Biblical Yoga

Yoga of the Gospels

Namaste, y’all!

Most of us in the Texas Hill Country have an understanding of Christian education.

But how many folks know about yoga?

Even though yoga gets its roots from South India, where Hinduism is popular, yoga is not a religion. Yoga is not a religion because yoga is not a pursuit of faith.

Yoga is a practical, structured, scientific framework and mindfulness practice. The word yoga translates to yoke; combine or connect two things like mind and body.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” -Matt. 11:29-30

Standing with good posture in mountain pose, sitting still for long periods of time with the legs crossed in easy pose, and kneeling to pray in hero pose are possible examples of biblical yoga. Did Jesus practice yoga? While it might be a stretch to suggest that Jesus did a handful of basic yoga poses, nobody can argue that He embodied the core concept of yoga which is union.

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. -Matt 22:37-39

By bringing His people together, united in LOVE, Jesus did yoga.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

-John 8:12

Unite your mind and body and He’ll take care of the rest.