Can Christians practice yoga?
The roots of yoga have become the biggest argument currently used to discourage Christians to practice. The meaning of yoga and the practice of yoga has changed drastically since its earliest beginnings thousands of years ago. The earliest writings about yoga pre-date organized religion, even Hindu and Buddhism. The writings, known as the Vedas, heavily influenced religions and cultures centuries ago, however, one cannot truthfully call yoga a religion. It cannot even be truthfully called Hindu or Buddhist.
To understand yoga, let’s look at the meaning of yoga. The word yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning “to yoke” or “to unite.” Just as Christians seek to yoke themselves to Christ, these ancient yogis were seeking yoke themselves to a higher power. They chose to do so by seeking enlightenment using breathing, meditation, fasting and movement of their bodies through specific postures. It was their way of reaching the level of relationship they sought with the supernatural. Yoga was simply a tool, or a modality, used in the process.
Christians can, and do, use yoga as a tool to grow in their relationship with Christ. In the same ways the ancients used it, so can we:
Illumination of Scripture. While the ancients sought self-enlightenment, as Christians we seek illumination of the living Word of God. We are not self-centered but rather Christ-centered. The practice of yoga allows us to quiet our minds and be still in His presence. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God!” In the chaotic world we live in, stillness and quiet is not easily found. By entering into a quiet space and bringing yourself out of the chaos and into a space of stillness you are able to hear God’s word and allow it to feed your soul. A consistent yoga practice is one way to do this.
Holy breath. When God created man He breathed life into him. Without the breath of the Almighty God, we cannot survive physically or spiritually. It is His breath that keeps us