Before the pandemic, I never imagined myself as someone who would embrace a regular fitness routine, let alone something like yoga. But when COVID-19 turned the world upside down and I needed an escape from the relentless chaos, I discovered hot yoga. Initially, it was a sweaty struggle, but soon enough, I was completely hooked. This wasn’t about any new-age mysticism; it was pure, revitalizing exercise. The daily stretching and poses became a cornerstone of my routine, sometimes even twice a day! Not only did my body begin to tone up and my anxiety levels drop, but I also found a serene space to quiet my mind and connect with God through prayer during each session. It felt like a divine gift in the midst of turmoil.
I kept at it for over a year, feeling fabulous until my mom started dropping hints about it being evil. Of course, I brushed it off – praying during yoga? How could that be wrong? But then, I moved to Miami, and I couldn’t make it to class as often. My body missed the workout, but little did I know, a bigger lesson was on its way.
I went through a phase of wrestling with God, feeling like everything I loved was being taken away. Then, a sermon hit me like a ton of bricks. The preacher talked about how the devil comes as an angel of light, just like yoga – innocent on the surface, but rooted in idol worship.
Yoga, originating from ancient India, is a spiritual discipline deeply intertwined with Hindu traditions. Rooted in the Sanskrit word “yuj,” meaning to unite, yoga aims to connect the individual soul with the universal consciousness. However, its historical roots in Hinduism involve practices that venerate multiple gods and goddesses, such as Shiva and Vishnu, through rituals, mantras, and symbolic gestures.
As a Christian, the practice of yoga raises concerns about idol worship. The Bible strictly prohibits the worship of other gods, emphasizing the exclusivity of worship towards the one true God. Engaging in activities that compromise one’s faith or lead to spiritual confusion goes against the principles of Christian doctrine.
While yoga seems innocent on the surface, appearing as a simple way to stretch your body, exercise, and clear your mind, it can be a disguise. When you attend a class and perform poses like the sun salutation, you may not even realize you are bowing down to an idol. How do you think God feels about that? This is similar to other new-age practices that appear harmless, such as using crystals, burning sage to ward off evil, and even listening to some of our favorite artists’ music. God has called us to be separate from the world: “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17).
We must be careful with what we engage in. I know it can be overwhelming—I feel it too—but the only way to navigate our walk with Christ and gain discernment is by continually studying the Word to strengthen our relationship with God. You got this! We can do this together. From this experience, I’ve learned that the devil won’t show up with horns and a scary face; he’ll be alluring and beautiful, just like yoga. The key to avoiding deception is knowing the Word and having a close relationship with the Father for discernment. On this journey to live the life God has planned for me, I want to make sure I’m pleasing Him in every way. It won’t be easy, but with the Creator on my side, I’m not discouraged anymore. After all, who can beat having the Almighty in your corner?
I realize that what seemed like a harmless physical and mental exercise was, in reality, deeply intertwined with spiritual beliefs and practices that conflict with my Christian faith. The origins of yoga in Hindu traditions, its association with idol worship, and the potential for syncretism have opened my eyes to the spiritual implications of this practice.
The Bible warns against participating in idolatrous practices and emphasizes the worship of the one true God. As I navigate my spiritual path, I understand the importance of discernment and aligning my beliefs and actions with biblical teachings. Yoga, despite its physical and mental benefits, poses a theological dilemma for Christians due to its spiritual dimensions and potential for straying from the path of faith.
Moving forward, I am committed to seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of my life, including my physical and mental well-being. I have learned that true peace and fulfillment come from a relationship with the Father, not from practices that may lead me astray. With a renewed focus on honoring God in all that I do, I am confident that He will guide me on the path of righteousness and protect me from deception.
My journey with yoga has actually turned out to be a transformative experience after all. It has taught me valuable lessons about faith, discernment, and the importance of staying true to my Christian beliefs. It also helped me to see how conniving the devil can be and how easy it is to fall into his traps. As I continue to grow in my relationship with God, I am grateful for the wisdom and clarity the Bible has provided, guiding me away from practices that may compromise my faith. With God as my guide and protector, I am ready to face any challenges that come my way, knowing that His light will always shine upon me.
