Christian Yoga

  “Adapting yoga to suit the needs of every unique individual is where the true greatness of yoga lies.”  --T.K.V. Desikachar

Some say, during his "Lost Years"

between 12 years old and 30

years old, Jesus investigated 
schools of esoteric teachings,
and may have been well-acquain-
ted with yoga practices.

        Though the roots of the spiritual and physical practices of yoga predate Hinduism proper, yoga has long been associated with Hinduism, both being spiritual paths originating in India. Yoga practitioners adopted aspects of the worship of the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses, viewing them as personifications representating universal energies around us,  "chosen ideals."

        The Hinduism-tinged aspects of yoga practice, with its Sanskrit terminology and chants, tend to make many Christians uncomfortable.  They may feel that yoga is really a kind of Hindu religion, even idolatry.  Yet, many Christians are also interested in enjoying the known health benefits of hatha yoga practice.

        In India, well before it spread around the world, yoga seamlessly blended pre-existing Dravidian cultural aspects and the Vedic writings and practices of the Aryan peoples who later settled India.  One of the keys to the longevity of yoga, therefore, seems to be how easily it could be tailored to meet the needs of its practitioners. 

        America, being known for its creativity in revising what's usually considered traditional,  has spurned yet another form of yoga: "Christian Yoga."  This practice, variously called "Holy Yoga," "Yahweh Yoga," and other spinoffs with Christianity-related meanings, retains traditional hatha yoga postures, or asanas, while substituting the Vedic chants and meditations with songs and meditations about Christ.

        Believers who wish to spread the gospel about this practice could even get a "Christian Yoga Certification" for their "Fitness Ministry."  Some programs, such as Yahweh Yoga in Arizona, are even registered with Yoga Alliance, a professional organization that screens and approves the quality of all major yoga training programs in America.

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Resources:


Yoga for Christians: A Christ-Centered Approach 
to Physical and Spiritual Health through Yoga









Holy Yoga: Exercise for the Christian Body and Soul









Faithful Flow: A Christ-centered Approach to Yoga for Relaxation and Health








PraiseMoves(TM): The Christian Alternative to Yoga
Prayer of Heart and Body: Meditation and Yoga As Christian Spiritual Practice
Invitation to Christian Yoga
Yoga Prayer (dvd by Father Thomas Ryan)

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