The ancient mind and body exercise of yoga has become more and more popular each year as local gyms and studios fulfill the public’s desire to try it. Despite yoga’s seepage into mainstream fitness, many are hesitant to experience it for a variety of reasons. Most say that they are not flexible enough to do it and others simply prefer to stick with their routines. The other less discussed reason is that they wonder if it will interfere or conflict with their religious beliefs.
The main thing to remember is that yoga is actually considered to be more of a mind/body science rather than anything closely resembling a religion, even by the most stringent yogis. The physical poses that come to mind when one thinks of yoga were developed so one could sit for longer in meditation, which led to it being considered one of the best exercise practices for becoming more in tune with the mind and body combination. Because yoga began in India, the writings are often laced with a Hindu influence, but it is not a religion in and of itself. Many instructors will use the Sanskrit names of poses rather than their English translations, but again, these are not prayers. If you want it to, yoga can be a tool to better meditate on God as some yogis have learned, but all in all, one is never taught a religious doctrine during class. In other words, you can pray from your religious standpoint while practicing yoga or you can simply focus on the physical aspects of the exercises.
Without getting too wrapped up into what one can personally put into their yoga practice from any religious background, one could better answer the question of whether trying it is an act against their own beliefs by asking the instructor about the class format. Most yoga classes, especially those taught at the local gym, are going to be Hatha (yoga for mind/body health) and will focus more on breathing and physical poses. Many will also include an opening and closing meditation with a few verbal cues from the instructor. For example, I open my classes with, “we will gain the physical and mental benefits of our practice today, but we can also feel free to dedicate our work to something or someone outside of ourselves.” This is an opening for a student to quietly add a prayer if they like, much like the moment of silence now offered in many public schools generically encourages reflection or prayer.
If you can’t get a hold of the actual instructor to find out about class specifics, ask the front desk of your gym or recreation center what you can expect in their yoga classes. They should also have a list of class descriptions. Nine times out of ten, these will speak of exercises which increase flexibility, strength and stamina without high impact. Yoga may be an ancient science for becoming stronger both in body and mind, but it should not be seen as a threat to your beliefs and faith.
I would love to get a discussion started about this topic! Let me hear about your opinions on yoga for Christians.
See Faith in Fitness by Heather Long to read about a yoga and Christian hybrid exercise format.
Other must-read related blogs:
Contemplation on Meditation
Four More Reasons to Yoga Today