This is not new. Yoga has always been looked upon as a practice that is linked to hindu-ism. I have a few Christian friends who frown upon the practice of yoga. And now we have a Muslim group in Malaysia who has declared a ban on yoga.
Perhaps the reason why is that they made judgement based on what they’ve heard from other people. Did they go for a class before? I’ll take my guess and say no, these people probably have not.
If they have gone for yoga classes in those commercial studios in big cities, they would have realized that these classes are focused mainly on asanas and perhaps some breathing exercises. Just because the name of the poses or asanas are in another language does not make it religious.
We probably need someone to repackage the yoga poses and call it something else. Maybe call it Power Stretches And Exercise. Maybe that will go down well with everyone.
It’s incredible how closed minded people can get or how easily they pass judgment about something or someone without understanding. I am guilty of such behavior too!
Sometimes you take one look at a person and your mind starts building an imagery of that person based on stereotypes. Sometimes this can’t be helped. But I guess the important thing is to open your mind and observe with your heart. Sometimes, the person with the worst first impression may turn out to be one of the best friends you have!
Life is full of surprises!
~Namaste!
Tags: yoga ban
November 25th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I am a Christian. I’m even a pastor.
And here is something I spend A LOT of my time doing: apalogizing for the judgemental/close-minded actions of my fellow “christians.”
I put quotations around the word because Christian most literally means “little Christ” and while i understand that the people who go through the world and label things like yoga as evil have good intentions, they are not being anything like Christ.
As a person who has went through Bible College and spent time in church all my life, i know a thing or two about the Bible and about Jesus.
There is so much about Yoga - even as a spiritual lifestyle - that alligns with Jesus and with what Jesus taught.
So, sorry for my fellow christians, they’re crazy. Don’t worry about them and don’t consider their view the same as mine (or any other christian for that matter).
I love your blog. Keep up the good work. You’re making the world a better place.
Adam Lehman
November 25th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Hi Adam
Thanks for your kind comments!
I do know that not all Christians think that Yoga is bad. I have, in fact, some friends in the same studio that I go to who are Christians as well as Muslims. They love yoga as much as anyone else without affecting their faith. In fact, all of us learn yoga as a way to learn more of ourselves, our mind, our body and our health.
PS. haha… the only “religion” I subscribe to is peace and happiness.