Yoga and Christianity

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#121

[QUOTE=Hubert;15889]Nice play with words, but it falls to the mistake of generalizing, again. Generalizations are not false, they are mostly true, but they MIGHT and probably are false in certain cases. You see the difference ? The keywords are: Might, and probably. So generalizing is a tool we use to predict a probability of something to happen, but we also need to leave room for unpredicted, peculiar to happen. Generalization is a tool to perceive order, and law in thr world. It mostly happens unconsciously, out of the necessity to comprehend the world and our life in it.

Generalization is prone to error, while is an useful tool. So here, I contradict myself , as I said earlier generalization is never useful. I’ll correct it now, and say: It is an useful tool but with a margin of error, and we need to be open to admit when it is not appliable, or even sometimes admit that it in a given case it is the very opposite of the truth.

Thank you for the opportunity given to think this through.[/QUOTE]

What is the actual difference between generalization and extrapolation ?

The human brain is a seeking order organ. But chaos is also a form of order.
Read about the “chaos theory”, first discovered by Henri Poincare, a French mathematician.

#122

nice forum

#123

hi everybody

#124

Lost Years of Jesus

The Bible seems to have no records of the life of Jesus between the age of 12 and 30.

Paramahansa Yogananda shows the existence of records documenting that we was hidden away in a Tibet monastery, namely the Himis monastery. These documents from the Himis monastery speak of a Saint Issa from Israel, in whom was manifest the soul of the universe.

These records were discovered in the Himis and copied by a Russian traveler, Nicholas Notovitch, and published in 1894.

Other people confirmed the existence of such documents in the Himis monastery, like Swami Abhedananda in 1922 and Nicholas Roerich in 1920.

There also are oral traditions in that area about Jesus.

#125

Yep, and Ethiopian Christians place him at home (Nazareth) raising playmates from the dead and giving life to a bird made of clay.

#126

[QUOTE=Techne;16169]Yep, and Ethiopian Christians place him at home (Nazareth) raising playmates from the dead and giving life to a bird made of clay.[/QUOTE]

Well, I watched a TV documentary showing that Jesus was in England, France, and/or India.

What I was talking about in my post was WRITTEN EVIDENCE, not to mention the oral traditions of that area of Tibet.

#127

Science for God

It is interesting. If one of the universal physical constants (speed of light, mass of electrons, Planck’s constant etc) would be different at the umpteenth decimal, the earth as we know it would not exist.

In the book “Tower of Babel” by Richard Wetherill, his studies of behaviour have revealed people’s wrong attitude toward the realities of life.

The law governing the behaviour of the this planet’s inhabitants is called the LAW OF ABSOLUTE RIGHT: Right action gets right results. Sounds like Karmas, doesn’t it ?

So this planet is unique for its physical properties, allowing life.

Now take the Bible approach. St. Paul writes clearly in his letters that the people are chosen by God to stay with them. Probably God will bid his time, until the people are worthy of him. Who knows what are the plans of God ?

I find it interesting to see how science approaches more and more the avenues of God.
Well, science has its intrinsic limitations. Science knows the world only through reason and senses. God cannot be known by way of reason only. But still the efforts of science
to demonstrate the divine order are quite worthy.

#128

These documentaries and travel theories are showing many things. One, the desire to really comprehend what did happen in Palestine roughly two thousand years ago. Second, they betray the quality of the minds of those who “create, discover, perpetuate” these theories. Specifically, it is the sign of these people being like Thomas … they need to see Jesus as a physical being, they need to touch his wounds to realize that he is the same Jesus who has died on the cross, they need physical, sensorial evidence of the spiritual. But the spirit can never be proved to the senses. Rather, what is possible is to develop new senses to experience the spiritual. Logic, and external thinking cannot grasp their essence, even though a fitting picture can be achieved. In fact, to mentally comprehend the Christ event, what it meant for humanity, is only possible on the grounds of spiritual science. What is this science ? It is the science what gives us the answers to the great questions, what is man, what is the world, what is our purpose. There is a whole lot going on, has been, and will be. It is not the dance of atoms and molecules. Natural science stops at watching, and measuring the measurable. But it can’t give one satysfying answer to any of the questions what start with the word, why ?
The other day I just read an article about the newest optical way of measuring the passing of time showed that the flow of time is actually, variable. It is not constant as newtonian physics supposed (for simplicities sake), not even changing through more complicated functions as the theory of relativity proposes, but it has hickups. And this quite might change so many things … and this is but one experiment. Many will follow.
I could share more about what I found interesting and how the most materialist works result in findings what wonderfully fit the cosmogony of spiritual science. Like the fact of the human hair being disposed on our bodies along the way water flows when we swim … something is not so in the case of monkeys. (The Naked Ape/Desdmond Morris, zoologist) So they come with the water monkey theory … but spiritual science says: there was a time when human beings lived in a much lighter form, in an atmosphere being saturated by water, almost like water creatures. That such ages might existed, is silly in the eyes of geologists, but this is because the all asume that just they assume time has a constant flow, that matter and the qualities of matter are also constants. This will also change, as they are also variables.

