What is the Christian Yoga Association?

The Christian Yoga Association (CYA) is an organization that seeks to represent those who teach yoga from a Christian worldview. Christian yoga integrates the ancient practice of yoga with Christian principles, providing a space where individuals can deepen their spiritual lives while benefiting from the physical and mental advantages of yoga. The Christian Yoga Association represents a growing movement of Christians who practice yoga, or are a Christian yoga certifying educator founded on Christian principles while honoring the ancient gift of yoga and its origins.

The Origins of the Christian Yoga Movement

“Christian Yoga” is a term, perhaps first coined by A. K. Mozumdar, born July 15, 1864 Hindu in a small village about twenty miles north of Calcutta, India, he later converted to Christianity and may be the first to coin the phrase ‘Christian Yoga.’ He considered traditional yoga postures as a form to pray while a Hindu as well as a when he became a Christian using these postures of prayer as a way to commune with the Lord. Read more about the origins in my article, “What is Christian Yoga?”

Yoga is often associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eastern spiritual traditions. Over the years, however, many people, including Christians, have embraced yoga for its physical benefits—such as improving flexibility, strength, and mental health—without necessarily subscribing to its religious or philosophical underpinnings. This has led to the development of Christian Yoga, where the practices of yoga are adapted to align with Christian values. However, yoga is not a religion, but many religious people practice yoga.

The Christian Yoga Association emerged to support individuals who want to practice yoga in a way that is consistent with their faith. Through classes, workshops, and resources such as articles and a directory, CYA aims to help practitioners find balance in their spiritual and physical practices, blending the discipline of yoga with biblical teachings.

While the Bible does not directly address yoga, certain passages can be used to support the idea of integrating yoga’s physical and meditative practices with a Christian worldview.

Honoring the Body as a Temple

1 Corinthians 6:19-20: Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

This passage reminds Christians that their bodies are sacred and should be cared for as temples of the Holy Spirit. Yoga, when practiced with a focus on health, strength, and well-being, can be a way to honor and care for the body, aligning with this biblical principle.

Key Principles of the Christian Yoga Association

Christian-Centered Practice: Christian yoga emphasizes prayer, meditation, and mindfulness in a way that is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Yoga postures and breathing techniques are often accompanied by scripture readings, reflections, and prayers that help practitioners focus on their relationship with God, often deepening their faith-walk and worship time.
Physical and Spiritual Wellness: The Christian Yoga Association promotes a holistic view of health, where physical exercise is seen as a way to honor the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Yoga is not just about improving flexibility or strength but also about cultivating spiritual peace and emotional well-being no matter what one’s worldview is.
Non-Idolatry: One of the concerns for Christians who are drawn to yoga is the potential conflict between eastern philosophy and Christian monotheism. Christian Yoga Association practitioners generally seek to remove or reinterpret aspects of traditional yoga that might be seen as idolatrous or incompatible with Christianity. For example, instead of focusing on a creation such as stones, chants, or deities that others focus on, Christians may focus on the presence of the Holy Spirit, breath prayers, meditate on passages such as the chants of Psalms or use a stone to focus on the Creator of the stone as opposed to the creation (the stone).
Inclusivity and Community: The CYA also emphasizes building community among believers who practice yoga. It offers a supportive environment for those who want to practice yoga in a manner that strengthens their faith, offering both physical exercise and spiritual growth through community.
Transformation through the Holy Spirit: Christian yoga encourages practitioners to invite the Holy Spirit into their practice, allowing God to transform their minds, bodies, and spirits through the disciplines of yoga. This includes surrendering one’s will to God and seeking spiritual renewal.

Meditation on God’s Word

Psalm 1:2-3:
“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”

In Christian yoga, meditation is often used to focus on Scripture or prayer, fostering spiritual growth. This passage emphasizes the importance of meditating on God’s Word, and it could be seen as supporting the idea that meditation is a valid and beneficial spiritual practice when directed toward God and His Word.

