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Benefit of Yoga - The Christian Viewpoint



An Overview Of Yoga
Early Yoga and archaic shamanism had much in common as both sought to transcend the human condition. The primary goal of .....
Benefit Of Yoga - The Christian Viewpoint
The benefit of yoga is twofold - increased health and unification of the spirit with the body. It is accomplished through the use of many different aspects, but mainly through the combination of Asanas, or postures, and breathing/meditation practices.
This raises many question in the Christian community. In my research for this article, I was very surprised at the viewpoint of the Christian apologists, and their take on yoga and its practice. I have hesitated on writing this article because of that viewpoint. However, I feel that this question and the stance of the Christian community warrants reflection on the subject.
Yoga has a history dating back over five thousand years, to the beginning of the civilization of man. Little is really known about Yoga. it is believed 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 period of civilization's beginnings, Yoga was a community resource, because of its attempts to determine cosmic order through inner vision, and apply it to daily living. In later years, yoga evolved into an inner dialogue through which the Yogis sought to develop their own salvation and enlightenment.
Archaeological evidence of the existence of Yoga first appeared in stone seals excavated from the Indus valley. It depicted figures in many Yogic Asanas, or postures, and officially put Yoga in the time period of approximately 3000 B.C. Of greater import, it also linked yoga to the great Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, a period in time that was considered modern and efficient.
Inversion Yoga Poses - Another Perspective
Headstand (salamba shirshasana) is one of the yoga poses that are considered .....
From the Indus-Sarasvati civilization came the ancient texts known as the Vedas, the oldest scriptures in the world. The Vedas are a collection of hymns that praise a higher power and contains the oldest recorded history of Yoga teachings. The Vedas required the practitioner to transcend human limitations, and reach a higher spiritual plane. In later years, texts known as the Brahmanas were written to explain the rituals and the hymns of the Vedas. Following this came the Aranyakas texts, which outlined the practice of Yogis living in the seclusion of the forest. This led to the beginning of India's medical tradition, known as Ayurveda. All in all, Yoga transformed into a practice of health, harmony of the spirit, and a way of life.
The Christian viewpoint is thus - 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 dangerous and against everything Christianity preaches. Christians believe that studying yoga is akin to practicing Hinduism, and one cannot separate the philosophy of Hinduism from their Christian beliefs, regardless of 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 expected to open their heart and minds to Jesus, and to give in to the spirit of the Lord. They are expected to rely on blind faith, and to accept the word of God as the only truth in the world. A thinking person would find this hypocritical, for on the one hand Christians preach that Yoga must be avoided because opening the mind to clearer vision encourages the possibility of demonic possession, yet on the other hand preaches that one must open the mind and heart to accept Jesus into their lives. Opening one's heart and mind is exactly that - whether it is to look into 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 safely open our hearts to the concept of Christianity? Is there 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 household. My father was the deacon of a small Baptist church in the farming community where we lived. My mother, who taught us children to question everything, moved from the Baptist community to the Assembly of God churches, and was ostracized by my father. I think that to her dying day, she resented my father for this narrowmindedness. Life is a matter of choice, and my mother believed that we are not required to operate under the illusion of blind faith, but to do what is right to us as an individual. And it is why I walk the Noble 8 Folded Path. It is simply a matter of choice, and questioning everything in this universe.
I believe that the practice of yoga is a good thing. It provides us with great health benefits, clearer vision, and harmony in our souls. And in this day and age, what else is there? Whether we be Christians, Muslims, or Buddhists, we must not disrespect the feelings and thoughts of others, their rights to practice as they wish, or try to push our views down other people's throats. To live in harmony is exactly that...
To find out more about the benefit of yoga, visit my website at http://www.benefitofyoga.blogspot.com.
Yoga For Beginners: The Second Step Of Yoga Practice
What is more important - the Yoga teacher or the style of Yoga being taught? Firstly, you should research the nine major styles of Yoga: .....


About the Author
Alden Smith is a published and award winning author who's website http://www.benefitofyoga.blogspot.com informs and educates the person wanting to learn more about yoga and its practice. Visit his site to stay informed on the exciting world of yoga.
12 Step Yoga Therapy, As Easy As Breathing
Yoga therapy for better health. This article briefly takes a look at how yoga can be used a a form of therapy. One example of this is .....



Ali MacGraw - Yoga Mind & Body
Clean white sand and a cool predawn sky are the backdrops for this stunningly produced video, complete with an upbeat New Age soundtrack. Don't be put off by the MTV-like camera work, as this video constitutes an excellent, well-balanced workout. Ali MacGraw and a supporting cast of something-for-everyone models work through this 50-minute routine, overseen by yoga master Erich Schiffman. The first minutes focus on ujjayi breathing, then MacGraw leads us through a complete practice of shoulder stretches, sun salutations, back bends and twists, and standing poses. No equipment is required, but a sticky mat is recommended. Unlike other videos targeted for beginners, Yoga Mind & Body does not offer modifications for difficult poses and so is best suited for practitioners with some previous experience. --Jhana Bach
Customer Review: Great yoga workout
I bought this after hearing about it from a yoga studio owner in Pennsylvania. I have a bunch of DVD's on the subject and consider this the best so far.

Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:48:58 GMT

YogaChair--The Perfect Computer Chair--For Those Who Seek Ultimate Comfort And Great Posture, YogaChair Is The Perfect Solution. Finally, An Affordable High-Quality Kneeling Chair Available In A Variety Of Colors. The Comfort Of Natural Posture. Sitting Never Felt So Good!!
For those who seek ultimate comfort and great posture, The Original YogaChair® is the perfect solution. Finally, an affordable high-quality wooden kneeling chair available in a variety of colors! * A great office chair for work. * A super desk chair for your home office. * An awesome video gaming chair for the kids. * And the ultimate computer chair for everyone in the family. At THIS price, you'll want more than one! Why YogaChair feels so different and so good. As you sit in a regular chair your core muscles relax. Your spine and your shoulders collapse into your pelvis and put a strain on back muscles, especially your lower back muscles. Notice your posture and how you feel when sitting in a regular chair after only a very short period of time. Its probably not good; you certainly don't feel the expansiveness in your lower and mid-back area that you feel while sitting on the YogaChair. When sitting on YogaChair your spine naturally lifts out of your pelvis area. You can actually feel your spine comfortably extending from your pelvis without any effort. As your spine extends from your pelvis while sitting you can feel your lower, middle and upper back muscles relax. Your entire body, including your vital organs, are less constricted. The improved sitting position is healthier for your body and allows you to sit comfortably for long periods of time. Your body will find a natural sitting position, just from sitting on YogaChair. You can test this comparison on a regular chair. Sit on the end of your chair, feet flat on the floor with your back not touching the back of your chair. Feel how your spine extends out from your rear end. Unfortunately, it is difficult to undo years of repetition and we do not sit properly in a regular chair for more than a few moments In a YogaChair you do not have to think about sitting properly. The design of YogaChair accomplishes that and sitting is easy.
Customer Review: Great computer chair for smaller frames
I love this chair! The height is perfect for an avg build woman, but Grandpa was too tall for it. The only potential problem is that the height is not adjustable. If you're more than probably 5'9", this is probably too short. Hence only 4 stars. I do love the solid wood. The seats could stand to be more cushiony/better quality but that's what you get for this price. And the very best part for someone who just can't sit still very long is that it's the only kneeling chair out there that has a ROCKER bottom. Gotta love that! Hence 4 stars from me.

Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:48:58 GMT

Indigo Dreams: Relaxation and Stress Management Bedtime Stories for Children, Improve Sleep, Manage Stress and Anxiety (Indigo Dreams)
Indigo Dreams is a 60 minute CD/audio book designed to entertain your child while introducing them to relaxation and stress-management techniques. Four unique bedtime stories incorporate breathing, visualizations, muscular relaxation and affirmations. These are the same techniques recommended for adults but presented in a fun, interactive format that appeal to children. Children follow the characters along as they learn Yoga belly breathing with A Boy and a Bear, make positive statements with The Affirmation Web, visualize with A Boy and a Turtle and relax with The Goodnight Caterpillar. All four of these stories are also available in book format. Indigo Dream s shorter stories are perfect for shorter attention spans and beginners. The stories are best suited for ages 4-9. These proven techniques encourage wellness and provide tools for children who suffer from anxiety, stress, trauma, hyperactivity, anger, sleep issues and lack of confidence. The narration is accompanied by soothing sounds of crickets, gentle breezes and forest animals. An additional music sound track is included to further enhance your child s relaxation experience.
Customer Review: Nice Calm bedtime meditation
10 year old daughter loves this cd, my 5 year old son yells no I don't want it. Speaker tells stories with key words such as "calm" "happy" "beautiful" "smart" she speaks slowly and calmly - I personally find it relaxing and I could fall asleep to it.

Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:48:58 GMT

AM/PM Yoga for Beginners
This yoga set is perfect for busy people who need to work in a way to relax. On the a.m. tape, Rodney Yee takes you through a 15-minute morning yoga set, while Patricia Walden leads a 20-minute evening routine on the p.m. tape. The a.m. tape was filmed on a beach on Maui at sunrise, providing a soothing background for this gentle workout. In the morning, Rodney tells us, "the body is rested but stiff from inactivity." The stretches he demonstrates are designed to increase circulation, improve mobility, and bring clarity to your mind. The movements are easy to follow (they include a conscious relaxation, the a.m. workout, and a guided meditation), and the set is short enough that it can be squeezed into the most hectic of morning schedules. The p.m. video was filmed at sunset in Death Valley. Patricia's yoga set is designed to quiet the mind after the stress of the day and to help you make the transition from active to quiet. She uses a combination of a centering series, standing poses, forward bends, and restorative poses to help you ease into night. You will need some firm blankets to sit on and a yoga strap (although a belt or scarf will serve the same purpose) to perform these movements. Perfect for the beginner and for the overworked. --Jenny Brown
Customer Review: I'd rather be sleeping
This video is appropriate for people who have no interest in a yoga workout whatsoever. It is slow, ineffective, and short. More time is spent reading the warnings than doing any real yoga. The am portion is so slow it will put you right back to sleep. Save your money! Buy a real yoga video!

Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:48:58 GMT

1/4" Extra Thick Deluxe High Density Yoga Mat
At 6.2mm, our extra thick yoga mat is a full 1/4" thick, and is one of the thickest mats on the market. The mats come in a variety of colors that are strong and vivacious, but not overpowering in their brightness. This well-made yoga mat will add comfort to your yoga workouts. And because of its high quality, this mat will last longer than most standard foam mats. When shopping around for a yoga mat, note that what many other companies call a 1/4" mat is actually 4.5 - 5.2 mm in thickness -- considerably thinner than this mat.
Customer Review: Mine is great
After reading other reviews before purchasing, I was expecting the rubbery smell. It did have the odor, but it vanished in a few days once it was out of the packaging. The mat is a good length and sticky enough that I don't slip, but not so sticky that it is difficult to transition between positions. It provides enough padding that I can use it on my hardwood floors without discomfort in my wrists, knees, and ankles. Great value for the price.

Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:48:58 GMT