This is *almost funny. It reminds me of my dad, way back when, telling me that Stairway to Heaven was satanic. Get a grip people, really. Putting your hands together provides an opening to the devil? I'm guessing they didn't teach him to put his hands together in prayer then, either? Yoga isn't a religion. It can be used religiously (like wine) but it's not a religion. When I read stuff like this, it just reinforces my decision to stay away from all religions. Sheesh.

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Here is a quote off of www.yoga.com:

"The hands held in union signify (he oneness of an apparently dual cosmos, the bringing together of spirit and matter, or the self meeting the Self. It has been said that the right hand represents the higher nature or that which is divine in us, while the left hand represents the lower, worldly nature."

This sure sounds a lot like a "religion" to me.

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What they're teaching is called hatha yoga, and no, it's not a religion. It's a method for keeping the body trim, fit, and healthy using gentle stretching exercises. It's one thing to want a good upbringing for your children. It's another to go off the wacko end of paranoia. Tell those folks to acquire a life.

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Come on....do they have nothing better to complain about. Yoga is not religous

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No, Yoga is not very Christian in its practice. However, intolerance sure seems to be.

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To Christine,

And if I tell you that wine is used to represent the blood of Jesus Christ, then does that mean anyone who is drinking wine right now is doing it to symbolize drinking the blood that Jesus shed for you? Hell no. Do you really think they taught the children in this class what all the movements symbolize? Come on people, have some common sense. Just what we need in this world, more religious zealots. Scary.

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Yoga originated as part of an Indian religion, yes. But that doesn't invalidate it as a form of exercise. For instance, the "Sun Salutation" (a series of yoga poses) is a "sun god salutation" when used with religion, without the religious thoughts it's just a great way to start the day or a yoga class.

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It is for the sake of preventing childhood obesity people! It is not being used as a method to instill religion in our youth! This world has become absolutely rediculous in the amount of bull that it comes up with.

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Oh wow... An "opening for the devil" based on how one folds their hands? How sad to go through life so afraid of an imaginary creature, some bogeyman who can get you if you fold your hands a certain way. And to inflict that on your children as well...

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Stretching doesn't really help obesity, anyhoo. They need to get off their cans and go run around the block.

I think countries such as Canada and England need to stop regulating people's thoughts ~ at least in the United States we are perfectly free to think, say, or print any asinine thing we wish.

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To Mary,
If you said 'this wine represents the blood of Jesus' as you we expecting everyone else to drink, yeah--religious. I don't know how this class was being taught/coached but MANY yoga instructors, not all, but MANY, DO say the meaning behind the moves as they go through them, so that takes it beyond just stretching. If it is just to stretch and for health why not Pilates, that has nothing to do w/ religion.

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It is radical Christians that give the rest of us a bad rap. My church has always taught tolerance of others.

I agree with Mary's statement:
"Do you really think they taught the children in this class what all the movements symbolize? "

Hmmm...maybe someone should research the symbolism in doing jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, climbing a rope, etc.

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Christine, anything we do may be taken out of context, yoga tought in school is one of them . The yoga workout is ment to help the kids stay in shape. If you had a chance to take a look at the way so many kids look you would agree that something needs to be done to help them loose weight, they are scary! I think its a good way to get them started. Mary was correct in her comment, "to put hands together" is what you do when you pray , at least christians are tought to do that, so I dont understand how that it would also invite the devil. Call me crazy ....
Anyway the world we live in there are more important things parents need to worry in regards of their children that little yoga excercise
anna

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My first semester of college I took a yoga class to offset my tough classes with something peaceful in the middle. The instructor never mentioned as Christine said, "the right hand represents the higher nature or that which is divine in us"... never said anything close to that all. She did say it helps us become one with ourself and to find peace within to do the stretches.

I found it most relaxing and thoroughly enjoyed it and took a class the next semester as well.

It's really sad that parents can't even let their kids enjoy a creative way to exercise, which is basically all this is. Instead of making them run around the gym like rats like I had to do in elementary, they're trying to create a unique and different atmosphere to show kids there are all kinds of ways to stretch and exercise your body.

I hope not too many parents are opposed to this, because it's a lot of fun, and might even help kids who have ADD to calm down for just a bit.

Seriously, this world gets more ridiculous every day. Lighten up, people.

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If you want to lose weight, you can't do it in slow motion. Play some sports, run, sitting and chanting may relax you, but you won't lose weight getting in wierd positions.

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This world is full of religious zealots. I was raised by a couple of them and most of my family continues that way. I was taught never to question anything that wasn't preached in the church, it could lead to opening my spirit up to evil. Hogwash.
There is some middle ground and probably most of us are on it. Religion is not a bad thing, but teaching fear is not of God. Fear is not of God.
Reverence, self respect, respect for others, etc. My problem with a lot of religions is the teaching intolerance of others. Many religions are rife with this sin.
For myself, I like to walk softly, speak kindly, and don't expect anybody to conform to my religious, moral or spiritual beliefs. After all, we are all responsible for ourselves and if we don't teach our children that concept then we are in deep trouble. They will be exposed to countless things that are not what is taught in the home. Some good, some bad. They need to be able to figure out which is which so they can make sound decisions. So teach at home what you want. Your children will listen to what is taught with love.

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christine,
if you read what you've quoted us, you'd understand that yoga is not a "religion" as such, but, I think, it's used by people to come to a better understanding of themselves in whatever and at whatever pace they choose. People use it as a release to their every day stress, it's a calming within. It's not really something you would see as your higher power, it seems to me to be a great way to "chill", get it? (get that
----- outta ur ---, oops! sorry. =]

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christine,
if you read what you've quoted us, you'd understand that yoga is not a "religion" as such, but, I think, it's used by people to come to a better understanding of themselves in whatever and at whatever pace they choose. People use it as a release to their every day stress, it's a calming within. It's not really something you would see as your higher power, it seems to me to be a great way to "chill", get it? (get that
----- outta ur ---, oops! sorry. =]

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christine,
if you read what you've quoted us, you'd understand that yoga is not a "religion" as such, but, I think, it's used by people to come to a better understanding of themselves in whatever and at whatever pace they choose. People use it as a release to their every day stress, it's a calming within. It's not really something you would see as your higher power, it seems to me to be a great way to "chill", get it? (get that
----- outta ur ---, oops! sorry. =]

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christine,
if you read what you've quoted us, you'd understand that yoga is not a "religion" as such, but, I think, it's used by people to come to a better understanding of themselves in whatever and at whatever pace they choose. People use it as a release to their every day stress, it's a calming within. It's not really something you would see as your higher power, it seems to me to be a great way to "chill", get it? (get that
----- outta ur ---, oops! sorry. =]

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