Christian Yoga and Hindu Gods

 

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22

 

 

By Jonna Sutherland

August 25, 2006

LivingLamb.com

 

 

Yoga is an ancient Hindu religious system of meditation and discipline. The term “yoga” means “union” or “to yoke” in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India. Yoga practice is central to both Hinduism and Buddhism.

 

Hindu philosophy maintains that yoga is a method for helping one achieve union of self consciousness with the “Universal Consciousness” (i.e., the chief Hindu deity, Brahma, the impersonal force of the universe). Enlightenment occurs with the realization that Self and Brahma are one (i.e., you are god).

 

“A person is said to have achieved yoga, the union with the Self, when the perfectly disciplined mind gets freedom from all desires, and becomes absorbed in the Self alone.”1

 

A yogi utilizes physical exercises, controlled breathing, vegetarian dieting, relaxation methods, and meditation techniques to enter altered states of consciousness, thereby opening himself up to spirit contact with Hindu deities.

 

 

Gods of Yoga

 

Hinduism recognizes 330 million forms of deity, symbolic of the idea that deity is within all living beings. The trinity of chief Hindu gods includes: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). Hindu tradition identifies the god Krishna as the eighth incarnation of Vishnu.

 

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the 15th century Sanskrit classic text of Hatha Yoga written by Yoga Swami Svatmarama, identifies the god Shiva as “Lord of Yoga” (Yogiraj) and the original Hatha Yoga teacher.

 

“Reverence to Siva the Lord of Yoga, who taught [his wife] Parvati hatha wisdom as the first step to the pinnacle of raja yoga.” (Chapter 1, Verse 1) 2

 

 

Krishna (Yogeshwara) is also recognized as a master of mysticism and “Lord of Yoga” in the Bhagavad-Gita.

 

“By the grace of (guru) sage Vyaasa, I heard this most secret and supreme yoga directly from Krishna, the lord of yoga, Himself speaking before my very eyes.” (Chapter 18, Verse 75) 3

 

 

Shiva

 

Some researchers suggest that Shiva is not Brahma's creation, but that he actually precedes his trinity counterparts. Shiva's earliest visual forms began emerging in ancient artwork around 3,000 B.C.

 

Various forms of Shiva that have appeared throughout time include:

Shiva is frequently visualized as an ithyphallic deity. The Pashupati seal, a famous terracotta seal excavated from the Mohenjo Daro (Mound of the Dead) in the Indus Valley and dated at approximately 2,000 B.C., depicts a horned yogi figure in a lotus position with erect phallus. This figure has been recognized as Rudra Shiva (a form of Shiva). It has been suggested that the phallic worship of the Indus Valley civilization reflects an early prototype of Shiva worship (i.e., Shaivism).4

 

 

Shiva is commonly venerated in the form of the male organ of procreation or lingam. The lingam, upon which devotees focus their prayers, is defined by Webster's as “a phallic symbol [used] in the Hindu worship of Shiva.”5 Usually located at ground level, the vertical configuration of the icon symbolizes ascent, pointing to heaven. Shiva lingams are usually found in the innermost sanctuary of Shiva temples. Reference to the Shiva lingam is noted in ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Puranas and Mahabharata. Shiva’s consort is recognized as the blood-thirsty Hindu goddess Kali, harbinger of destruction.

 

Shiva is also frequently depicted in yogi form. The yogi form portrays Shiva with long matted hair in deep meditation with a snake coiled about his neck, while postured in a lotus position and holding a trident. The lotus position (padma-asana) is a fundamental yoga asana or sitting posture with arms resting on knees, and legs folded, with feet positioned on top of the thighs or calves. The term “asanas” commonly refers to the particular physical poses of the yogi. In Hindu mythology, Shiva “is said to have created more than 840,000 asanas, among them the hatha yoga poses we do today.” 6

 

 

Biblical View of Hindu Gods

 

In the Bible, gods such as Shiva are declared to be idols, which are mere facades for operating devils (i.e., evil spirits). The worship of these idols (idolatry) comprises companionship with devils.

 

“For all the gods of the nations are idols…” Psalm 96:5

 

“What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.” 1 Corinthians 10:19-20 

 

“They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.” Deuteronomy 32:17

 

“And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them. Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,” Psalm 106:36-37

 

“And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring.” Leviticus 17:7

 

 

 

 

Serpent Power

 

Yoga practices rest on awakening the kundalini, according to Yoga Swami Svatmarama in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Kundalini is a Sanskrit word meaning "serpent power." According to yoga philosophy, Hatha Yoga exercises force the awakening and arising of kundalini (as a coiled serpent) from the base of the spine upward through various chakras (spiritual energy centers) as the practitioner achieves spiritual perfection. Ancient texts declare this process to be dangerous.

