YOGA and Christianity: Are They Compatible? (READ or
PURCHASE)
If you have not read the article yet, please do. I think you will be surprised as to what is really occurring out in the open, and behind the scenes, in the world and in the Church. The influence of evangelical Hindu yogi's that came West over 100 years ago has more than taken root; the West has embraced Yogawholeheartedly.
One may ask "Gee, what's next, "Christianized" levitation, seances, energy channeling (Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Hands), tarot cards, mediumistic gifts (spiritism), electical "energy" current "anointing's," aura reading, "centering prayer," mantras, Tai Chi, talking to ghosts, etc.?
Yes, these are all already here, and much, much more. Interlaced with biblical terminology, the world of the occult has invaded the bulk of churches in the West; many Christians don't even have a clue what is occurring.
Chris Lawson
Spiritual Research Network, Inc.
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NEW AGE YOGA SPIRITUALITY
TAKING THE WESTERN WORLD BY STORM
If you don't know by now, I will lovingly inform you.
New Age Yoga Spirituality is taking the Western world by storm. Telling people about
the dangers of Yoga is not "politically correct," and
even in most Christian settings, it is not "religiously correct" to warn Christians about
Yoga.
Why?Because it might "offend" churchgoers who love their
Yoga. So too, it might reduce Christian bookstore sales and the "revenue" they are making from
"Christian" Yoga literature.
HOSTILE OPPOSITION
Through the years, while explaining the dangers of Yoga to many people, I have experienced incredible firsthand opposition from Yoga instructors, fitness center managers, "Christian" practitioners of yoga, Christian bookstore owners, and even a growing number of Christian pastors who see no problem with people practicing Yoga. In fact, many of them have blatantly told me that they don't want to hear about the extensive warnings from occult oriented Yogaliterature or from the Hindu guru's. They display well the saying; "Don't bother me with the facts!"
By simply explaining the foundation (from Hindu Spiritistic movements) of occult philosophy that the modern "postural yoga" craze is based upon, immediate opposition ensues. It is an amazing thing to see and those who have the courageto stand against Yoga will see it firsthand. You may even be spiritually harassed by unseen hostile forces that don't like your "biblical" stand against occult practices (Deuteronomy 13; 18:9-14; Ephesians 6:10-20).
BRITISH AND AMERICAN FITNESS SUBCULTURES MIXED WITH YOGA
I can't change the fact that Eastern occult mysticism mixed with British and American fitness subculture is how Yoga and New Age occult teachings have exploded across Western civilization. It is a spiritual phenomenon. Christian leaders and Christian bookstore owners should at least have the guts to warn people and NOT sell Yoga literature. Sadly, it is obvious that most could simply care less.
Yoga and Yogic subculture came from Indian Hinduism (occultism) and Buddhist occultism, not Christian Bible studies. Yoga revolves around the Eastern occult concepts of "chakras" (energy centers) needing to be "unblocked" so that the "prana" (occult power: kunalini, Chi (Chi Kung), Qi (Qigong), Ki, (Reiki) etc. can flow and bring "healing" (via mediumistic powers). Engaging in "pranayama" (breath work), "asanas" (yoga poses/positions), "concentration" (meditating/body parts/Third Eye - Eye of Shiva), etc., one can ultimately experience Self-Realization Samadhi (occult enlightenment) and the realization of one's own "divinity" (godhood).
* Chakras, in Hindu metaphysical tradition and other belief systems, are centres of Prāṇa, life force, or vital energy.[1]
* Prana (प्राण, prāṇa) is the Sanskrit word for "life force"; in yoga, Oriental medicine, and martial arts, the term refers to a cosmic energy believed to come from the sun and connecting the elements of the universe.[2]
* Prāṇāyām (Sanskrit: प्राणायाम prāṇāyām) is a Sanskrit word meaning "extension of the prāṇ or breath" or, "extension of the life force".[3]
*
Pranayama, or breath control, is the Fourth Limb of ashtanga, as set out by Patanjali in the
Yoga Sutra. The practice is an integral part of both Hatha
Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa
Yoga in the execution of asanas.[4]
* Samādhi (Sanskrit: समाधि) in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and yogic schools is a higher level of concentrated meditation, or dhyāna. In theyoga tradition, it is the eighth and final limb identified in the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali.
It has been described as a non-dualistic state of consciousness in which the consciousness of the experiencing subject becomes one with the experienced object, and in which the mind becomes still, one-pointed or concentrated while the person remains conscious. In Buddhism, it can also refer to an abiding in which mind becomes very still but does not merge with the object of attention, and is thus able to observe and gain insight into the changing flow of experience.
In Hinduism, samādhi can also refer to videha mukti or the complete absorption of the individual consciousness in the self at the time of death - usually referred to as mahasamādhi.[5]
THE GOAL OF YOGA AND THE BIBLE'S WARNING AGAINST SELF-DEIFICATION
The purpose and goal of Yoga is as follows:
Generally put, yoga is a disciplined method utilized for attaining a goal. The ultimate goal of Yoga is moksha though the exact definition of what form this takes depends on the philosophical or theological system with which it is conjugated. Bhakti schools of Vaishnavism combine yoga with devotion to enjoy an eternal presence of Vishnu. In Shaiva theology, yoga is used to unite kundalini with Shiva. Mahabharata defines the purpose of yoga as the experience of Brahman or Ātman pervading all things.[6]
Godhood? This is Luciferian deception, as Satan so cleverly declared, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:5).
The Bible clearly warns:
"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." ( 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)
SO WHY ARE CHRISTIANS PRACTICING YOGA?
So why are "Christians" practicing Yoga? And, why don't more Christian pastors speak out about its dangers from the pulpit? Medical doctors are warning people, former and practicing Occultists are warning people, even Yoga gurus, Hindu University professors, GQ Magazine, New Agers, Psychologists, etc. are warning people.
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
(Colossians 2:8).
Yoga undoes Christianity, and Christians in India and Asia flee from Yoga to come to Christ, to be yoked to Him, not to the occult power of Eastern mysticism.
"Come unto me [Jesus], all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)
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