Yoga and Idolatry

One area of sin that God absolutely hates is idolatry, or the worship, praying and seeking of false gods or the pursuit of ungodly supernatural knowledge. Pagan and false religions allow demon spirits great access because they break the first of God’s Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-5).  The Exodus scripture demonstrates how participation in these religions can affect families for generations to come. Isn't Yoga Innocent? It is dangerous for Christians to think that yoga is innocent. Many think that yoga is simply a system of physical exercise, a means of strengthening the body, improving flexibility, and even healing or preventing a variety of bodily ailments. However, research into the history and philosophy of yoga reveals that it is much more than a health program. Instead, yoga is an ancient path to spiritual growth through Hindu gods. The Origins of Yoga The word yoga means “yoke” or “union,” union of the finite jira (transitory self) with the Brahman (external self). Brahman is a term often used for the Hindu concept of God, which follows that yoga means to be yoked with Brahman, the god of your higher self. That’s why meditation or concentration is involved. One’s spirit and mind is now open to a spiritual occupant. The goal and practice of yoga can be traced all the way back to a part of Hindu scriptures called Upanishads, probably written between 1000-500 B.C. Therein is written, “Unite the light within you with the light of Brahman”. Therefore, union with Brahman, a false god, is the ultimate goal of yoga. Scripture is clear that when we participate in idolatrous philosophy or religions, we are fellowshipping with devils (demons) and have opened the door to them. The Eight Limbs (Levels) of Yoga In about 150 A.D. the yogi Patamjali systemized yoga into eight distinct “limbs” in his yoga sutras. These limbs are like a staircase, supposedly leading the yoga participant from ignorance to enlightenment. The eight limbs are: Yama (self control) Niyama (religious observance) which means there is worship involved. Asana (posture) the physical body is in worship positions Pranayama (breathing exercises) Pratyahara (sense control) Dharana (concentration) Dhyana (deep contemplation) Samadhi (enlightenment) All false religions offer some higher level of knowledge that promises peace, success, happiness and tranquility in life. Yet, Satan’s purpose is to deceive and drive mankind from the knowledge of God.   Yoga is an ancient spiritual discipline rooted in the religion of Hinduism. This being so, we may honestly wonder whether it’s really wise for a Christian to be involved in yoga practice. The practice of yoga incorporates fellowshipping with devils and therefore, participants are partakers of Satan’s nature (I Corinthians 10:9-22).