Vatican's Exorcist: Yoga Is Satanic

[Jetavan]

Father Gabriele Amorth, who for years was the Vatican’s chief exorcist and claims to have cleansed hundreds of people of evil spirits, said yoga is Satanic because it leads to a worship of Hinduism and “all eastern religions are based on a false belief in reincarnation”.
....
“Practising yoga is Satanic, it leads to evil just like reading Harry Potter,” he told a film festival in Umbria this week, where he was invited to introduce The Rite, a film about exorcism starring Sir Anthony Hopkins as a Jesuit priest.
 
“In Harry Potter the Devil acts in a crafty and covert manner, under the guise of extraordinary powers, magic spells and curses,” said the priest, who in 1986 was appointed the chief exorcist for the Diocese of Rome.

[Iconodule]

Put this one up with the fatwa against samozas

[Maria]

Attacking Yoga and Harry Potter in the same sentence?

Although I do agree with his statement, there is going to be a lot of outrage expressed here by Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and others. The Harry Potter series is being promoted in most public and private schools.

[biro]

There are better exercise programs one can do instead. I have a book on the U.S. Army's calisthenics system, and it's pretty rigorous.

[Maria]

There are better exercise programs one can do instead. I have a book on the U.S. Army's calisthenics system, and it's pretty rigorous.

Is that book available on Amazon?

Any links?

[biro]

This is the one I have. Very thorough.

U.S. Army Fitness Training Handbook

The second one, I don't have, but it looks pretty good too.

The U.S. Army Total Fitness Program

[IsmiLiora]

Pilates is yoga without all of the spiritual stuff added to it.

However, on the occasion I do yoga for my fibromyalgia, I'm usually blasting obnoxious techno music. Most demons tend to stay away from that. At least I think so.

[Maria]

This is the one I have. Very thorough.

U.S. Army Fitness Training Handbook

The second one, I don't have, but it looks pretty good too.

The U.S. Army Total Fitness Program

Cool

Thanks.

[Iconodule]

Pilates is yoga without all of the spiritual stuff added to it.

The notion that something can be free of "spiritual stuff" is also spiritual stuff.

[IsmiLiora]

Pilates is yoga without all of the spiritual stuff added to it.

The notion that something can be free of "spiritual stuff" is also spiritual stuff.

I know where you are going, but there is an obvious difference between pilates and yoga as they are practiced in their strictest definition. Not that I find it too much of an issue -- I do both depending on what I need at the moment. But otherwise than breathing exercises for both, I just use some yoga positions to relieve pain in some areas of my body. My friend who practices yoga actively tells me that I'm doing it "wrong." I know.

I've never done yoga with an instructor or anything, though. I first practiced pilates when I was a ballet dancer -- they have no mercy. Pilates can be really intense!

[orthonorm]

Pilates is yoga without all of the spiritual stuff added to it.

However, on the occasion I do yoga for my fibromyalgia, I'm usually blasting obnoxious techno music. Most demons tend to stay away from that. At least I think so.

Try again.

[samkim]

I'm hesitant to practice yoga because of its pagan background. But I'm also hesitant to call it demonic. We've made use of lots of pagan things in the past, baptizing it, and making it Christian.

I think it's a bit silly when people call Karate demonic, too. All Asian kids grow up going to Karate!

[orthonorm]

There are better exercise programs one can do instead. I have a book on the U.S. Army's calisthenics system, and it's pretty rigorous.

Is that book available on Amazon?

Any links?

You could always do the 5BX, the fitness much regarded fitness of the Canadian Royal Air Force.

[biro]

This is the one I have. Very thorough.

U.S. Army Fitness Training Handbook

The second one, I don't have, but it looks pretty good too.

The U.S. Army Total Fitness Program

Cool

Thanks.

You're welcome.   

[Russell]

“all eastern religions are based on a false belief in reincarnation”.

Isn't Christianity an eastern religion?

[Orthodox11]

Isn't Christianity an eastern religion?

Not if Jerusalem is considered the centre of the world.

[jckstraw72]

this priest is spot on!

[orthonorm]

There are better exercise programs one can do instead. I have a book on the U.S. Army's calisthenics system, and it's pretty rigorous.

Is that book available on Amazon?

Any links?

You could always do the 5BX, the fitness much regarded fitness of the Canadian Royal Air Force.

lol. That's what happens with lingering brain trauma and two open chat windows.

