I have no intention of asking a Catholic priest on the Catholic church’s stand on yoga. To me, I subscribe to the free will, you do what you like but don’t try to change my mind kinda thing.
Earlier, I have said that yoga does indeed have some form of things not practise by the Catholics. I was talking about the original yoga.
Anyway, during our class discussion yesterday, something related pop up during the lesson. So, I brought up the questions on yoga from the point of views of the Catholics. I did not actually ask, “is it ok for a Catholic to practise yoga?’. Instead, I get down to make my point, “In my opinion, there is some basis on the issues of yoga, like what was reported in the media.”
The priest said, “Yes, there is the Christian yoga and the original yoga based on Hinduism. Then, there is the Christian zen and the normal zen.” He said if the yoga is carried out for health purposes and there is no root of any spiritual substance, then, it is fine. However, one cannot chant the ‘Ohm…’ which he said is calling on the Hindu gods.
A fellow coursemate then asked me why there is a need for certain religion to set down the rules. I shared with her that for our Catholic church, we have somewhat ‘international, standard rules’ from the Vatican. We are guided by what the Vatican and the Pope said we can or cannot do. Whereas, in our country, there may be different sets of guidelines so it is natural for some faith to be aware and they wish to draw a guideline so that their young people are not venturing into something they shouldn’t, out of ignorance.
Anyway….someone left a comment in my previous post on Yoga and the Islam and Christian faiths.
Steven W said :
Not only yoga but many other activities even forms of exercises – that can be detrimental to one’s inner self.
How do we differentiate?
Check the root? What is the origin of that game/activity? Did it originate as a spiritual activity or mere physical wellbeing activity? If it is spiritual, then you are engaging in spiritual movements and activities.
Just like you want to know what are the effects of taking medicine or nutritional products, you would want to know the root – how they are made, are they organic, are there any side-effects – these are important considerations. There may have good immediate effects – but what else is packaged with it.
Just a simple comment.
Steven W
I find the reason of ‘wanting to find peace’ not making sense because as Christians, we can find peace when we are in communion with God, through prayers and quiet reflections on our own.
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