Is there a “New Age Movement,” which works toward the infiltration of other religions? Is Hatha Yoga the “scouting party” for the conquest of non-Hindu religions? Does Yogi, or Yogini, imply your religious affiliation? Is Hatha Yoga a religion, and the western public is being duped?
In the west, Yoga has been considered, by some religious fundamentalists, to be an “infiltration” of Hindu philosophy. Religion has always been a volatile subject. Yoga, of any kind, can sometimes cause extreme reactions among religious fundamentalists.
The words, “New Age Movement,” are a very broad term and can refer to any healing method or spiritual belief. It is hard to group Yoga with Wicca, Taoism, Reiki, Druidism, witchcraft, and Harry Potter fans, but somehow we have all been “lumped” together as the New Age Movement.
Although there is no common thread, Yoga practitioners who practice Christian Yoga, are also condemned by religious fundamentalists for being tolerant of eastern philosophy.
Better yet, there are accusations, which claim Hatha Yoga is part of the New Age conspiracy. Some fundamentalists believe that calling a person Yogi, or Yogini, confirms that he or she is a practicing Hindu.
Just recently, I read a statement, where the author claimed, meditation could cause spiritual harm to Christians. Yet, meditation has existed within Christianity since its beginning.
Please take a close look at Psalm 1:2 from the Holy Bible, which states, “But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night.” When you meditate on the word of God, this is a noble act.
Throughout history, meditation has existed for positive reasons. Somehow the fundamentalist concept of what meditation actually is has become strangely misunderstood.
Within Joshua 1:8, it is stated, “Let not the book, of this law, depart from thy mouth: but thou shalt meditate on it day and night, that thou mayst observe and do all things that are written in it: then shalt thou direct thy way, and understand it.”
As Yoga grew in mainstream popularity, Hatha Yoga was easily embraced because most Yoga instructors worked on the mind and body connection only. There is very little mentioned within a typical Hatha Yoga class about Yogic philosophy.
In defense of Yogic philosophy, the Yamas and Niyamas (behavior restraints and ethical guidelines), are sensible guidelines, which can be found in many of the world’s religions and in ethical organizations. Universal concepts such as, telling the truth, avoid stealing, and not harming others, are good ideas.
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: “Yoga in Practice,” and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