[Hiwot]

Isn't Christianity an eastern religion?

Not if Jerusalem is considered the centre of the world.

LOL

[Marc1152]

Attacking Yoga and Harry Potter in the same sentence?

Although I do agree with his statement, there is going to be a lot of outrage expressed here by Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and others. The Harry Potter series is being promoted in most public and private schools.

and Hello Kitty....

[primuspilus]

I have to agree with the exorcist on this one. Yoga is highly dangerous. When taken to its extreme you end up mutating your body and breathing fire. See?




How deadly!


PP

[Jetavan]

The Sanskrit "yoga" is cognate with the English "yoke" (and the Greek "zugos"), with all of them associated with the general meaning of join, joining, and to join.

From a Hindu perspective, Jesus introduced a Christian Yoga. Matthew 11:29-30:

Take my yoga upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoga is easy, and my burden is light.

It's interesting that the Greek origin of "devil", "diabolos", can mean division, separation; which is the opposite of yoga, which is joining, a coming together. So yoga is the exact opposite of Satan.

[Iconodule]

Attacking Yoga and Harry Potter in the same sentence?

Although I do agree with his statement, there is going to be a lot of outrage expressed here by Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and others. The Harry Potter series is being promoted in most public and private schools.

and Hello Kitty....

[IsmiLiora]

Niiiice.

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

I highly recommend this book:


http://www.amazon.com/Gurus-Young-Man-Elder-Paisios/dp/1887904166



Selam

[PeterTheAleut]

Father Gabriele Amorth, who for years was the Vatican’s chief exorcist and claims to have cleansed hundreds of people of evil spirits, said yoga is Satanic because it leads to a worship of Hinduism and “all eastern religions are based on a false belief in reincarnation”.
....
“Practising yoga is Satanic, it leads to evil just like reading Harry Potter,” he told a film festival in Umbria this week, where he was invited to introduce The Rite, a film about exorcism starring Sir Anthony Hopkins as a Jesuit priest.
 
“In Harry Potter the Devil acts in a crafty and covert manner, under the guise of extraordinary powers, magic spells and curses,” said the priest, who in 1986 was appointed the chief exorcist for the Diocese of Rome.

Has this fellow even read Harry Potter?

[biro]

Probably not.

I remember when there were the riots over The Satanic Verses. My Mom and I were watching the news. I said, "How many of these people do you think have read the book?"

She said, "Zero."

[Ortho_cat]

Dhalsim: yoga flame!

[FatherGiryus]

There is a difference between asanas, which are exercises associated with yoga, and yoga meditation.

Asanas are exercises that prepare the body for the long hours of rigid stillness that meditation requires.  They are not really metaphysical practices.  In the US and most of the West, the asanas are what most people call 'yoga,' though a true yogi would laugh at such an idea.

So, Fr. Amorth is right to condemn yoga, because it is a self-centric meditation system which relies on a great deal of metaphysical presuppositions that Christians reject, the first being 'enlightenment' without Christ.

However, I don't think there is any condemnation of asanas, just as we do not condemn doctors for using the Caduceus as a sign of their practice (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus).  After all, so long as the asanas are done without the metaphysical elements or the intention of engaging in pagan rituals, they are just body-building techniques.

[Riddikulus]

Father Gabriele Amorth, who for years was the Vatican’s chief exorcist and claims to have cleansed hundreds of people of evil spirits, said yoga is Satanic because it leads to a worship of Hinduism and “all eastern religions are based on a false belief in reincarnation”.
....
“Practising yoga is Satanic, it leads to evil just like reading Harry Potter,” he told a film festival in Umbria this week, where he was invited to introduce The Rite, a film about exorcism starring Sir Anthony Hopkins as a Jesuit priest.
 
“In Harry Potter the Devil acts in a crafty and covert manner, under the guise of extraordinary powers, magic spells and curses,” said the priest, who in 1986 was appointed the chief exorcist for the Diocese of Rome.

  Thanks Jetavan. I needed a laugh. 

[GTAsoldier]

Dhalsim: yoga flame!

 

[christian7777]

I don't do yoga anyway. I prefer weightlifting.

[vamrat]

Attacking Yoga and Harry Potter in the same sentence?

Although I do agree with his statement, there is going to be a lot of outrage expressed here by Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and others. The Harry Potter series is being promoted in most public and private schools.

and Hello Kitty....

