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Though it may surprise you, the answer to this question is both "Yes" and "No."
First, let's define the word "Yoga." It comes from an original Sanskrit
word that means "yoke" or "union." So the implied meaning is "to be
yoked with God or in union with God." In this sense, Yes, a person could
say that Jesus taught "Yoga," because His teachings emphasise how to
be "yoked with God," how to experience "oneness or union with God."
However, the methods employed in various schools of Yoga usually differ
drastically from those espoused by the Lord Jesus.
In Hinduism especially, as well as some other Far Eastern worldviews, it is believed that union with God can be achieved through various means. According to the emphasis of a particular group, different categories of "Yoga," such as the following, have emerged:
(1) Hatha Yoga (the path of physical disciplines, asanas and breath control);
(2) Karma Yoga (the yoga of action, good works or selfless service);
(3) Mantra Yoga (the path of chanting mantras);
(4) Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion to God, a god or an individual guru or avatar);
(5) Jnana Yoga (the path of transcendental knowledge);
(6) Raja Yoga (the royal path of meditation and mind control);
(7) Tantra Yoga (the use of esoteric methods to obtain supernatural experiences, sometimes the harnessing of power through sexual experiences);
(8) Kundalini Yoga (a blend of Hatha, Mantra, Raja Yoga and sometimes
Tantra Yoga aimed at the awakening of the "kundalini"- defined as a
latent, divine power coiled like a serpent at the base of the spine).
Sometimes various branches of yoga incorporate several of the above types into one composite yogic system. Though each branch may promote a slightly different approach, the ultimate goal of all yoga practices is Enlightenment, oneness with the Divine, the awakening of the Higher Self, the attainment of God-consciousness,
I was a teacher of Kundalini Yoga at four universities in Florida, so I am well aware of the various yogic practices designed to carry devotees to higher levels of consciousness. I am now a Christian minister, a believer in the Biblical worldview. So I have experienced both sides: theoretically, theologically and experientially. You can read my testimony, the story of my conversion to Christianity by clicking here.
The title question of this article is "Did Jesus Teach Yoga?" and my
initial response was both "Yes" and "No." Let me restate some important
basic observations. When the meaning of the word "Yoga" is the emphasis,
it would be logical to conclude, in a qualified sense, that Jesus did
teach yoga - for He definitely taught men and women how to be "yoked
with God," how to experience "union with God." This is reinforced by
one of his most quoted invitations and promises:
"Come unto Me, 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. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
When Jesus said, "Take My yoke upon you" in essence, He was saying,
"Come into union with Me - learn to think, feel, act and react just
as I would." He even prayed in John 17 that His disciples would be one
with the Father, just as He was and is. So oneness of heart, union with
the Almighty, was definitely an emphasis in Jesus' preaching. This is
the primary goal of yoga and the primary theme of Jesus' message. However,
the projected means of obtaining such oneness and the philosophy behind
the practices and methods used are, at times, oceans apart. For instance,
let's inspect how the teachings of Jesus fit, or fail to fit, within
the framework of the various yoga schools already mentioned:
(1) Hatha Yoga - Jesus never taught the necessity of physical exercises
and breathing disciplines in order to open up the 'chakras' (spiritual
energy centers) and achieve a state of inner harmony. Most teachers
of New Age ideas or Far Eastern religions would readily label Jesus
an Avatar (a manifestation of God on earth). If He did fill this role
(of course, Christianity teaches that Jesus was the "only" incarnation
of God to ever visit this world) and if Hatha Yoga is a valid methodology,
why did He neglect such an important subject?
Of course, the logical answer is that He did not consider such methods
necessary to man's spiritual development. Years ago, I spent many hours
doing yoga postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama). Now
I am convinced, they may help tone and oxygenate a person's body, but
they do not aid anyone in obtaining true experiences of the transcendent
state. God is a personal God who is approached in a personal way, not
by such structured, mechanical methods.
(2) Karma Yoga - This yogic system is based on the idea that every action
causes either good or bad karma. Furthermore, the soul of a person remains
locked in a series or rebirths (reincarnations) until all karmic debt
is paid off. So the object of Karma Yoga is to live such a perfect life
that there is no karmic indebtedness. At that time, release (moksha)
from physical existence is achieved.
Jesus did not teach this. He taught one life and then a resurrection,
not karma and reincarnation. However, He did teach a certain concept
of cause and effect. He warned that the measure we deal out to others
will also be dealt back to us. (See Matthew 7:2) Later on, Paul, the
apostle, restated this concept with the words, "Whatever
a man sows, that will he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)
These statements describe a general truth that is somewhat predictable
concerning life and relationships in this world. For instance, if we
show hatred toward others, they will normally respond with hatred toward
us. If we express love toward others, they will usually react with love
toward us. If we bless others selflessly, they will often bless us in
return - and God Himself will often reward us with outpoured blessings
for our generosity. If we drink or do drugs, we will end up destroying
our bodies and minds. If we involve ourselves in sensuality and immorality,
it will destroy family relationships. If we rebel against God's laws,
we will suffer the consequences. What we sow, we reap. That's just the
way things work in life.
However, Jesus never intended to convey the karmic concept that every
action MUST result in an exactly matched counteraction. Neither did
he teach that souls get 'locked' into samsara (the cycle of rebirths)
because of karmic debt. Believing this doctrine leaves no room for forgiveness
coming from God, which was a major emphasis in Jesus' teachings. Man
instead is required to work out his own destiny by the strength of his
own choices.
