Saturday, March 1, 2008

Yoga and Christianity a Conflict?

Being a practicing Christian myself, there are very few things in Yoga that conflict with christianity. Some critics argue that Yoga and christianity cannot co-exist, and yet we know that Yoga is not a religion.

However, that depends on your opinion. Recently, I was reading about someone who claims kundalini is new age witchcraft. Sorry to say, another person recently stated, Good Christians should avoid the devils exercise, in reference to Yoga.

Are the Salem witch trials still so close to our hearts? These claims are interesting because ministers and priests have been practicing meditation for centuries, without any complaints.

I suppose, if someone devoted enough time to meditating on bad thoughts, meditation would be a bad experience.

To be honest, it depends upon what you meditate about; and in truth, within some schools of Yoga, hinduism, or Buddhism is taught. For me, this has always been a conflict, as I love Yoga, but have no desire to change my faith.

The many teachings of Yoga and meditation, are non-sectarian. now, if Yoga were a religion, which would it be? The principles of Yoga are universal.

The Yamas and Niyamas are similar, in principle, to the Ten Commandments, but as a Christian you have the right to pick and choose what you want from Yoga. You also have the right to avoid sectarian ashrams.

Yoga practice, and meditation, give many Christians, Jews, Buddhists, hindus, and Moslems, a closer connection to God, but there will always be someone who feels tempted to change their faith.

Lets be honest, the people who worry about a sudden change of faith are, for the most part, rooted in two distinct camps of thought.

1. Someone who is on the fence about their own religion and not quite sure where they really stand.

2. Severe intolerance of any idea that is new or might result in opening the mind.

Lets stop the intolerance now. When you are driving in your car, waiting in line, or come face-to-face with someone who is different from you, please set an example for your children and give the other person a break.

paul Jerard, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura wellness Center in, North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

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Championship Betting Review - 26 February 2006

Reading ended Preston north Ends 22-match unbeaten run at the Madjeski stadium. steve Sidwell opened the scoring for the 7/10 Royals after six minutes but Calum Davidson equalised almost immediately. Leory Lita netted the winning goal for Stev Coppells side on the stroke of half time.

Sheffield United lost ground on Reading after losing 3-2 at Brammall Lane to Queens Park Rangers. Marc Nygaard gave the Hoops a sixth minute lead but the 1/2 lead 2-1 through Ade Akinbiyi on 21 and a Marc Bircham own goal eight minutes later. But 5/1 outsiders Rangers levelled through a Chris Morgan own goal after 54 minutes and completed an unlikely win when veteran Paul Furlong netted the third with 15 minutes left.

Watford edged closer to the second placed Blades with a late winner against Cardiff City. The 4/5 Hornets broke the deadlock after 69 minutes through Malky Mackay but Jeff Whitley levelled for the Bluebirds on 77. A Riccy Scimeca blunder allowed top goalscorer Marlon King to net the winner with two minutes left.

Gary kelly became only the tenth player in Leeds history to make 500 appearances for the club as 8/11 United sunk Luton Town at Elland road. Two goals in four second half minutes from Jonathon douglas and Eddie Lewis put Leeds in the driving seat before steve Howard pulled one back with seven minutes remaining.

Crystal Palace hammered Norwich City 4-1 as they maintained their fifth placed position. Andrew Johnson and Ben Watson gave the 5/6 Eagles a half time lead before Clinton Morrison and Fitz Hall piled more misery on Nigel Worthingtons side. A Darren Ward own goal two minutes from time was the only consolation for the Canaries.

In the battle at the bottom, rock-bottom Crewe Alexandra ended a 17-match winless run against second-from-bottom Brighton & Hove Albion. Colin Kazim-Richards gave the visitors the lead after 11 minutes but the Alex came back through Lee Bell and Stephen Foster to win at 13/10 odds.

Stoke City dealt a major blow to Millwalls survival hopes with a 2-1 win at the Britannia stadium. Ben May gave the 3/1 Lions and unlikely lead after eight minutes but a Carl Hoefkens penalty seven minutes later restored parity. Paul Gallaghers goal after 57 minutes ensured a home win at odds of 9/10.

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