Did they really have to defame the Blood Angels with that photoshop?  Coulda used the Ultramarines is all I'm sayin.

[GiC]

I don't do yoga anyway. I prefer weightlifting.

Then you should definitely be doing yoga. I hate yoga, don't get me wrong, that stuff's hard, painful, and miserable; but, when you plateau a strong stretching regimen, like yoga along with slow deep squats and really slow and deep flys, will help you break out of it and get to the next level.

[Balthasar]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

[orthonorm]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

Is the above quote of Christ?

Let me know, so I know whether to toss it in with the Def Leopard albums into the bon fire. Their drummer only used three limbs, obviously mocking the Trinity.

 

[Riddikulus]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

I find it interesting that you class what are honest attempts to reach out to God along with Nazism and Racism. While Nazism and Racism certainly are the antipathy of all that is good, can one say the same thing of religions that we don't agree with? As pagan as we consider them, surely these other faiths can be nothing more than misguided and misinformed. That anyone seeks God, even by what we consider the most torturous of paths, leaves them open to the truth, something that surely bugs satan to all heck.

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

Is the above quote of Christ?

Let me know, so I know whether to toss it in with the Def Leopard albums into the bon fire. Their drummer only used three limbs, obviously mocking the Trinity.

 

LOL! That was funny.

But to be fair, I think Balthasar is clearly citing philosophies, religions, and ideologies that are opposed to Christian Truth- not artistic genres (although some artistic genres may very well be demonic; but that's another issue, and I don't have a firm opinion about that yet).


Selam

[Jetavan]

Instructor Cori Withell from Hampshire said her yoga and pilates classes at St Edmund's Church building in Southampton were cancelled with 10 days to go.

Father John Chandler said that the hall had to be used for Catholic activities, and he banned it because it was advertised as "spiritual yoga".
....
The ban is not Catholic Church policy and decisions are left to the discretion of individual priests.
....
Ms Withell said she did not use meditation in her classes, just exercises.
....
Fr Chandler said...."We did say that yoga could not take place. It's the fact that it's a different religious practice going on in a Catholic church. It's not compatible. We are not saying that yoga is bad or wrong."

[Shanghaiski]

The Sanskrit "yoga" is cognate with the English "yoke" (and the Greek "zugos"), with all of them associated with the general meaning of join, joining, and to join.

From a Hindu perspective, Jesus introduced a Christian Yoga. Matthew 11:29-30:

Take my yoga upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoga is easy, and my burden is light.

It's interesting that the Greek origin of "devil", "diabolos", can mean division, separation; which is the opposite of yoga, which is joining, a coming together. So yoga is the exact opposite of Satan.

Yoga comes from India. Aryans come from India. Aryans sound just like Arians. Therefore, yoga is heresy.

[Shanghaiski]

There is a difference between asanas, which are exercises associated with yoga, and yoga meditation.

Asanas are exercises that prepare the body for the long hours of rigid stillness that meditation requires.  They are not really metaphysical practices.  In the US and most of the West, the asanas are what most people call 'yoga,' though a true yogi would laugh at such an idea.

So, Fr. Amorth is right to condemn yoga, because it is a self-centric meditation system which relies on a great deal of metaphysical presuppositions that Christians reject, the first being 'enlightenment' without Christ.

However, I don't think there is any condemnation of asanas, just as we do not condemn doctors for using the Caduceus as a sign of their practice (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus).  After all, so long as the asanas are done without the metaphysical elements or the intention of engaging in pagan rituals, they are just body-building techniques.

What about the ethos of the arsanas? "Namaste," etc. I have the same question about karate and the perspective that comes with it.

[Shanghaiski]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

At least National Socialism has an ethos.

[Shanghaiski]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

And Macs. Mustn't forget those.

[jckstraw72]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

At least National Socialism has an ethos.

these men are nihilists, they're cowards.

[vamrat]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

At least National Socialism has an ethos.

these men are nihilists, they're cowards.

Oh, how passe.

[orthonorm]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

At least National Socialism has an ethos.

Vamrat sorta took words outta my mouth on another thread.

And now you take the exact ones!

Everyone get out of my mouth.

[MichaelArchangelos]

From what I understand, different yoga teachers place different levels of emphasis on the spiritual/religious aspects of yoga.