#129

Hidden Teachings of the Gospels.

I just quote from the book with this name, written by Paramahansa Yogananda.

“And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” (John, 3:13-14)

“lifted up the serpent” refers to the life force in the subtle coiled passageway at the base of the spine. Otherwise said, kundalini.

When the soul enters physical incarnation at conception, the entire body grows from the seed cell . From its original seat in the medulla oblongata, the life energy flows downward , activating the seven astral cerebrospinal chakras, that create and give life to the physical spine, nervous system and the whole body. When the work of the life force is complete, it comes to rest in a coiled passage in the lowest coccygeal center.
Here the name kundalini or serpent force. In Sanskrit kundala=coiled.

Because it completed its creative work, it is said to be “sleeping kundalini.”

To be continued

#130

[QUOTE=oak333;16508]Hidden Teachings of the Gospels.

I just quote from the book with this name, written by Paramahansa Yogananda.

“And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” (John, 3:13-14)

To be continued[/QUOTE]

Jesus Christ speaks about his physical body as “Son of Man” as distinguished from his Christ Conscoiusness as “Son of God.”

Man descends from heavenly planes of God’s creation when his soul descends into a body.

Jesus said an extraordinary truth: “The Son of Man which is in heaven.”

Not only Jesus but all of God’s children have “come down from heaven.”

This offers great encouragement to every soul: although man is beset with life difficulties, God has provided him with the potential to remain in heavenly consciousness regardless of outer circumstances.

#131

Wonderful, thank you.

#132

[QUOTE=Hubert;8681]Respect does not mean total surrender.[/QUOTE]

This is a really important principle in all areas of life. Approaching every moment with love and compassion as well as a sense of personal responsibility and non-attachment is what we’re looking for. Tough gig, I know.

If you were imposing your own beliefs on your parents, this would not be loving or compassionate. But allowing them to be who they are with great acceptance and love will create space for you to be who YOU are and do what is right for YOU - space for you to take responsibility for your own spiritual path.

Submitting to your parents is for neither their highest good or your own.

[B]My Mother is an Anglican minister, so being a Yogini and Yoga Teacher (and now running a Yoga school) has produced many moments of tension in our relationship. [/B] But, seeing my devotion to Yoga and the myriad of benefits it brings me, my Mother’s attitude has softened. She no longer remarks disapprovingly on the topic and even recently commented that it “might be good for me”. I nearly fell over. :slight_smile:

She has been able to witness me becoming healthier, happier, more centered over time. The proof is in the pudding!

We are starting to develop a beautiful, mature relationship as a result of our growing acceptance. Acceptance is, after all, the deepest respect.

#133

[QUOTE=oak333;16508]Hidden Teachings of the Gospels.

I just quote from the book with this name, written by Paramahansa Yogananda.

“And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” (John, 3:13-14)

“lifted up the serpent” refers to the life force in the subtle coiled passageway at the base of the spine. Otherwise said, kundalini.

When the soul enters physical incarnation at conception, the entire body grows from the seed cell . From its original seat in the medulla oblongata, the life energy flows downward , activating the seven astral cerebrospinal chakras, that create and give life to the physical spine, nervous system and the whole body. When the work of the life force is complete, it comes to rest in a coiled passage in the lowest coccygeal center.
Here the name kundalini or serpent force. In Sanskrit kundala=coiled.

Because it completed its creative work, it is said to be “sleeping kundalini.”

To be continued[/QUOTE]

Man’s physical, astral, and causal bodies are tied together and work as one by a knotting of life force and consciousness in the seven cerebrospinal centers.

The final tie is is a coiled knot at the base of the spine, PREVENTING the ascension of consciousness into the heavily astral kingdom. UNLESS one knows how to open this knot of astral and physical power, the life and consciousness remain attracted to the mortal realm.

Most energy moves through space in a SPIRAL form, a general pattern in the architecture of the universe, macro or microcosmos.

Many galaxies are spiral shaped and countless other phenomena in nature (plants, animals, winds etc)evidence the whorls of energy underlying their shape and structure. Such is also the SERPENT FORCE (KUNDALINI) in the human body.

Now I am adding some comments of my own.

The spiral discussed above is named mathematically the LOGARITHMIC or
GOLDEN SPIRAL. It is actually KUNDALINI.

The name of “golden spiral” comes from the names “golden number PHI”,
“divine proportion” and so on .

Lots of phenomena in the universe and on our planet obey this law. Look e.g
at the ratio of the length of your limbs, on how the leaves are arranged on branches etc etc. It is a lot to discuss but I will just post two sites which give some idea on this SPIRAL:

http://iluvkids.myweb.uga.edu/Goldenspiral.html

http://goldennumber.net/

As a curiosity: what is the symbol of medicine: the serpent coil.

#134

Hi all,

It has been very interesting to read this post and its wonderful to know that how yoga is being accepted by different cultures across the world. I would like to give my contribution to his post by further telling you the true meaning of “YOGA”. Mostly people around the world associate yoga with some form of fitness exercises or asana?s to improve your physical health. However this is just the beginning of yoga, the very base of yoga. The true and only meaning of yoga is “UNION WITH GOD”. Hence anyone is free to practice it even while you belong to any other faith.

