What to tell a Christian Yoga

Should Christians Participate in Yoga?

Yoga originated from which country?

To answer the question above about how Christians Participate in Yoga, the answer is No.

Again, there are significant differences between Christian meditation and that taught in Yoga. Christians meditate on the word of God rather than trying to blank out the mind. Psalms 119:99 states, "I have more understanding than all my teachers; for thy (the Messiah's) testimonies are my meditations." Psalms 104:34 says. "My meditation on Him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord." Thus, we can clearly see the Scriptures teach us to use our time of meditation on God and not blank or open our minds to the demons.

Yoga's primary promise is to calm your mind through meditation. The difference between yoga meditation and the type God commands in Scripture is twofold: the object of our meditation and the result. Yogi philosophers urge followers to empty their minds. This empty mind, they claim, is the doorway to communion with the Universal Soul. But cult expert Bob Larson warns that yoga mediators "should not be deceived into thinking they have communed with the Lord." Instead, they have "left [their] mind open to an evil invasion by the spirit associated with the particular discipline employed."

By: Traci Morin, president of
Touch of God International Ministries of Healing and Deliverance - Setting the Captives Free

Spiritual Dangers of Meditation

Meditation ~ Meditation is a mental discipline that induces total relaxation and inner harmony [and an altered state of consciousness]. Various techniques involve focusing the mind on an object or activity. In Eastern societies it is used as a means of spiritual enlightenment. In Western societies, it tends to be used to deal with stress...Meditation is a state of heightened mental awareness. Meditation is ... in the world's major religions, including Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. Meditation was mainly introduced to the West through Indian Yoga practices brought to England in the 19th century...Meditation involves withdrawing from external reality and achieving deep relaxation. [21]

MANTRA MEDITATION: A word or phrase that is continually repeated. It may be recited aloud or in silence. It may be a positive statement or relate to personal beliefs. [Note: Wilkinson's 'Prayer of Jabez' falls in this category, although it is once daily]

ROSARIES: Rosary beads may be used in the meditation process to count repetitions.

TIBETAN PRAYER WHEEL: Each rotation of this cylinder will stand for one recitation of a mantra.

OM: A sacred mantra widely used in meditation, particularly with yoga [Note: Om signifies the Hindu pagan trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.]

BREATH AWARENESS: Focus your attention on your breathing. You think of a peaceful world with each outward breath. [22] [Note: Bill Bright and many others endorse spiritual breathing]

by: Traci Morin