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Tuesday, April 22, 2008

A Comfortable State of Mind and Body

Yoga Guru Patanjali has defined Yoga as a steady and comfortable state of Mind and Body. And, a comfortable and steady state of body and mind is precisely what practising yoga delivers. Other forms of exercise increase the strain on body muscles, as well as, the requirement for blood and oxygen. But, Yoga asanas or postures not only lessen the need, decreasing the strain on them, they also cause every muscle in the body to relax. Similarly, the bodys requirement for blood and oxygen goes down, reducing the strain on the mind and making it stable and focused.

Furthermore, the twists and stretched yoga asanas or postures compel the organs of the body, such as, the endocrine glands, the digestive, heart and other organs to function in an improved manner. And, all this can be achieved with even the most simple of Yoga asanas!

Practised in India for centuries, this ancient practice is elaborated in great detail in sub-continental historical treatises and texts! As in everything else, India is beginning to show the world how to heal the mind and body, without resorting to the swallowing of heavy doses of poisonous chemicals in the guise of medicine, or expensive surgery and psychiatric treatment. Prevention is better than cure, and practicing Yoga not only prevents an individual from falling sick, it also helps to recover a healthy state of mind and body! Furthermore, the twists and stretched yoga asanas or postures compel the organs of the body, such as, the endocrine glands, the digestive, heart and other organs to function in an improved manner.

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Yoga and Christianity a Conflict?

Being a practicing Christian myself, there are very few things in Yoga that conflict with Christianity. Some critics argue that Yoga and Christianity cannot co-exist, and yet we know that Yoga is not a religion.

However, that depends on your opinion. Recently, I was reading about someone who claims Kundalini is new age witchcraft. Sorry to say, another person recently stated, Good Christians should avoid the devils exercise, in reference to Yoga.

Are the Salem witch trials still so close to our hearts? These claims are interesting because ministers and priests have been practicing meditation for centuries, without any complaints.

I suppose, if someone devoted enough time to meditating on bad thoughts, meditation would be a bad experience.

To be honest, it depends upon what you meditate about; and in truth, within some schools of Yoga, Hinduism, or Buddhism is taught. For me, this has always been a conflict, as I love Yoga, but have no desire to change my faith.

The many teachings of Yoga and meditation, are non-sectarian. Now, if Yoga were a religion, which would it be? The principles of Yoga are universal.

The Yamas and Niyamas are similar, in principle, to the Ten Commandments, but as a Christian you have the right to pick and choose what you want from Yoga. You also have the right to avoid sectarian ashrams.

Yoga practice, and meditation, give many Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and Moslems, a closer connection to God, but there will always be someone who feels tempted to change their faith.

Lets be honest, the people who worry about a sudden change of faith are, for the most part, rooted in two distinct camps of thought.

1. Someone who is on the fence about their own religion and not quite sure where they really stand.

2. Severe intolerance of any idea that is new or might result in opening the mind.

Lets stop the intolerance now. When you are driving in your car, waiting in line, or come face-to-face with someone who is different from you, please set an example for your children and give the other person a break.

Paul Jerard, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

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