Yes! Christians can practice Yoga!

Not all Christ-centered yoga practices are equal, and at C1Y2 Yoga, we distinguish ourselves by focusing solely on the teachings of Jesus without incorporating any mantras, mudras (hand symbols) mala (prayer beads) or any forms of mysticism. The Bible provides clear guidance on worshiping God and avoiding idolatry. Deuteronomy 12:4 states, “You shall not worship the Lord your God with such things”

Worship must stem from a sincere heart and align with biblical truths, as emphasized in Exodus 20:3-5, where God commands no other gods before Him.

Yoga is a philosophy; it is not a religion, nor do you have to be religious to practice yoga.  Yoga is nonsectarian and has the ability to deepen anyone’s faith. We believe He is the only way to the Father and Heaven, as John 14:6 reads, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

In yoga practice, maintaining reverence towards God is essential. Each posture, breath, and moment of stillness should invite connection with Him, preventing idolatry. By centering our practice on Scripture and worship, we affirm our commitment to God's command and cultivate genuine communion. We uphold the Bible as the infallible Word of God and assert that there is one path to Heaven, through the Son, Jesus Christ, as stated in John 14:6 and John 3:3. Contrarily, some 'Christians' deny the Bible's authority, suggesting multiple pathways to God, which is not scriptural.

Origins Of Christian Yoga

The concept of "Christian Yoga," or Christ-Centered Yoga, was introduced to the Western world by A.K. Mozumdar, a Hindu born in India in 1881, embarked on his journey seeking enlightenment that ultimately led him to convert to Christianity. Arriving in America in 1903, he found a home just outside of Seattle, Washington, establishing himself as one of the first East Indian teachers in the United States. This transition was met with significant resistance; his family and the Hindu community ostracized him for his newfound faith. Undeterred, Mozumdar made important contributions to Christian thought, notably publishing the first known Christian Yoga magazine from Spokane, WA.

His legacy continued posthumously with the publication of "The Triumphant Spirit: Lesson Book of the Ages" in January 1978, where his teachings and writings resonated with both spiritual and practical insights, embodying the Christ message for a contemporary audience. To put it simply, Christian Yoga has existed longer than man has experienced flight.

What does YOGA Mean?

The term "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which means "to yoke" or "to unite” and aligns with the spiritual journey of connecting with Jesus Christ. Through yoga, we seek harmony in body, mind, spirit, and soul, inviting us to dwell in Christ and follow His teachings.

In the Bible, "yoke" signifies a bond or union, often linked to the practice of yoking oxen for labor. This is evident in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites the weary to accept His yoke, suggesting that following Him lightens their burdens. The yoke represents a partnership with Christ, highlighting the importance of yielding to His guidance for support and compassion.

The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), emphasizing the importance of honoring God with these vessels. Every movement and breath can tribute His work. By nurturing our health through yoga, we improve well-being and express gratitude for life. This perspective turns each posture and intention into an Act of Prayer and Worship in harmony of body, mind, spirit, and soul in exalting the Creator.