Yoga is a controversial issue among Christians. Some say it is simply a form of exercise while others say it is a physical representation of worship to another god. As an exercise separated from the roots of its spiritual beginnings there should be nothing wrong with the poses. However, many say the separation of spirituality and exercise is not possible based on what yoga means. Since yoga is thought of as just another aerobics class many have laughed at the idea that yoga could somehow conflict with their spiritual beliefs. It would be like saying a treadmill conflicts with your spirituality. Yet, a treadmill was not designed to bring you closer to enlightenment.
Why was Yoga developed?
Yoga was developed to end the cycle of reincarnation. Yoga means “to yoke”. The purpose was to yoke with the consciousness of God. Yoga brings you on the path to enlightenment and the realization you are a god since the belief is god is in everything.
Swami Vishnudevananda is quoted in his book “The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga” as giving this as the explanation of the purpose of Yoga: “It is the duty of each developed man to train his body to the highest degree of perfection so that it may be used to pursue spiritual purposes… the aim of all yoga practice is to achieve truth wherein the individual soul identifies itself with the supreme soul of God.”
Further, B. K. S. Iyengar, the founder of Hatha Yoga says yoga is, “the means by which the human soul may be completely united with the Supreme Spirit pervading the universe and thus attain liberation” (Yoga Journal, May/June 1993, p. 69 ). Hatha is the Yoga most popularly used in the United States.
Swami Sivenanda Radha, a yoga teacher, has stated about Hatha Yoga, “Asanas are a devotional practice…each asana creates a certain state of mind…to bring the seeker into closer contact with the Higher Self” (Quote from http://cana.userworld.com/cana_yoga.html ).
As you can see the Yoga instructors will plainly tell you that Yoga is a spiritual exercise and not simply a workout. The asanas referred to are the positions in Yoga. The positions are designed to read a state of Samadhi. Samadhi is a union whereby you realize you are God. The positions are centered on practicing Hinduism.
As you can see Yoga has far more meaning than a workout. It is more closely related to lighting a candle at a temple than a half hour on the treadmill.