When I was at university in Wellington, the Hare Krishnas used to run yoga sessions, and after the stretching part everyone would sit on the floor and chant Hindu mantras. The yoga teacher deliberately obscured the religious aspects of the mantras - she told the class that a particular word referred to one's 'higher consciousness' when I knew for a fact that it was a name of the Hindu god Krishna. She told me that she didn't emphasise the religious aspects as she didn't want to drive people away.

Bottom line: try another kind of exercise like Pilates and stay away from yoga.

[Babalon]

I highly recommend this book:


http://www.amazon.com/Gurus-Young-Man-Elder-Paisios/dp/1887904166



Selam

That book is hilarious.

[Fr Spyridon]

For those interested in reading further try "Orthodoxy and The Religion of The Future" to get a solid view of the practices mentioned above.
We should take care bandying phrases like "satanic" around. However even something like Buddhism teaches that only through our own efforts can we achieve "enlightenment". These teachings are opposed to Christ because they reject the essential need we have of His grace. Those who are taught such things are clearly being led away from God and so we can safely say they are anti-Christ. As for those faiths such as Judaism and Islam,  they reject the divinity of Christ quite openly. Hinduism is simply paganism.
I personally would advise my folk to stay clear of yoga because it does have at its heart Hindu beliefs which, even if not espoused by the practicioner, are a part of what gives yoga its power. Similarly I don't encourage my own children to imagine witchcraft can ever be a good thing and os for my own family I choose not to introduce Barry Trotter.

[Nikolaostheservant]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

Bottom line is: because it can lead you away from Christ!
As far as satanic...that's a stretch but some might be.

I think he was trying to make Ppl stay away from these things because it leads one away from Christ.

I know from 1st hand experience.

All my youth i was heavily into martial arts (someone was asking abet karate-so listen up) started with various m-arts schools...stretching exercises, forms...one school class started with meditation before class, Asian philosophy, some had incense burning and a Buddha statue...eventually as i got very much into the mediation side, as the shaolin monks which i idolised. next thing i know I'm Buddhist and wasted twenty years+ into Buddhism. until one day i woke up.

bottom line is it has the potential to take you away from Christ! its very subtle.

[Jetavan]

Bottom line: try another kind of exercise like Pilates and stay away from yoga.

Quite ironic, given that Pilates himself studied yoga, zen, Chinese martial arts, as well as Western forms of exercise.

[Nicene]

Reading Harry Potter leads to evil?

[WeldeMikael]

Reading Harry Potter leads to evil?

Of course.


 

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

Bottom line is: because it can lead you away from Christ!
As far as satanic...that's a stretch but some might be.

I think he was trying to make Ppl stay away from these things because it leads one away from Christ.

I know from 1st hand experience.

All my youth i was heavily into martial arts (someone was asking abet karate-so listen up) started with various m-arts schools...stretching exercises, forms...one school class started with meditation before class, Asian philosophy, some had incense burning and a Buddha statue...eventually as i got very much into the mediation side, as the shaolin monks which i idolised. next thing i know I'm Buddhist and wasted twenty years+ into Buddhism. until one day i woke up.

bottom line is it has the potential to take you away from Christ! its very subtle.

Indeed. Well stated.

Evil succeeds by convincing people that isn't evil.


Selam

[Babalon]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

Bottom line is: because it can lead you away from Christ!
As far as satanic...that's a stretch but some might be.

I think he was trying to make Ppl stay away from these things because it leads one away from Christ.

I know from 1st hand experience.

All my youth i was heavily into martial arts (someone was asking abet karate-so listen up) started with various m-arts schools...stretching exercises, forms...one school class started with meditation before class, Asian philosophy, some had incense burning and a Buddha statue...eventually as i got very much into the mediation side, as the shaolin monks which i idolised. next thing i know I'm Buddhist and wasted twenty years+ into Buddhism. until one day i woke up.

bottom line is it has the potential to take you away from Christ! its very subtle.

Indeed. Well stated.

Evil succeeds by convincing people that isn't evil.


Selam

Or by convincing them that everything they dont particularly understand is evil.

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

Bottom line is: because it can lead you away from Christ!
As far as satanic...that's a stretch but some might be.

I think he was trying to make Ppl stay away from these things because it leads one away from Christ.

I know from 1st hand experience.