(3) Mantra Yoga - Jesus never taught the use of mantras. Quite the opposite,
he warned against this method, describing the practice as "vain repetitions."
(See Matthew 6:7) The Bible advocates confessing the promises of God's
Word. It also encourages us to use certain words and phrases in prayer
that can sometimes get somewhat repetitive (like "Praise the Lord" or
"Hallelujah"). However, it never instructs Christians to chant these
words or some magical phrases over and over in a monotone way, in order
to manipulate some kind of inner cosmic power. God is a personal God,
to be approached in a personal way, and these praise words are a means
of celebration for those who have already established a relationship
with Him.
(4) Bhakti Yoga - Of course, Jesus taught that the greatest commandment
is to love God with all the heart, mind, soul and strength. However,
to actually do this, a person must know and correctly define the name
and nature of the true God. Not all names and personalities ascribed
to God are correct. Bhakti Yoga would advocate devotion to any god as
being legitimate. However, if one expresses love and devotion to a god
that is actually non-existent, there is no value to the soul. A deity
that is the product of human imagination is a deity that cannot deliver
its devotees from sin and deception, for the very worship of that deity
is itself sinful and deceptive.
(5) Jnana Yoga - Bible believers are encouraged to grow in the knowledge
of God and we are taught that "in Christ" are hidden all the treasures
of wisdom and knowledge. Gaining greater knowledge of God through prayer
(revelation knowledge) and through the study of God's Word (intellectual
knowledge) does heighten one's awareness of God and increase intimacy
with God. And Jesus did explain to His disciples, "This is life eternal,
that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You
have sent." (John 17:3) So knowing God is far more important than knowing
about God. The problem is this. Much of that which is promoted in Jnana
Yoga as the "Path of Knowledge" would not be in harmony with what Jesus
taught. Just learning theories and ideas about God is not enough; we
must learn the truth for it to be effective in our lives. Reading all
the Scriptures of all world religions is not enough; we must discover
what is actually inspired of God.
(6) Raja Yoga - This group emphasises meditation. Well, Christians are
taught to "meditate" on God and on His Word. Biblically, the word "meditation"
simply means a private and focused time of devotion, which often involves
prayerful study of God's Word. Many of the meditation practices encouraged
in Raja Yoga are much different that the methods Christians would employ.
The use of mechanical, esoteric, or magical methods is not a part of
the biblical approach to God. The Bible teaches that a spiritual regeneration
is necessary in order to know God. This can only happen through the
soul being cleansed by the blood Jesus shed on the cross. Any other
method aimed at penetrating a supernatural world will fall short of
its goal.
(7) Tantra Yoga - No true Christian would EVER be involved in the pursuit
of enlightenment through sexual practices. Quite the contrary, the Bible
teaches against fornication, adultery, incest, homosexuality, lesbianism
and any other aberrant sexual behaviour. Sexual involvement is only
allowed within the confines of marriage and is never projected as being
a means of obtaining enlightenment. Any supernatural experience coming
from this method involving partners other than a spouse actually bring
a person into a demonic experience.
(8) Kundalini Yoga - Jesus never taught his disciples methods aimed
at awakening some inward, latent, coiled energy at the base of the spine,
bringing on enlightenment. Neither did He portray God as an impersonal
cosmic energy that permeates all things, to be discovered by meditating
within. He rather taught an external, transcendent God who is personal
and accessible only through the atoning death Jesus died on the cross.
Jesus said, "No one comes to the Father except
through me." (John 14:6) In order to enter a relationship with
God, the heart must first be cleansed by the blood of Jesus from all
sin. This takes place when a seeker asks Jesus to come into his heart
and be Lord of his life. The Holy Spirit will then enter that heart
from without, thus effecting a spiritual regeneration. This is the experience
Jesus referred to as being "born again," an experience far different
than any experience provided through yogic disciplines. (John 3:1-6)
Jesus clearly informed that this experience is necessary to enter the
Kingdom of God.
If the Spirit of God has not yet entered a person from without, any
attempt to awaken some divine presence within is in vain. Furthermore,
the awakening of the kundalini is supposed to bring a person to the
awareness of his own divinity, an understanding that we are all God.
Jesus never taught such a concept. We are called to be children of God
and servants of God, but we will never actually become God Himself.
SO, DID JESUS TEACH HIS DISCIPLES YOGA?
If that statement means being "yoked" with the true God, one with the Holy Spirit and lovingly submitted to His will, the answer is a qualified "Yes."
If that statement means that acceptance of all the yogic methods, practices and beliefs taught by the groups listed above, the answer is a definite "No."
HOWEVER, JESUS DID TEACH US HOW TO BE IN UNION WITH GOD… AND THAT IS
THE MOST IMPORTANT DISCOVERY TO BE MADE IN LIFE. SEEK IT WITH ALL YOUR
HEART AND YOU WILL FIND A TREASURE:
"…THE TRUE LIGHT which gives light to every
man coming into the world." (John 1:9)
© Mike Shreve.
Email: mikeshreve@aol.com
Visit Mike's websites at:
www.shreveministries.org
www.thetruelight.net
A further article on yoga
is available here.
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