Foundational Beliefs of Yoga vs. Christianity

This is part 3 of a 3-part comparative study. Read Part 1 and Part 2 to explore more about the intersection of Yoga philosophy and Christian beliefs.

Divinity:

The Yoga Sutras describe Brahman as the absolute, eternal, and unchanging essence that underlies the entire universe. It is often equated with the concept of Atman, the true self or soul. The Sutras teach that realizing the true nature of Brahman is the ultimate goal of yoga practice, as it leads to liberation (moksha) from the cycle of suffering (samsara).

Practitioners are encouraged to transcend the limitations of the individual ego and recognize their inherent unity with Brahman. Through practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and ethical living, individuals can attain direct experience of Brahman and realize their identity as divine beings interconnected with all of creation. The concept of Brahman is discussed throughout the Yoga Sutras, particularly in Sutras 1.7-1.9.

The Bible teaches of a personal God who created and sustains the universe.

The Bible teaches of a personal God who created and sustains the universe. He is actively involved with and intervenes in human affairs. Salvation is offered through a relationship with Jesus Christ, God’s only son. God is described as omnipotent (unlimited power), omniscient (knowing everything), and omnipresent (present everywhere), transcending human comprehension and existing outside of time and space.

The Bible emphasizes monotheism, the belief in one God in three forms: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, called the Trinity. The Bible reveals God to be loving, just, and merciful.

John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Works vs Gift:

Spiritual progress in the Yoga Sutras is primarily achieved through self-effort, discipline, perseverance, self-awareness, meditation, ethical living, and self-inquiry. Ultimately, practitioners are encouraged to balance self-effort with humility and surrender to the divine, recognizing that spiritual progress is both a result of their efforts and a gift bestowed by the grace of the divine.

Christianity teaches salvation by grace through faith. Emphasizing salvation as a gift from God rather than something earned through human works. Ephesians 2:8-9 ” For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast.”

Christianity teaches salvation by grace through faith. Emphasizing salvation as a gift from God rather than something earned through human works.

Throughout the Bible, individuals are encouraged to demonstrate their faith through compassion, justice, and service to others. While good works are evidence of genuine faith and a transformed heart, they are not the basis for salvation but a response to God’s grace. Thus, the Bible teaches that both works and grace play essential roles in the life of a believer, with works flowing naturally from a heart transformed by God’s gift of grace.

If you’re struggling with perfectionism or think you aren’t deserving of a gift of such consequence, you may find this blog helpful. Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist: Finding Wholeness in the Brokenness

Salvation, Liberation, and the Afterlife:

In the Yoga Sutras, salvation and liberation are presented as the ultimate goals of spiritual practice, achievable through the path of yoga. Patanjali describes liberation (moksha) as the cessation of suffering (duhkha) and the realization of the true nature of the self (atman). This leads to eternal bliss and freedom from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

The Yoga Sutras focus on liberation from the cycle of birth and death but do not explicitly discuss an afterlife. They focus more on merging with the divine or universal consciousness than on an individual afterlife.

The Bible’s teachings on salvation, liberation, and the afterlife form a central theme throughout its texts, spanning the Old and New Testaments. Salvation is presented as deliverance from sin and its consequences, including spiritual death and separation from God.

In the Old Testament, salvation is often depicted as a rescue from physical enemies or oppression and restoration to a right relationship with God through repentance and faithfulness. The concept of liberation is intertwined with salvation, representing freedom from bondage to sin and the forces of evil.

The New Testament builds upon these themes, emphasizing Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God to all who believe in Him.

The Bible teaches the existence of an afterlife, with people destined for either eternal life in heaven or separation from God in hell, based on their relationship with Christ. Overall, the Bible’s teachings on salvation, liberation, and the afterlife offer hope, redemption, and the promise of eternal joy for those who trust in God’s saving grace.

Overall, the Bible’s teachings on salvation, liberation, and the afterlife offer hope, redemption, and the promise of eternal joy for those who trust in God’s saving grace.

John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

TL:DR

• The Yoga Sutras describe the ultimate goal of yoga practice as realizing the true nature of Brahman, leading to liberation from the cycle of suffering.
• The Bible teaches the existence of God, who offers salvation and relationship through Jesus Christ.
• While spiritual progress in Yoga is achieved through works, Christianity emphasizes salvation as a gift from God that is achieved only by grace and through faith.
• The Yoga Sutras focus on liberation from the cycle of birth and death, while the Bible teaches the existence of an afterlife.
• Yoga philosophy and Christian belief share common themes of morality, spiritual growth, and inner transformation but differ significantly in their theological frameworks, concepts of God, and paths to salvation/liberation.

Both texts provide moral and ethical guidelines for leading a righteous life. They emphasize virtues such as compassion, honesty, humility, and self-discipline. The Yoga Sutras and the Christian Bible underscore the importance of inner transformation and spiritual growth. They encourage individuals to cultivate qualities such as love, forgiveness, and self-awareness.

Both texts advocate practices such as meditation (in the case of Yoga Sutras) and prayer and meditation (in the case of the Bible) as a spiritual discipline. Still, they differ in their approach and intent to these practices.

The Yoga Sutras present a non-theistic worldview, focusing on the individual’s journey toward self-realization and liberation. In contrast, the Bible is centered around the belief in and relationship with one God and the salvation of humanity through Jesus Christ. In Christianity, salvation is attained through faith in Jesus Christ and adherence to Christian teachings. In contrast, the Yoga Sutras focus on liberation and realizing the true self.

It is essential to consider these differences carefully when exploring the practice of yoga and how it aligns with your faith. Many yoga classes focus on yoga postures, meditation, and breathing techniques, which are forms of wellness care and do not contradict the Bible or Christian Theology.

However, some yoga classes or teachers include content based on yoga philosophy and spirituality that does not align with the Christian worldview or Biblical teaching. Participating in Christian Yoga over secular Yoga alleviates these concerns, as these classes incorporate only physical and breathing exercises and rely on Biblical wisdom for spirituality and philosophical guidance. Ultimately, the decision whether or not to participate in yoga should be made prayerfully and carefully considering your beliefs, convictions, and discernment.