Yoga has ancient roots stretching back thousands of years to the Indus Valley civilization in modern-day India and Pakistan. The practice emerged from the spiritual traditions of Hinduism, with the goal of uniting the mind, body, and spirit to achieve a state of enlightenment or oneness with the divine.
The foundational texts of yoga philosophy, such as the Yoga Sutras compiled by Patanjali around 400 CE, outline an eight-limbed system known as ashtanga yoga. This encompasses ethical principles, physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), and a deep inward focus to transcend human suffering and attachment.
As yoga evolved over the centuries, different schools and lineages emerged, each with their own philosophies and approaches. Hatha yoga, one of the most widely practiced forms today, emphasizes the physical practices of asanas and pranayama as a means of preparing the body for deeper meditation and spiritual growth.
Throughout its history, yoga has been inextricably linked to Hinduism, as many of the postures and practices are derived from Hindu deities, stories, and concepts. For example, the sun salutation (surya namaskar) is a flowing sequence of poses that pays homage to the Hindu sun god, Surya. Mantras like “Om,” considered the primordial sound of creation, are chanted to invoke a sense of unity and connection with the divine.
While yoga’s roots are firmly grounded in Hindu spirituality, the practice has also been influenced by other Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Jainism, which share similar philosophies of non-violence, mindfulness, and the pursuit of enlightenment.
Yoga’s Conflict with Christianity
For many Christians, the spiritual roots and practices of yoga present a significant conflict with their faith. While the physical postures and breathing exercises may seem innocuous, yoga’s origins are deeply intertwined with Hindu philosophy and ritualistic worship of Hindu deities.
One of the primary concerns raised by Christians is the potential for idolatry or the veneration of other gods. Many yoga poses are named after Hindu gods or symbolize spiritual concepts from Hinduism. The common practice of chanting mantras like “Om,” considered a sacred sound representing the divine, can be seen as a form of worship incompatible with Christianity’s monotheistic beliefs.
Meditation, a core aspect of yoga, is also a source of contention. While meditation is practiced in various religious traditions, the specific goals and techniques of yoga meditation are rooted in Hindu and Buddhist philosophies. These often involve concepts like achieving a higher state of consciousness, connecting with a universal life force, or seeking enlightenment – ideas that conflict with Christian theology.
Furthermore, some Christians argue that the spiritual elements of yoga are inseparable from the physical practice. They believe that even if one tries to approach yoga purely as exercise, the underlying spiritual influences and energies remain present, potentially opening the door to spiritual deception or oppression.
Separating the Physical from the Spiritual
One of the central debates around the compatibility of yoga and Christianity is whether the physical practices of yoga – the postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and physical movements – can truly be separated from the spiritual elements that are deeply woven into yoga’s origins and traditional practice.
Those in favor of “Christian yoga” argue that while yoga emerged from Hindu philosophy and spirituality, the actual physical yoga exercises are not inherently religious or spiritual. They contend that yoga can be practiced purely as a system of physical exercise, stress relief, and techniques for improved strength, flexibility, and mindfulness – without any Hindu spiritual meaning attached.
Proponents point out that many Christians already practice other exercises and physical disciplines that have some connection to spiritual traditions, like martial arts, tai chi, or meditation. As long as the practitioner has the proper mindset and avoids the spiritual aspects, the argument goes, then yoga’s physical benefits can be enjoyed without compromising Christian beliefs.
However, critics counter that the physical postures of yoga were intended to cultivate spiritual awareness and enlightenment. The movements and breathing patterns are meant to redirect one’s energy flow and increase consciousness of the divine spiritual truths underlying yoga’s philosophy. From this view, trying to isolate the physical from the spiritual is impossible – the two are inseparably intertwined in yoga’s original purpose and practice.
Furthermore, many yoga poses and practices are directly linked to Hindu deities, making spiritual disassociation incredibly difficult, if not impossible. The common yoga greeting “namaste,” for instance, is a Sanskrit phrase paying homage to the divine soul within each person. Chanting “om” aims to become one with the divine truth and consciousness. Skeptics argue that removing such overtly spiritual elements fundamentally changes yoga into something entirely non-traditional.
How To Practice Yoga As A Christian
In recent years, some Christians have attempted to create a new tradition of “Christian yoga” by modifying the practice to align with their faith. This often involves renaming or reinterpreting the Sanskrit terms and poses to strip away Hindu references.
For example, instead of using “Namaste” as a greeting, some Christian yogis say “The peace of the Lord be with you.” The lotus pose is renamed the “Gospel pose” or “Praying hands pose.” Sun salutations are redirected as movements honoring the Christian God rather than Hindu deities.
Christian yoga classes may incorporate Bible verses, Christian music, and prayers throughout the physical practice. The goal is to cultivate Christ-centered mindfulness and worship through the movements and meditation aspects of yoga.
However, many Hindu teachers and practitioners criticize these attempts to “Christianize” yoga as disrespectful cultural appropriation. They argue that the spiritual elements are inseparable from the physical practice and that trying to remove the Hindu roots misses the deeper essence of yoga.
Some go so far as to say that Christian yoga is an oxymoron – you cannot combine two fundamentally different spiritual paths. The philosophical underpinnings simply do not align between Hindu yoga and Christian beliefs about God, salvation, and the nature of the self.
Despite these criticisms, Christian yoga continues to grow in popularity, particularly in the United States. Its supporters maintain that the physical and mental disciplines of yoga can be beneficially practiced apart from the Hindu theology, allowing Christians to experience the exercise benefits without compromising their faith.
Finding a Faithful Path
For Christians considering yoga, there are ways to approach the practice mindfully and in alignment with one’s beliefs. The key is to enter into yoga thoughtfully, with clear boundaries and intentions.
First, pray before practicing yoga and ask for God’s guidance and protection. Invite the Holy Spirit into your practice. Approach yoga not as a spiritual path, but as a physical discipline to strengthen and nurture the body God has given you.
Be selective about the yoga studios, teachers, and environments you engage with. Avoid those with an overt emphasis on the spiritual elements of yoga. Look for teachers who teach yoga as physical exercise. If spiritual language or concepts arise, have the discernment to filter that through your Christian worldview.
There’s no need to chant mantras or say namastes if those practices make you uncomfortable. You can respectfully opt-out. Modify the practice as needed to keep it firmly rooted in your faith. For example, use Christian scriptures or prayers as your points of meditation focus instead of Eastern mantras.
Most importantly, keep your heart and mind centered on Christ throughout your yoga practice. Use the quietness to pray and connect with God. Let the movements be an act of worship, aligning your body and soul to glorify the Creator. Approach yoga not just as exercise, but as a way to strengthen your conscious relationship with the Lord.
With wisdom and discernment, yoga can be a healthy practice for Christians. But the heart posture matters – let all you do be for God’s glory and your spiritual strengthening.
Sarah Strausberg is a dedicated yoga instructor who shares her passion for the practice through both in-person classes and an informative blog on Racinepost.com. With a deep understanding of the physical and mental benefits of yoga, Sarah guides her students on transformative journeys of self-discovery and wellness.