Exploring Foundational Beliefs of Yoga and Christianity

This is part 2 of a 3-part piece exploring foundational beliefs of yoga and Christianity. Read Part 1 here and Part 3 here to explore more about the intersection of yoga philosophy and Christian beliefs. 

Moral and Ethical Guidance:

The Yoga Sutras provide moral and ethical guidance through the Yamas (restraints) and Niyamas (observances), emphasizing virtues such as non-violence, truthfulness, and self-discipline. The Yamas and Niyamas are outlined in Sutras 2.30-2.45.

The Yamas consist of moral restraints, including non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), sexual restraint or proper use of energy (brahmacharya), and non-greediness (aparigraha). The Niyamas comprise ethical observances, such as cleanliness (shaucha), contentment (santosha), austerity (tapas), self-study (svadhyaya), and surrender to the divine (ishvara pranidhana).

By adhering to these moral and ethical principles, practitioners create an environment that supports spiritual growth, cultivates inner purity, and aligns themselves with the universal principles of harmony and righteousness. Ethical living is seen as a means to personal development and a way to contribute positively to society and create a more peaceful and just world.

The framework for moral and ethical behavior are rooted in God’s character.

The Bible provides comprehensive moral and ethical teachings to guide individuals in righteous living that honors God and sustains the community. The framework for the teachings are rooted in God’s character.

Matthew 22:37-40 “He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

The Old Testament lays out the 10 Commandments along with moral, civil, and ceremonial laws. The Old Testament prophets often emphasized justice, mercy, and compassion. In the New Testament, Jesus further expounds on these moral teachings, stressing the importance of love, forgiveness, and humility. He teaches the principle of the Golden Rule, urging individuals to treat others as they would like to be treated.

The apostles, particularly Paul, also provide practical guidance for ethical living in their letters, emphasizing virtues such as kindness, patience, honesty, and self-control. The Bible’s moral and ethical guidance orient individuals toward God and provides foundational principles for personal conduct and community life.

Meditation and Prayer:

The Yoga Sutras provide guidance on meditation as a central practice for achieving spiritual growth and self-realization. Meditation is one of the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, along with following ethical living practices (yama and niyama discussed above) and physical postures (asana).

Meditation in the Yoga Sutras involves focusing the mind on a single point of concentration, such as the breath, a mantra, or an object, to quiet the mind and attain inner stillness. Through consistent practice, practitioners cultivate a state of deep concentration (dharana) and eventually experience a state of meditation (dhyana), leading to profound insights and spiritual awakening.

The practice of meditation and concentration is discussed throughout the Yoga Sutras, particularly in Sutras 3.1-3.3.

The Bible emphasizes prayer and meditation as integral components of the believer’s spiritual life. Prayer is a means of communicating directly with God, where we can express our desires, concerns, gratitude, and worship. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Throughout the Bible, various forms of prayer are modeled, including adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Jesus, in particular, provides teachings and examples of prayer, such as the Lord’s Prayer, emphasizing sincerity, humility, and faith in God’s provision.

Conversely, meditation involves contemplation and reflection on God’s Word, character, and attributes. The Bible encourages believers to meditate on God’s word day and night, allowing His teachings to dwell richly within them. Through meditation on Scripture, we gain wisdom, insight, and spiritual nourishment, transforming our minds and renewing our hearts.

Both prayer and meditation are vital practices for nurturing a vibrant and intimate relationship with God, aligning your will with His, and experiencing His presence, guidance, and peace in daily life.

Both prayer and meditation are vital practices for nurturing a vibrant and intimate relationship with God, aligning your will with His, and experiencing His presence, guidance, and peace in daily life.

TL:DR

• The Yoga Sutras and the Bible both offer moral and ethical guidance.
• The Sutras outline Yamas (restraints) and Niyamas (observances), emphasizing virtues like non-violence and truthfulness.
• The Bible focuses on loving God and others, with teachings and commands from the Old and New Testaments stressing obedience, justice, compassion, and humility.
• Both sources advocate meditation as vital for spiritual growth. The Sutras emphasize concentration and stillness, and the Bible teaches meditation as a way to reflect on God’s word.
• The Bible underscores prayer as a principal way to commune with God. The Sutras do not mention prayer, as they are non-theistic in nature.

It’s fascinating to see how the principles of yoga, as outlined in the Yoga Sutras, can complement and enrich the Christian life. While yoga offers valuable techniques for physical and mental well-being, Christians understand that our ultimate guidance comes from God’s Word, the Bible.

Through the lens of Christian faith, we recognize the importance of aligning our lives with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who embodied love, compassion, and humility. As yoga students, we can incorporate the ethical principles of non-violence, truthfulness, and self-discipline into our practice, recognizing them as reflections of the virtues taught by Jesus.

When rooted in Scripture, meditation becomes a profound tool for reflecting on God’s Word, allowing His truth to penetrate our hearts and minds deeply. As we meditate on Scripture, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, gaining wisdom, insight, and spiritual nourishment. Yoga’s tools of breathwork and physical practice can help prepare our body and mind to focus and meditate on God’s word.