Q:
"I am interested to hear what you have to say
about Yoga as a physical exercise and mind-centering activity. Is it kosher
for Jews? (I'm discussing the poses and movements, not the meditations.)
Supposedly it has physical and mental benefits. Is the practice of the
poses inextricably linked to Indian religious beliefs or are they harmless
in and of themselves?"
A (by guest speaker GUTMAN LOCKS):
I am often asked this question, in various different forms. It seems
that "religious" Jews who practice yoga want to continue practicing
it, no matter what. Even if everyone agrees that yoga is not merely physical
exercises, still, they insist that they are just exercising their body
so it is alright. Here again we see that they are fooling themselves and
are actually participating in the spiritual practice of Hinduism which
is a main form of idolatry in the world today.
The physical techniques and postures are not the problem; it is their
association with yoga that is the problem. "Yoga" is a treif
(not kosher) word; it is a branch of religions that promote idolatry.
As long as you are doing "yoga" you are involved with Hinduism.
But just touching your toes and standing on your head is obviously not
problematic.
As long as you are doing "yoga" you are involved with Hinduism.
You cannot take yoga out of Hinduism. It is like trying to take the rosary
out of catholicism.
But why take my word for it? I know that a lot of people feel that because
of my background I've gone to the opposite extreme. Here is a governmental
ruling in the USA, followed by a declaration from the Yoga masters themselves.
Last week the New York Tax authority announced (emphasis mine)
that since yoga is primarily a spiritual practice and not just
physical exercise they are no longer going to tax the yoga studios.
And this week the Yoga Journal Newsletter writes (emphasis mine):
"Today, many yoga practitioners assert that yoga is not a religion
in their minds. This begs the question: If hatha (exercise) yoga is
not a religion, what is it? Is it a hobby, a sport, a fitness regimen,
a recreational activity? Or is it a discipline, such as the study of
law or the practice of medicine? The odd truth is that there are ways
in which the practice of yoga resembles all of those pursuits.
"Perhaps it would be helpful to consider the difference between
the word "religion" and another word commonly associated with
it, "spirituality." Spirituality, it could be said, has to
do with one's interior life, the ever-evolving understanding of one's
self and one's place in the cosmos-humankind's "search for meaning."
Religion, on the other hand, can be seen as spirituality's external
counterpart, the organizational structure we give to our individual
and collective spiritual processes: the rituals, doctrines, prayers,
chants, and ceremonies, and the congregations that come together to
share them.
"The fact that so many yogis report spiritual experiences in their
practices indicates how we might best view the ancient art. While many
Westerners come to yoga primarily for its health benefits, it seems
safe to say that most people who open to yoga will, in time, find its
meditative qualities and more subtle effects on the mind and emotions
equally (if not more) beneficial. They will, in other words, come to
see yoga as a spiritual practice. But, without credos or congregations,
it can't properly be regarded as a religion-unless we say that each
yogi and yogini comprises a religion of one."
Do you agree that we have clarified the issue at the source?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gutman Locks, an important presence for English-speakers at the Western
Wall and in the Old City of Jerusalem, was once upon a time known as "Guru
Gil." Based on his attainments after years in India, he had hundreds
of followers who accompanied him on journeys throughout North, Central
and South America. Read all about it in his autobiography, "Return
to Earth." Available, along with some cool videos and other goodies,
at //ThereIsOne.com
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