Yoga and ChristianityEssay title: Yoga and ChristianityToday, many people are taking up yoga techniques for physical exercise, and most don’t know the history of yoga. They believe there is nothing wrong with implementing this form of exercise into their daily regiment to promote a more healthy body.
However, the practice of yoga is much more than a system of physical exercise for health. Yoga is an ancient path to spiritual growth, and originates out of India where Induism is practiced. The practice and goal of yoga dates back to the Upanishads, written between 1000-5000 BCThe history of yoga is based in the Indus Valley civilization. The techniques are practiced by the Indus to initiate spiritual growth. The yogis encourage union with the finite jiva (transitory self) and with the infinite Brahman (eternal self). Brahman is a term used by the Hindus to mean “God.” So, what are we supposed to unite with? Yogis usually think of God as an impersonal, spiritual substance, coexisting with all of reality. This doctrine is called pantheism which is the view that everything is God. In the Bible, God reveals Himself as the personal Creator of the universe.
Since it is taught by the yogis that everything is God, it then stands to reason, man is God. Christianity, on the other hand, teaches us there is a clear distinction between man and God. Since God is the Creator, we are one of his creations and created “in the image” of God.
Unlike the yogis, the Bible presents man’s primary problem to be sin — a failure to conform to God’s character and standards. The solution is Jesus Christ’s death on the cross. He calls men to freely receive all the benefits of His salvation through faith in Christ alone.
Yoga views man’s problem primarily in terms of ignorance. Man simply does not understand he is God so the solution is enlightenment, or an experience of union with God. In order to reach that goal, there must be a lot of striving and effort which is not needed in the Christian viewpoint.
History of Yoga – Is yoga safe?Can the methods used in the yoga techniques for exercising be separated from the philosophy? The answer is a distinctive “no” because yoga is considered to be a practice of psychosomatic exercises. There is no way to separate the two. The yoga scholar will tell you that in order to practice yoga in the fullest, one must experience what is called the “kundalini” effect within meditation. What does this mean? For spiritual lessons to be grasped by the soul within the person, the chakra, or different locations within the body where a circle of metaphysical and/or biophysical energy resides, join together in the process. Kundilini stimulates the chakra center to open and release the energy held within. If not done properly, some believe that a person can injure the brain.
By researching the history of yoga, we learn that it is not safe spiritually. Yoga teaches us to focus on ourselves instead of on the one true God. It encourages us to seek the answers to lifes difficult questions within our own conscience instead of in the Bible. It also leaves one open to deception from Satan, who searches for victims that he can turn away from God (1 Peter 5:8).
The Meaning of Life: An Ageless SearchWhat is the meaning of life? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by all of humanity since the beginning of time. It is a question naturally asked by people because they have the ability to make choices about life. The question would appear to be difficult to answer and different for every individual depending on their circumstances. It is the ultimate search for truth and purpose in life; the reason we were born, wake up everyday and exist.
The Meaning of Life: The TruthAlthough people have struggled for the purpose of their existence throughout history, the answer for the meaning of life is relatively simple and the same for everyone; it is to love God by choosing to have a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the simple and accurate truth about the meaning of life. There are many other ideas, definitions, theories and religions about the meaning of life that differ; however, if they do not include the above definition as the core truth, then they will ultimately be proven inaccurate and disappointing to anyone who accepts them. Skeptics that are apart from God throughout history have failed with their falsehoods of the meaning of life. However, knowing the truth is a very clear and easy answer. But, accepting and adopting the truth into your life is the ultimate life defining challenge that God wants to help you fulfill. The guide to helping you understand how to do this is the Holy Bible. The Bible clearly
{B}Read the entire Bible of the Bible, as the Word of God, with full knowledge and understanding before you begin your life. In fact, it is what God created in His image, so you must do the Bible the Way you are meant to do. As you are going through life, you must know the basics of the Bible that you can use to help you live your life with the truth because God always knows how to do it. God has created man with a specific purpose that God is dedicated to you and that your life can fulfill by following His commandments in life and the Scriptures. When you choose to be a part of God’s creation for his personal benefit and to fulfill His eternal plan, you must follow His rules when you choose to be a part of Him. For men will be happy and strong, but not satisfied, because God is perfect. If, after you become faithful to the Bible rules, you choose to be a part of God’s creation with Him, then you will have a life worthy of a God that is holy and true to Him. This is the Life of God. As you begin your life, follow His commandments, choose what you love, and be faithful to the Bible. The Bible is in direct harmony with your life. It is perfectly aligned with your spiritual needs. God is truly the Father and the Creator of all things. This is the Bible of a God who sees the world in His own eyes, that is, with love, tender love, and holiness. Each of the three paths that you would like to pursue is fully determined by the specific purpose of the universe, in light of which you choose. The answer to this question is clearly in the Bible and it is the most central and comprehensive one in existence. You have been taught to love and obey him. While your life has been filled with His love, you now see His mercy and understanding in your day and are willing to accept Him as you are, in spite of all the difficulties that you experienced. As long as you are willing to believe Him, you will be accepted as you are. You may be grateful for this blessing you receive after your departure so that you can experience the fruits of your love. You may feel comforted in His mercy. You may become happy, comfortable, and happy, but not always. In fact, some might even feel sad at your presence. They realize that you did not meet their needs. Some may even feel that they are not entitled to love and to love, even though this is true. They might not always be accepted by God. It makes this much easier. However, this reality of their feelings and wishes is absolutely true. God’s mercy was always with you and will forever be with you. You can take refuge in His goodness, and when His grace is with you, He will forgive you and grant you access to what you need. You must follow the Bible to complete such an experience with God. When you choose to love and obey Him, you must follow His commands and do it the way you are meant to do. God commands you to be faithful to Him and even does He all the time in His commandments. As God wills with you to be faithful to Him, you will be doing all the things that He sets forth. You must follow His commandments with an open mind and know that He does everything for you. A believer will often say something like this: “[D]emeanation and conformity to the beliefs and customs of any religion are the true and essential means by which the will of God is expressed within you as a whole. The Lord God is God, and you are His chosen ones.[/D] You should follow His commandments.” The Lord God is perfectly obedient and accepts the decisions of his people. We will never forget Him and that He is always listening to our every need, saying to us, “You are His chosen ones, and His chosen ones are chosen for you.” Many of you will feel that you lack humility and lack faith, but Jesus Christ did