The sole purpose of yoga is to draw closer to God. The great sage Patanjali compiled the wisdom of yoga into the original guidebook called How to Know God several centuries before Christ. Most Americans practice "gym class yoga" where God is never mentioned. Or they practice yoga in a studio filled with Hindu gods and Sanskrit chanting. Patanjali's text centers around 8 methods to develop a close relationship with our divine Creator God. Traditional yoga poses are just one of the eight "limbs" of yoga, and are simply intended to remove physical roadblocks to celebrating God's presence in our life.

Redeeming Yoga has three goals:

• to redeem yoga from the way it is being currently practiced in the U.S. and restore its authentic spiritual roots
• to educate people about the radically redemptive power of a Christ-centered yoga practice
• to advocate the use of yoga as a valuable Christian spiritual practice--as often in the church it is misunderstood, condemned or banned

What yoga is:

• A time-tested set of spiritual, mental and physical disciplines
• A remarkable way to discover God's will for you
• A daily program that integrates your spiritual and physical life
• A proven way to enhance your health and wellbeing
• The most effective lifetime wellness program

What yoga is not:

• the Hindu or Buddhist religion. Hindus and Buddhists use yoga methods in their spiritual practices, just as most people of faith use prayer as a way to access God. Yoga techniques are just as applicable to a Christ-centered practice.
• a physical fitness program. The sole purpose of yoga is to draw closer to God. Physical movements and healthy breathing techniques are simply ways to remove roadblocks to God and equip yourself to do God's work in the world.
• a mind-control cult. Christians have a long tradition of reflection and meditation. Yoga meditation techniques are an excellent way to usher in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Eight Limbs of Yoga

Patanjali originally described a hierarchy of tools to draw closer to God, listed below. According to his precepts, you wouldn't dream of learning advanced yoga techniques until you had scrubbed your ethics. Likewise, you will not be able to meditate properly until you learn to sit still, concentrate and withdraw.

1. Abstain from evil (from harming others, greed, lying, theft and incontinence)
2. Personal observances (purity, contentment, humility, study, and devotion to God)
3. Postures
4. Control of life force energy (breathing)
5. Withdrawal from sense objects
6. Concentration
7. Meditation
8. Absorption into the Godhead that dwells within the body

Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:20-21

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