 

 

 Hatha Yoga

 

Hatha Yoga is the popular “physical yoga” practiced by millions of Americans today. It is a branch leading to Raja Yoga, the psychological yoga of the mind. According to B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the foremost teachers of yoga in the world and founder of Iyengar Yoga, “to claim that hatha yoga is merely physical yoga is simply ridiculous.”7

 

As one progresses through Hatha Yoga, the practitioner “becomes wise like a god,” according to Yoga Swami Svatmarama.8 “The (real) Yogi becomes the creator and destroyer of the universe, like God.“9 Yoga is motivated by a spirit that inspires self-deification in the practitioner with a promise of reincarnation.

 

This promise may sound familiar as it is the exact same lie with which the serpent in the garden of Eden deceived Eve. The Bible later identifies this serpent as Satan, the deceiver.

 

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Gen 3:4-5

 

 

Mantras

 

Om, pronounced (a-u-m), is the original mantra of the gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. A mantra is a sacred sound or phrase, typically the names of Hindu gods. Mantras are chanted (repeated) as a way of generating an altered state of mind and invoking specific Hindu deities.

 

However, the Bible maintains that the names of other gods should not be chanted.

 

“And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” Exodus 23:13

 

Jesus further warned, “When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do…” Matthew 6:7. Thus, chanting of sacred words or phrases, including “Jesus,” “Abba,” and the like, is forbidden in Christian prayers.

 

 

Vegetarianism

 

Yoga practitioners are encouraged to abstain from meats. The God of the Bible has declared that meats are to be to be received with appreciation, and that those commanding to abstain from meats promote “doctrines of devils.”

 

In the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, we find various foods condemned:

 

“Bitter, sour, saltish, green vegetables, fermented, oily, mixed with til seed, rape seed, intoxicating liquors, fish, meat, curds, chhaasa pulses, plums, oil-cake, asafoetida (hinga), garlic, onion, etc., should not be eaten.” (1.61)

 

This is contrasted with the Biblical viewpoint:

 

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; …commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” 1Timothy 4:1-3

 

Peter’s vision further confirms that Christians are not commanded to abstain from meats:

“And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” Acts 10:11-15

 

 

Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar)

 

The first sequence of positions normally taught in a typical yoga class is known as the Sun Salutation. The Sun Salutation includes movements such as downward facing dog, the plank position, and the cobra. This Hindu ritual is usually executed before the asanas, as a means of worshipping the sun god.

 

The God of the Bible has declared that vain and foolish men are prone to worship the creation instead of their Creator.

“If there be found among you… man or woman, that …hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;” Deuteronomy 17:2-3

  

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things… Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator…” Rom 1:21-25

 

 Altered States

 

Yoga practice is one method for entering into an altered state-of-mind. Nobel-Prize-winning brain researcher Sir John Eccles declared the brain to be "a machine that a ghost can operate." While in an altered state, the natural connection between one’s spirit and brain becomes irregular, allowing possible interference or control by another person or spirit.

 

Altered states may arise from drug use, fasting, hypnosis, or various meditation techniques. During meditation, one may enter a spiritual realm where he experiences delusions, out-of-body feelings, contact with spirits, demonic oppression, and possibly demonic possession.

 

 

Christian Yoga

 

The term “Christian Yoga” is an oxymoron, referring to a Hindu religious practice hidden beneath a deceptive veneer of Christian terminology. No devout Hindu or Christian would use such disingenuous terminology. Unfortunately, many Christian churches are unknowingly welcoming this Trojan horse into their midst.

 

 

"Yoga was designed in the East to prepare Hindus for dying so as to facilitate reincarnation and to work themselves up the ladder to godhood. However, it is deliberately not presented in that context in the West. Rather, it is presented to a Christianized society as a basis for better living. Prior to the late 19th century, Hinduism never considered love and other Christian values a virtue. The 20th century Gurus tried to wrap Hinduism in Christian terms and values so as to be acceptable to the West. Yoga is just one example." (Gene K. Smith - correspondence 2/8/08)

 

Christianity and yoga are not compatible. Yoga is the worship of devils. Yoga deifies the self, while Christianity denies the self. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. Luke 9:23-24

 

Some yoga instructors today are teaching the physical asanas while associating them with Christian terminology. However, if the physical positions are not permeated with spiritual qualities, why would they attach spiritual names to them? Simply performing the physical asanas leads one into an altered state that may involve occult experiences.