All my youth i was heavily into martial arts (someone was asking abet karate-so listen up) started with various m-arts schools...stretching exercises, forms...one school class started with meditation before class, Asian philosophy, some had incense burning and a Buddha statue...eventually as i got very much into the mediation side, as the shaolin monks which i idolised. next thing i know I'm Buddhist and wasted twenty years+ into Buddhism. until one day i woke up.

bottom line is it has the potential to take you away from Christ! its very subtle.

Indeed. Well stated.

Evil succeeds by convincing people that isn't evil.


Selam

Or by convincing them that everything they dont particularly understand is evil.

You represent your forum name quite well.


Selam

[Nicene]

Reading Harry Potter leads to evil?

Of course.


 

Well i guess to him its true.

i read harry potter before becoming Orthodox

I became Orthodox

Therefore Harry potter lead me to the evil orthodox

[JamesRottnek]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

Bottom line is: because it can lead you away from Christ!
As far as satanic...that's a stretch but some might be.

I think he was trying to make Ppl stay away from these things because it leads one away from Christ.

I know from 1st hand experience.

All my youth i was heavily into martial arts (someone was asking abet karate-so listen up) started with various m-arts schools...stretching exercises, forms...one school class started with meditation before class, Asian philosophy, some had incense burning and a Buddha statue...eventually as i got very much into the mediation side, as the shaolin monks which i idolised. next thing i know I'm Buddhist and wasted twenty years+ into Buddhism. until one day i woke up.

bottom line is it has the potential to take you away from Christ! its very subtle.

Indeed. Well stated.

Evil succeeds by convincing people that isn't evil.


Selam

Or by convincing them that everything they dont particularly understand is evil.

You represent your forum name quite well.


Selam

I really don't think most Iraqis agree with him Gebre.

[Babalon]

Why is it that many 'Christians' have difficulties in saying everything which is not of Christ as being satanic? Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Capitalism, Communism, Islamism, Nazism, Racism are all from Satan, aren't they?

Bottom line is: because it can lead you away from Christ!
As far as satanic...that's a stretch but some might be.

I think he was trying to make Ppl stay away from these things because it leads one away from Christ.

I know from 1st hand experience.

All my youth i was heavily into martial arts (someone was asking abet karate-so listen up) started with various m-arts schools...stretching exercises, forms...one school class started with meditation before class, Asian philosophy, some had incense burning and a Buddha statue...eventually as i got very much into the mediation side, as the shaolin monks which i idolised. next thing i know I'm Buddhist and wasted twenty years+ into Buddhism. until one day i woke up.

bottom line is it has the potential to take you away from Christ! its very subtle.

Indeed. Well stated.

Evil succeeds by convincing people that isn't evil.


Selam

Or by convincing them that everything they dont particularly understand is evil.

You represent your forum name quite well.


Selam

Every breath I take is a sip from her cup.

[Asteriktos]

[Jetavan]

Looks kosher to me.

[Personna]

Father Seraphim Rose covered this topic in his book "Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future".  It's a good book and I recommend it highly.

[Jetavan]

Yoga has become a big deal in America.  Everywhere you turn, it seems, there’s somebody with a yoga mat.  On their way to class.  To sweat and bend and get centered.  Limber.  Some say alive.  One of those “come to yoga” acolytes was Benjamin Lorr.  He went from chubby mess to yoga svelte.

And then on – to competitive yoga. Yes, there is competitive yoga.  His was hot, Bikram-style.  He found a lot of pain there.  And some joy.  And a lot of insight into the world of yoga.

This hour, On Point:  the body and mind-bending world of extreme yoga.

[Asteriktos]

Father Seraphim Rose

No.

covered

No.

this topic

No.

in his book "Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future".

No.

It's a good book

No.

and I recommend it highly.

Finally, something I can say yes to. Yes, you recommended this book.

[LizaSymonenko]

I've not read the book.  Are you saying the topic isn't mentioned in that book?

[LizaSymonenko]

Father Seraphim Rose

No.

covered

No.

this topic

No.

in his book "Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future".

No.

It's a good book

No.

and I recommend it highly.

Finally, something I can say yes to. Yes, you recommended this book.

Your comment led me to look up this book. 

Amazon sells it, and in the description of the text, it states:

ORTHODOXY AND THE RELIGION OF THE FUTURE examines in eight chapters these and similar questions facing Christians in the contemporary world. The religious phenomena of today are symptoms of a "new religious consciousness" that is preparing the world religion of the future. Phenomena such as Yoga, Zen, Tantra, Transcendental Meditation, Maharaj-ji, Hare Krishna, UFOs, ...

http://www.amazon.com/Orthodoxy-Religion-Future-Seraphim-Rose/dp/188790400X

...it actually sounds rather interesting.