There are ofcourse different types of yoga like “karma yoga” (union with god through activity), jana yoga ( union with god through knowledge), Bhakti yoga (union with god through selfless devotion), Raja yoga (by bringing life force to balance) and the very secretive technique of “kriya yoga” (union with god thorugh spinal breathing). The last two techniques should never be practiced until a living master initiates you into these.

If you ahev any questions to , please do ask.

Ritu

#135

[quote=oak333;16625]
Many galaxies are spiral shaped and countless other phenomena in nature (plants, animals, winds etc)evidence the whorls of energy underlying their shape and structure. Such is also the SERPENT FORCE (KUNDALINI) in the human body.

The spiral discussed above is named mathematically the LOGARITHMIC or
GOLDEN SPIRAL. It is actually KUNDALINI.

The name of “golden spiral” comes from the names “golden number PHI”,
“divine proportion” and so on .

As a curiosity: what is the symbol of medicine: the serpent coil.[/quote]

Consider also that co- spiralling occurs in the double-helix structure of DNA but also in the ida and pingala nadi pathways ,the balancing and clearing out of which is said to prepare the rise of the kund up the sushumna passageway (,for which i would not mess about with obviously without expert guidance and adequate preparation.)

it is of course one thing to think these things and quite another one to do them . i would not mess about with this; this is just my gut-feeling. the very word probably freaks out many ,i.e kundalini or serpent power,but this may be because of cultural reasons ;it maybe becuase of it’s misappropriation by the west( and the dominant religion perhpas) to create negative religious connotations. i still find the whole thing a bit freaky- the raising of kundalini, and don’t fully understand it. i do sense that having good intentions and are pure in heart and mind this may help safeguard any abuse or dark forces you might precipitate by “playing” around with, just for say a sense of curioisty.I think you have to respect this kind of phenomena for it’s potential which is why alot of folk don’t like to discourse over it lightly.

i am always surpised at the connections between science,(some might say true religion) like quantum physics, and the discoveries made by yogis.

And i think Christianity is alright,such as has it’s place and role,otherwise it would’nt have surivived for so long .I guess some people may be put off cos they don’t see genuine exponents of the teachings.

#136

Obviously,living in the west, i have been introduced to christianity, but my introduction to yoga made me aware how hung up and guilty folk tend to feel about the human body and it’s processes.I am inclined to believe this is a view at least in the west held sway or perpetuated by the christian church and it’s belief structures( that for e.g the pleasures of th body should beobserved and not surrendered to for e.g, indeed supressed from what i can tell). Whereas yoga seems to celebrate the human body, and it’s experiences; indeed in tantra yoga it is a keystone in their philosophy. Although the body is just a vehicle for the soul in tantra they do give more emphasis to the body than in say the vedic tradition.

But christianity i think plays with alot of people’s heads for this reason and may contribute to a certain amount of neurosis in soceity and sexual frigidity.( the latter they don’t have much of an answer for- maybe why priests often end up in scandals or apppear frustrated , though you do hear of swamis regarded as having debauched their students too, with say orgies… so you could level both charges against folk of both persuasions).

if you can compare and contrast yoga/christianity then this is the one difference i am made aware of, apart from just fact one is from east & the other west( or middle east;+)).

it was very liberating to find out that there is another way, one that honours the body as temple, and does not treat it as something to supress and vulgar, or even feel guilty about( i can only imagine how much this does to mess about with people’s heads, some might even say damage perhaps) etc etc

#137

Personally, I don’t think religion needs to have anything to do with yoga. Yoga home practice especially eliminates the problem - I know some instructors can have the whole insense, deity statue thing happening, but if you either find one that focuses on the benefits of yoga, rather than the spiritual connotations, you should be fine.

Yoga home practice, using yoga books, yoga DVD’s, or even finding a yoga instructor you like that offers private yoga home lessons, you should avoid that element completely, which should solve the problem!

Have a look for websites that offer free yoga home practice advice, and test the waters that way!

#138

[QUOTE=caliente;18094]Personally, I don’t think religion needs to have anything to do with yoga. Yoga home practice especially eliminates the problem - I know some instructors can have the whole insense, deity statue thing happening, but if you either find one that focuses on the benefits of yoga, rather than the spiritual connotations, you should be fine.

Yoga home practice, using yoga books, yoga DVD’s, or even finding a yoga instructor you like that offers private yoga home lessons, you should avoid that element completely, which should solve the problem!

Have a look for websites that offer free yoga home practice advice, and test the waters that way![/QUOTE]

Yoga IS RELIGION. But yoga is pure religion, above the dogma of several
religions: Christian, Hindu, Buddhism etc. Yoga pursues direct contact with God. In fact, the very meaning of the word “yoga” is union wiith God.

#139

Above all else simply follow your heart and what ever feels right and good for you.

#140

It’s good in our world to be able and free to take and use the best from all cultures and religions. Yoga is a good physical practice discovered by eastern people which western people have found to be good for themselves.

Christianity is also something which eastern people have discovered and embraced as something which is equally as good as yoga.