The idea that one should abandon one's own Faith (be that Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, New Age, Wiccan, or what-have-you), and somehow
fork over all that one regards as Sacred and Holy ... adopting instead, the teachiings of Hinduism ... is not what is up for discussion. That Hinduism may be the "Soul of Yoga," being as how the various Yoga Schools are all certainly of Eastern origin, and based on the Vedanta Philosophy ... is also not the issue.
The question is, if one practices a given form of Yoga, or
adapts certain practices - such as the stretches or
asanas of hatha yoga - does this mean he or she is neglecting the Christian Faith, tradition, practices, etc? Is there, in fact, a "hidden agenda?"
The article by Swami Abhedananda makes a very good cases, or I should even say
demonstrates, that by the same standards HINDUs use to judge or determine whether a person is an accomplished Yogin, Christ Jesus fit the bill on ALL COUNTS. He was accomplished as a Hatha Yogin, a Bhakti Yogin, a Karma Yogin, and a Raja Yogin. I should also point out, that he was an early exponent of what is only gradually being given to Humanity at this point:
Agni Yoga (the Teaching of Living Ethics). He was, and
remains in fact, it's
foremost exponent!
Nor was Christ Jesus the first, or most recent, to accomplish what he accomplished ...
in terms of the Yoga disciplines, specifically, but also in terms of Spiritual accomplishment, more generally.
It is of
greatest interest to me, personally, to discuss & celebrate Christ's
unique accomplishments, and try to discern in what ways we may
emulate these ... at least, or if only, on a smaller scale - although the man did say,
"Greater things than this, YE shall do ... (for I go unto the Father)." And of course, we proceeded to cut his earthly life, and Mission,
short. Just imagine what might have occurred, had Humanity accepted, rather than murdered the Savior.
In my last sentence, you may - if you like - see the kindred spirit of an
aspiring follower of Christ, in your midst. Christ has always taught me (and us, if I recall correctly), to welcome those of other mindsets, of other spiritual disciplines, and even of other religious backgrounds altogether, to
break bread with Him ... and although I dare say it is difficult sometimes to put our feet where He put His, this is still,
imho, what I think we are all Called for.
It's just that Christ calls us
each, in our own (or HIS own) Way ... and John 10:16 speaks to this.
In Christ,
~Zagreus, Andrew, Taijasi ... whatever you like
(And if I come off sounding like "I am enlightened, you are in error," then you already know - by my attitude - that I am not. Actions often speak louder than words, so in the least, I should speak less,
and do more. Does this mean that those who seek to Witness in Christ's Name -
whatever their chosen denomination or path - should abandon their calling, until they are perfect? Certainly not. Do not ask this, then, of your
Brother, who is equally imperfect,
whatever path I choose to walk. I believe that there is but One Christ, Who walks with us all. And He has His Masters, who likewise bring Love and Light to the world ... and They their disciples, who also do so
as best they are able. All serve the One Purpose, whether or not this is immediately clear. In
John 10:16, it shines for me, like the Sun.
)