[jah777]

Amazon sells it, and in the description of the text, it states:

ORTHODOXY AND THE RELIGION OF THE FUTURE examines in eight chapters these and similar questions facing Christians in the contemporary world. The religious phenomena of today are symptoms of a "new religious consciousness" that is preparing the world religion of the future. Phenomena such as Yoga, Zen, Tantra, Transcendental Meditation, Maharaj-ji, Hare Krishna, UFOs, ...

http://www.amazon.com/Orthodoxy-Religion-Future-Seraphim-Rose/dp/188790400X

...it actually sounds rather interesting.

It is a very good book and highly recommended.  While it is a bit dated, it is still very timely and helps in gaining an understanding of the historical roots of much contemporary religious and spiritual phenomena outside of Orthodoxy. 

[Nathanael]

Klaus Kenneth, a famous orthodox convert and a disciple of Elder Sophrony, who practiced Yoga for SEVEN  years says clearly what Yoga really is on this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfSF2ftcpfw

His life story is very interesting.  (his book: "born to  hate reborn to love")

[Jetavan]

Klaus Kenneth, a famous orthodox convert and a disciple of Elder Sophrony, who practiced Yoga for SEVEN  years says clearly what Yoga really is on this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfSF2ftcpfw

His life story is very interesting.  (his book: "born to  hate reborn to love")

Kenneth says that the Hindus know that every "asana", or yoga pose, is linked to a Hindu Deity. Well, some Hindus have also linked every vowel and consonant to a Hindu Deity as well -- or to be more precise, to a Divine aspect.

Do the Hindus have a monopoly on shavasana, just because it may be linked to an aspect of the Divine as understood by Hindus?

[Dominika]

I think my sister (well, in reality my very close cousin), is a good example. She used to be pious Roman Catholic (attending many services and some youth meetings, singing in choir and so on), but she started practicing yoga. In the beginning her behaviour was normal, but then she became a vegetarian, gave up the Church. She's been reading some Buddhist books (even for Christmas I was given such book by her). This revolution had started with yoga.

[stavros_388]

Father Seraphim Rose

No.

covered

No.

this topic

No.

in his book "Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future".

No.

It's a good book

No.

and I recommend it highly.

Finally, something I can say yes to. Yes, you recommended this book.

First of all, I laughed. Second of all, I agree with you regarding this particular book: No.

[Nathanael]

Kenneth says that the Hindus know that every "asana", or yoga pose, is linked to a Hindu Deity. Well, some Hindus have also linked every vowel and consonant to a Hindu Deity as well -- or to be more precise, to a Divine aspect.

Do the Hindus have a monopoly on shavasana, just because it may be linked to an aspect of the Divine as understood by Hindus?

The problem is, that the Hindus invented Yoga out of spiritual need(tool for meditation), spiritual search and they linked it to a Hindu Deity. Yoga was at the very beginning impure and unholy. Vowels and constants didn't came into existence out of a spiritual need. It's a part of our nature. And sure, you can link a part of your nature to a deity, it's just a misuse of the nature, of the original purpose. But Yoga is not a part of our nature; there's no neutral root of Yoga. And today people try to make from a unholy, impure thing, something neutral. :/

And why should I use relaxation practice with Yoga, to calm with it "shattered nerves and relieve sensations of fatigue"? I think a spiritual person (I'm not) don't need that or somebody who tries to be spiritual (in an orthodox way). When you live daily in an atmosphere of repentance, you'll by and by overcome your physical and mental weakness. And when you try to overcome it with Yoga, you'll not learn to overcome some weakness by Grace of God. For example when I use Yoga against impure thoughts, then Christ will loose more and more his role in your spiritual way of salvation, of theosis. When I use it against mental weakness, that I'll never learn to overcome it with the grace of God, with prayer, with humility, with repentance.
Yoga is so attractive, because the effect comes very fast. But the orthodox way of life is a battle, and some effects come just after some months or years. And so (orthodox) people try to overcome some "neutral" part of their life with Yoga.

I think in general people who practiced Yoga before they became orthodox, they stop with it, because they know and feel the danger, but people who start with Yoga as orthodox believer they've difficulties to understand the danger of Yoga.

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