A Brief History of Yoga: Exploring Its Origins and Roots in Idolatry
History of Yoga: A Timeline
Pre-Classical Period (Before 500 BCE)
- Origins in the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1900 BCE): The earliest evidence of yoga-like practices can be traced to the Indus Valley Civilization, with seals depicting figures in meditative postures.
- Vedic Period (c. 1500–500 BCE): References to yogic practices appear in the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. These practices were primarily focused on rituals and sacrifices to connect with the divine.
Classical Period (500 BCE–800 CE)
- Upanishadic Era (c. 800–500 BCE): The Upanishads introduced the concept of inner contemplation and meditation, forming the philosophical basis of yoga.
- Bhagavad Gita (c. 500–200 BCE): This text presents a synthesis of various yoga paths—Bhakti (devotion), Karma (action), and Jnana (knowledge).
- Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (c. 200 BCE–200 CE): Patanjali systematized yoga practice into an eight-limbed path (Ashtanga Yoga), which became a foundational text for classical yoga.
Post-Classical Period (800 CE–1700 CE)
- Tantra and Hatha Yoga (c. 800–1200 CE): The development of Tantra and Hatha Yoga texts emphasized physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation.
- Gorakhnath and the Nath Yogis (c. 1100 CE): Gorakhnath is considered one of the founders of Hatha Yoga. The Nath Yogis emphasized the physical aspects of yoga.
Modern Period (1700 CE–Present)
- Revival and Global Spread (Late 19th–Early 20th Century): Key figures like Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga to the West. Theosophical Society and other movements helped popularize it.
- Post-Independence India (1947–Present): Yoga gained official recognition and support from the Indian government. Institutions like the Yoga Institute (founded in 1918) and modern teachers like B.K.S. Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois furthered its practice and global reach.
- Contemporary Yoga (Late 20th Century–Present): Yoga has become a global phenomenon, blending traditional practices with modern fitness trends.
Yoga and Idol Worship
Yoga, in its traditional form, is deeply intertwined with Hindu philosophy and spirituality. While not all yoga practices involve direct idol worship, many aspects of yoga honor Hindu deities through specific poses and practices. For Christians who believe in the one true God, this raises significant concerns.
Idols and Deities in Yoga:
- Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation): This sequence of poses honors Surya, the Sun God. Each pose in the sequence is a gesture of reverence to the Sun, considered a source of all life in Hinduism.
- Surya (Sun God): Integral to Vedic rituals, Surya is often worshipped for health and vitality.
- Natarajasana (Dancer Pose): This pose is named after Nataraja, an aspect of the Hindu god Shiva depicted as the cosmic dancer who performs the dance of destruction and creation.
- Shiva (Destroyer and Transformer): One of the principal deities of Hinduism, often honored in various forms and poses in yoga.
- Hanumanasana (Monkey Pose): Named after Hanuman, the monkey god known for his devotion, courage, and strength.
- Hanuman: A central figure in the Ramayana, symbolizing devotion and strength.
- Virabhadrasana (Warrior Poses): These poses are named after Virabhadra, a fierce incarnation of Shiva. The poses symbolize the mythical warrior’s courage and power.
- Virabhadra: Created by Shiva to avenge the death of his consort, Sati.
Understanding Yoga Beyond Poses
While certain yoga poses and practices have origins and connections to Hindu deities and mythology, modern yoga, especially as practiced in the West, often focuses on physical exercise, mindfulness, and wellness. However, it’s essential for Christians to recognize and respect the cultural and religious origins of these practices and to consider the implications of engaging in them.
Scriptural Guidance for Christians:
The Bible calls Christians to be separate from the practices of the world: “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17). Engaging in yoga, with its roots in Hindu idolatry, can conflict with this call to separateness and exclusive devotion to the one true God.
References:
- Rigveda: One of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, mentioning early yogic practices.
- Upanishads: Philosophical texts that form the basis of many yoga teachings.
- Bhagavad Gita: A key scripture in Hindu philosophy that outlines various paths of yoga.
- Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: A foundational text that systematizes the practice of yoga.
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika: A classical text on Hatha Yoga, detailing asanas and pranayama.
- Swami Vivekananda’s Lectures: Introduced yoga to the Western world in the late 19th century.