Yoga and the Christian Faith: Addressing Concerns

Some Christians have concerns about the compatibility of yoga with their faith due to its historical connections with Eastern religions. Critics may argue that yoga, in its traditional forms, promotes pantheism, meditation practices that conflict with Christian worship, or elements of self-actualization that can detract from the centrality of Christ. However, Christian yoga practitioners and organizations like the Christian Yoga Association assert that the physical aspects of yoga, such as stretching and breathing exercises, are universal practices that can be separated from any spiritual system. Through the adaptation of yoga practices, it is possible to engage in the benefits of yoga without adopting its non-Christian spiritual elements. This approach allows practitioners to enjoy the physical benefits of yoga—such as increased flexibility, stress reduction, and improved posture—while maintaining a strong Christian faith. Many people find that connecting to Christ through Christian yoga elevates their prayers and worship.

Love the Lord with All Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength

Matthew 22:37:
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”

Christian yoga can be a way to love God with all parts of the self—body, mind, and spirit. Through mindful movement, meditation, and prayer, practitioners can engage all aspects of their being in love and worship of God, which aligns with Jesus’ command to love God fully. This is “whole worship.”

The Benefits of Christian Yoga

Physical Health: Like traditional yoga, Christian yoga offers numerous health benefits. These include increased flexibility, improved muscle tone, enhanced balance, and better overall fitness. For Christians who may not feel comfortable practicing traditional yoga due to its spiritual associations, Christian yoga provides a way to experience these benefits within a faith-based context.
Mental Clarity and Stress Relief: Yoga, particularly its mindfulness aspects, has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. By incorporating Christian prayer and scripture into their practice, many people find a deeper sense of peace and emotional resilience. A Christian can look at the world through the lens of Christ, instead of mindfulness think of it as “Christfulness.” This allows the practice of gratitude for everything that comes into our lives, knowing that God allows it and will use it for His good (Jeremiah 29:11).
Deeper Spiritual Connection: The Christian Yoga Association aims to help individuals connect with God on a deeper level through the practice of yoga. The gentle flow of movements, combined with spiritual reflection and prayer, creates an opportunity for spiritual growth and intimacy with God. It’s the CYA’s great honor and privilege to represent those who are creating sacred spaces for others to connect with Christ powerfully and intimately.
Increased Mindfulness and Presence: Yoga encourages mindfulness, the practice of being fully present in the moment. This can be a valuable spiritual discipline for Christians, who are called to be aware of God’s presence in every part of their lives (Christfulness). Christian yoga brings this awareness into the physical body, creating a holistic approach to spirituality.

Strength and Endurance in Christ

Philippians 4:13:
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Yoga requires both physical strength and mental endurance. Christians practicing yoga may find that their strength, whether physical or spiritual, is strengthened through Christ. This verse emphasizes that believers can draw strength from Christ to endure all things, which can also apply to physical practices like yoga.

Glorifying God with Every Action

1 Corinthians 10:31:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

This scripture can be applied to any activity, including yoga. If yoga is practiced with the intention of honoring God, whether through physical exercise, meditation, or prayer, it becomes an act of worship. The intention behind the practice is key to ensuring that it aligns with God’s purpose.

Peace and Stillness

Philippians 4:6-7:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Many Christians are drawn to yoga because of its calming effects, and this scripture can support that desire for peace. Christian yoga incorporates mindfulness and deep breathing techniques to help reduce stress and anxiety, creating space for God’s peace to rule in the heart and mind.

Conclusion

The Christian Yoga Association represents a growing movement that seeks to unite the benefits of yoga with the teachings of Christianity. By adapting yoga practices to fit within a Christian worldview, the CYA allows practitioners to enjoy the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of yoga without compromising their faith. For those who feel called to explore the integration of their Christian beliefs with their yoga practice, the Christian Yoga Association offers a pathway to deeper connection with God, personal transformation, and holistic health.

Many Christians find that practicing yoga—when rooted in the intention to honor God and care for the body—can be a way to glorify God, foster spiritual growth, and improve physical well-being. The scriptures above provide a biblical foundation that supports integrating practices like yoga with a Christ-centered worldview. Whether through honoring the body, meditating on Scripture, or finding peace and strength in Christ, yoga can be a meaningful part of a Christian’s spiritual journey.

Originally post on ChristianYogaAssociation.com