Yoga: Historical and Spiritual Tapestry

Yoga, a practice widely recognized today for its physical postures and stress-reducing benefits, possesses a rich and complex history deeply interwoven with the spiritual traditions of ancient India.¹ While its modern Western manifestation often emphasizes physical well-being, understanding its historical and spiritual roots is crucial for Christians seeking to navigate its practice in light of their faith.

The Origins of Yoga

The origins of yoga can be traced back over 5,000 years to northern India.² The word “yoga” itself derives from the Sanskrit word “Yuj,” meaning “to unite” or “to yoke.”³ (remember the Lord promised to break every yoke) This linguistic root points to a core principle of yoga: the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness or divine. The earliest mentions of yoga are found in ancient sacred texts of Hinduism, the Vedas, particularly the Rig Veda. Later texts, such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, further developed yogic philosophy and practices, outlining various paths to spiritual liberation or moksha.⁴

Yoga’s Religious Connections

These paths include bhakti (devotion), jnana (knowledge), karma (action), and dhyana (concentration), the latter of which shares similarities with the physical and meditative aspects commonly associated with yoga today. While deeply rooted in Hinduism, yogic practices and philosophical concepts also influenced and were incorporated into other Indian traditions like Buddhism and Jainism [1, 2, 3].⁵

What?! More Than An Exercise?

Traditional yoga is far more than just a system of physical exercises.⁶ It is a holistic spiritual discipline aimed at purifying the mind and body to attain a state of inner peace and self-realization, ultimately seeking union with the divine [3].⁷

Texts like Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, a foundational text compiled between 200 BCE and 200 CE, outline an eight-limbed path of yoga (Ashtanga ).⁸ This path includes ethical principles (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama),⁹ withdrawal of the senses (pratyahara), concentration (dharana),¹⁰ meditation (dhyana), and ultimately, a state of meditative consciousness (samadhi), which is described as a state of blissful absorption or union [3].

The physical postures, or asanas, while prominent modern spiritual exercises, were historically one limb among many, serving to prepare the body and mind for deeper meditation and spiritual practices [3].

The Concept of Yoking?

For many Christians, the deeply embedded spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of yoga raise significant questions and concerns. The concept of “yoking” in yoga, traditionally understood as union with a universal consciousness or Hindu deities, can be seen as conflicting with the Christian understanding of exclusive worship of the one true God [4, 5].¹¹

Spiritual Enchantments

Some of these Hindu exercises involve chanting mantras, which may be invocations of Hindu deities or sacred sounds with meanings outside of a Christian worldview [5].¹² Furthermore, the philosophical goal of achieving self-realization or recognizing an inherent divinity within oneself in some yogic traditions can be viewed as contrary to the Christian belief in humanity’s created nature and the sole divinity of God [4, 6].

“But I’m Just Exercising” What’s Wrong With that?

While some argue that yoga can be practiced solely for its physical benefits, detached from its spiritual origins, others caution that the two are intrinsically linked [4, 6]. The postures themselves, in their traditional context, can be seen as having spiritual significance or being offerings [4, 5].

Engaging in Idolatry

Engaging in practices with roots in non-Christian worship or philosophy, even if the intention is purely physical, can be a point of conviction for some believers who seek to honor God in all aspects of their lives and avoid even the appearance of participating in practices that could be construed as idolatrous [4, 6].

Biblical Warnings

Biblical passages, such as those cautioning against adopting the practices of surrounding nations (Deuteronomy 18:9-12) and warning against participation with demonic forces (1 Corinthians 10:20-21), inform the perspectives of Christians who choose to avoid yoga due to its historical and spiritual ties to non-Christian belief systems [4].

Conclusion: Who Is On The Lord’s Side?

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to engage in yoga is a matter of individual conscience and discernment for Christians [4, 6]. However, understanding the historical context and the spiritual roots of yoga is essential for making an informed decision that aligns with biblical principles. So now the question is, are you on the Lord’s side or the god yoga’s side?