your body in a process similar to hypnosis. Remember that we are called to renew the mind, not empty it. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

You use postures as praise.

Sun salutations are some of the most popular poses in yoga. They are usually a part of morning yoga routines because they were originally used to salute the sun and thank it for its life-giving light and warmth. Of course, we know that rather than thanking the sun for life, we should be thanking God. Other postures have similar meanings, and some yoga programs put a strong emphasis on Hindu spirituality. Avoid this type of yoga, and avoid these types of poses.

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