There is quite a buzz going on about a British Church that has refused to rent out their hall space for a Pre-school Yoga class. I remember seeing a short fact oriented news blurb on this a few days ago. Since then the headlines on Google News when searching “Yoga” have multiplied and intensified with slinging criticisms. Indian Gurus claim they have been slandered and the Church stands strong in their point of view that Yoga is “unchristian”.
What a shame.
I do believe that Yoga philosophies and Christian teachings discuss tolerance. In Yoga it is called kshama — tolerance of those who think differently and is regarded as an important rule of morals. In Christianity there is the parable of the Good Samaritan that teaches one to be tolerant and accepting and even go out of one’s way to help even those who do not share same beliefs.
I believe it is possible to practice Yoga – breathing, movement and meditation with and without religious significance.
I also believe non-judgment is one of the long lost pieces of the world peace puzzle.
Can’t we all just get along?
Hi Jen,
glad you brought it up. I have noticed as well the multiplicating of anti-yoga websites, and the large majority are run and operated by christian right organizations.
Of course, there are some conflicting point of view, and I think that the more yoga becomes mainstream, the more you will see that type of conflict.
And of course I agree with you that religions could get along, but it seem obvious that at least the radical sectors of each sect are not really going to….
Alessandro