 

According to Svatmarama, the physical Hatha Yoga “like a staircase leads the aspirant to the high pinnacled Raja Yoga.10 All hatha yoga practices serve only for the attainment of raja yoga. He who is accomplished in raja yoga overcomes death.” 11

 

Contemplative Thought

 

Many Christians are now straying into various Eastern-style contemplative meditation practices, teachings of the so-called “desert fathers,” “sitting quietly,” “practicing presence,” and other types of mind-altering mysticism. They are unknowingly opening themselves up to contact with demonic spirits.

 

Neither Jesus nor the apostles taught yoga, breath prayer, centering prayer, or contemplative prayer as a way to connect with God. Jesus taught this manner of prayer, using active thought:

 

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13 

 

 

Idolatry

 

Furthermore, the Bible also declares that idolatrous religious practices are prohibited.

 

“And the LORD said unto Moses… this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me… Deuteronomy 31:16

 

"… thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.” Isaiah 2:6

 

“my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. Jeremiah 2:13

 

 

God is not to be worshipped in any manner of our own choosing. The Biblical account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 bears this out.

 

Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD; whereas, Abel brought an offering of the firstlings of his sheep. God accepted Abel’s offering, as Abel by faith offered a blood sacrifice to cover his sins. However, Cain chose to worship in his own way, his lack of faith demonstrated by his type of offering. Although both Cain and Abel were worshipping, God had no respect for the way of Cain.

 

“And the LORD said unto Cain… If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.” Genesis 4:6-7

 

Thus, we must worship God on God’s terms, not our own.

 

“Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen.” Jeremiah 10:2

 

 

Dealing with Demons

The power behind yoga is the power that our sovereign God is allowing the demons for a time. Those who enter into altered states of mind are frequently troubled by strange manifestations or entities. These entities are demons. These evil spirits may appear grotesque or quite beautiful. Repent of your sins by turning from them and turning toward the cross of Jesus Christ.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” James 4:7-8

Do not talk with the demons, but ask the Lord Jesus to take them away.

“Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil …said, The Lord rebuke thee.” Jude 1:9

 

 

Preventing an Altered State of Mind

 

Here are some ways to prevent entering into an altered state of mind:

 

Ø     Keep your mind active and alert

Ø     Breathe at a comfortable and natural pace

Ø     Avoid emptying your mind of all thoughts

Ø     Avoid repetitive thoughts, words, sounds

Ø     Avoid repetitive movements without active thought

 

Gentle exercises* that may be considered in lieu of yoga include: simple athletic stretching, walking, hiking, biking, water aerobics, and low-impact aerobics. To relax your mind, you might consider spending time in prayer with active thought or reading and meditating on scripture in a quiet spot.

 *Consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.

 

 

Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve

 

Christians are exhorted to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, not the “Lord of Yoga.”

 

“No man can serve two masters.” Matthew 6:24

 

True peace comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. It is only through Jesus Christ that we can be reconciled to God. In contrast to the Hindu concept of reincarnation, the Bible teaches:

 

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Hebrews 9:27

 

“Be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

 

 

Jesus said:

 

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

 

“For this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” John 18:37

 

 

Peter tells us in the book of Acts:

 

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

 

 

Jesus said: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

 

 

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18

 

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

 

 

Be free today!

 

 

Suggested Reading:

 

Death of a Guru, Rabi Maharaj

Gods of the New Age, Caryl Matrisciana

Yoga and the Body of Christ, Dave Hunt

 

 

References:

 

1   Bhagavad-Gita, as translated by Dr. Ramanand Prasad, 1988, 6.18.

     http://eawc.evansville.edu/anthology/gita.htm

2   Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yoga Swami Svatmarama, The Aquarian Press 1992, 1.1.

3   Bhagavad-Gita, translated by Dr. Ramanand Prasad, 1988,18.75.

4   The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 2005, Columbia University Press.

5   New Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus, Lexicon Publications, 1993.

6   Yoga Journal, “The Divine Dance,” by Shiva Rea, July/August 2002.

7   Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yoga Swami Svatmarama, The Aquarian Press 1992, p.5.

8   Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yoga Swami Svatmarama, The Aquarian Press 1992, 4.71.

9   Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yoga Swami Svatmarama, 4.76b.

     http://www.yoga-age.com/pradipika/part4.html#nada

10   Ibid., 1.1.

11   Ibid., 4.103.