Yoga seems to have a bad publicity with the recent ban in the neighbouring country. I am trying to comprehend the rationale behind this. However, I read that the recent ban has been revoked now and Muslims in that country are allowed to practise it again.
A quick intro about yoga - breathing techniques and sun salutations - a taste of what to expect in a yoga class.
I do understand that yoga derives from an ancient religion practice. But there are several versions of yoga that are currently practise all over the world and one of them, the popular Hatha Yoga in its many modern variations that are perfomed in gyms and fitness centres, is the style that many people associate with the word "Yoga" today. Because its emphasis is on the body through asanas or poses, many western students are satisfied with the physical health and vitality it develops and are not interested in the other seven limbs of the Raja Yoga tradition. The yoga that are practised focus on physical exercises and breathing techniques.
I have blogged about the benefits of yoga here and how it can strengthen weak muscles., managing your weight and stress reduction. I like the fact that it makes the body more balanced through shifting the body weight to the core. I also like the fact that it helps with your metabolism and removes toxins through the poses performed as these poses led to our internal organs such as liver and kidney being massaged. On a serious note too, it has not affected my own faith towards my religion and in no way it has prevented me from my daily prayers, daily reading of the Quran or even fasting. But it has helped me to become more focus in whatever I do, have better sleep and embrace positivity in life!!
Oh! I have joined her class recently and it was fun to be in a group again. She is giving away free 10 slots for a class on Sunday 30th November 2008. It will be a great introduction if you want to see how a yoga class is conducted. So grab it before the slots are taken!
"The Mind is like a parachute! It will only function when open!"
A quick intro about yoga - breathing techniques and sun salutations - a taste of what to expect in a yoga class.
I do understand that yoga derives from an ancient religion practice. But there are several versions of yoga that are currently practise all over the world and one of them, the popular Hatha Yoga in its many modern variations that are perfomed in gyms and fitness centres, is the style that many people associate with the word "Yoga" today. Because its emphasis is on the body through asanas or poses, many western students are satisfied with the physical health and vitality it develops and are not interested in the other seven limbs of the Raja Yoga tradition. The yoga that are practised focus on physical exercises and breathing techniques.
I have blogged about the benefits of yoga here and how it can strengthen weak muscles., managing your weight and stress reduction. I like the fact that it makes the body more balanced through shifting the body weight to the core. I also like the fact that it helps with your metabolism and removes toxins through the poses performed as these poses led to our internal organs such as liver and kidney being massaged. On a serious note too, it has not affected my own faith towards my religion and in no way it has prevented me from my daily prayers, daily reading of the Quran or even fasting. But it has helped me to become more focus in whatever I do, have better sleep and embrace positivity in life!!
Oh! I have joined her class recently and it was fun to be in a group again. She is giving away free 10 slots for a class on Sunday 30th November 2008. It will be a great introduction if you want to see how a yoga class is conducted. So grab it before the slots are taken!
"The Mind is like a parachute! It will only function when open!"
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Well said, Senor! And gotta love the end quote there :)
It's not only the Muslim community that is concerned with regards to Yoga & Religion. In fact I've heard of this since two years back. Christians are also concerned and have been advised not to take up "Yoga". I think the main concern here is that some of the poses involved in yoga are "worship" poses and that the meditation involved requires emptying the mind which leaves it susceptible to "other things" entering one's mind. If you search the web you'll notice that Christians have modified yoga to their own "Christian Yoga".
Maybe it's good just to be aware of which poses are worship poses and perhaps to avoid those.
Just my two cents :)
I'm a yoga teacher and Christian too.
Some of my Christian friends were pretty much against me when I chose yoga as a profession. They thought it was a cult. Well, here I am four years later, still devoted to my own religion after practicing yoga for 5 years and ever more strong in my faith because of yoga. I can assure you there are no poses I feel as a yoga teacher and Christian that resembles any kind of worship.
I think if you have a strong mind and you have a substantial amount of faith, I don't things should deter you away from your religion. And just to let you know, we ALL meditate. We just don't know we are actually doing it subconsciously. And I do think you really have to be able to understand what meditation is as not all meditation requires you to 'empty' your mind. And even if they do, would it be as bad? Sometimes, rather than thinking too much, let's give the brain and mind a rest from the troubles you may face.
From a 'Christian' too.