What is Church teaching on yoga and reiki?

[Michie]

Q: Can you explain the church’s teachings about yoga and reiki? Recently a priest gave a presentation in which he said that, to avoid the devil, Catholics should also avoid things like palm readers and ouija boards. He also mentioned yoga and reiki. I’ve practiced yoga on and off for many years and have found no religious references to it in my practices. My experience has been a western, non-religious practice for strength, deep breathing and calmness. I became familiar with reiki when I had cancer and received reiki treatments. Over recent years, medical practices and hospitals use reiki to help patients with relaxation and pain reduction.

A: First, this priest was absolutely correct in saying that Catholics should avoid things like palm readers, ouija boards or anything else related to the occult. Not only can engaging in such activities open us up to contact with evil spirits, but these activities are also a sin against the first commandment.

Continued below.

What is Church teaching on yoga and reiki?

Explores the Catholic Church’s perspective on yoga and reiki, distinguishing physical practices from spiritual risks with guidance.

www.oursundayvisitor.com

 

[JimR-OCDS]

This conversation has been going on for the past 20 years. Listen to this;

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

We probably need to differentiate "Yoga" from "Therapeutic Stretching". Yoga is a particular kind of therapeutic stretching that comes with esoteric theory and all kinds of putative (favorite word there) energize, channels, etc. What is often overlooked is a moral code (Yamas and Niyamas) that are identical to some Christian virtues. But it comes down s to "What do you think you are doing?" and "What do you want to do?"

 

[JimR-OCDS]

We probably need to differentiate "Yoga" from "Therapeutic Stretching". Yoga is a particular kind of therapeutic stretching that comes with esoteric theory and all kinds of putative (favorite word there) energize, channels, etc. What is often overlooked is a moral code (Yamas and Niyamas) that are identical to some Christian virtues. But it comes down s to "What do you think you are doing?" and "What do you want to do?"

I agree that the term Yoga brings a lot of baggage and misunderstanding with it.

Most Americans do what a priest called, "Gym Yoga." That is, the exercises for
physical health and nothing to do with the spiritual aspects that Hindu's may
do.

I've been doing Yoga for the past 40 years and its the "Gym Yoga" version.
Lots of postures that stimulate muscles. In fact, many of the postures, you
can see a toddler doing when they are crawling around the floor.

Most of the postures bring back the flexibility that was lost as we grew physically.

 

[RileyG]

I personally stay away from them.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

In fact, many of the postures, you
can see a toddler doing when they are crawling around the floor.

Wow! You must be a pro. I wish I could do what a toddler does.

 

[FaithT]

I agree that the term Yoga brings a lot of baggage and misunderstanding with it.

Most Americans do what a priest called, "Gym Yoga." That is, the exercises for
physical health and nothing to do with the spiritual aspects that Hindu's may
do.

I've been doing Yoga for the past 40 years and its the "Gym Yoga" version.
Lots of postures that stimulate muscles. In fact, many of the postures, you
can see a toddler doing when they are crawling around the floor.

Most of the postures bring back the flexibility that was lost as we grew physically.

I just received the book Out of the New Age and Into the Truth by Jennifer Nizza from Amazon. I just started it last night (skimming) and am in the middle of another book so I don’t know when I’ll get to it but it does discuss yoga and how it’s bad to become involved with, but it also said something about Holy Water too, that I either misunderstood or maybe not. This author isn’t Catholic.
Theres also a part about meditation and “breathwork”. I didnt see what she means by breathwork but if if conflicts with therapy for anxiety, I have a problem with that. I assume it means calming breaths and there is nothing wrong with breathing to calm oneself down, IMO.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Wow! You must be a pro. I wish I could do what a toddler does.

Not all, but I've watched my grandsons when they were toddlers. They did
downward facing dog, screaming pigeon, and other postures that are done
in yoga. Not all are yoga postures and not everyone can do them, but it
was just an observance I had at the time.

 

[fide]

Q: Can you explain the church’s teachings about yoga and reiki? Recently a priest gave a presentation in which he said that, to avoid the devil, Catholics should also avoid things like palm readers and ouija boards. He also mentioned yoga and reiki. I’ve practiced yoga on and off for many years and have found no religious references to it in my practices. My experience has been a western, non-religious practice for strength, deep breathing and calmness. I became familiar with reiki when I had cancer and received reiki treatments. Over recent years, medical practices and hospitals use reiki to help patients with relaxation and pain reduction.

A: First, this priest was absolutely correct in saying that Catholics should avoid things like palm readers, ouija boards or anything else related to the occult. Not only can engaging in such activities open us up to contact with evil spirits, but these activities are also a sin against the first commandment.

Continued below.

What is Church teaching on yoga and reiki?

Explores the Catholic Church’s perspective on yoga and reiki, distinguishing physical practices from spiritual risks with guidance.

www.oursundayvisitor.com

The following are the first 6 website summaries to the search: “What is the spiritual background or meaning of yoga?”

• The spiritual roots of yoga offer a rich tapestry of wisdom and practices designed to unite the body, mind, and spirit. By understanding and embracing these roots, practitioners can experience the profound transformative power of yoga.
• Yoga has deep spiritual roots that originate primarily in ancient Indian religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. These traditions used yoga as a means to achieve spiritual growth, meditation, and even enlightenment, blending practices of the body and mind.
• Yoga is more than just a physical exercise; it's steeped in profound spiritual meaning and ancient wisdom. In this guide, we'll delve into the serene world of yoga spirituality, uncovering the myriad spiritual meanings these powerful practices carry.
• The spiritual aspect of yoga emphasizes the attainment of peace and clarity of mind, while perfecting the posture is of secondary importance. When we practice yoga with a spiritual outlook, we acknowledge that the end purpose is transformation and awakening of our true Inner Self.
• Discover why yoga is revered as a spiritual practice that transcends mere physicality. This article explores its roots in ancient traditions, the significance of mindfulness and meditation, and the journey toward self-discovery.
• Beyond movements and breath control, yoga is a journey toward balance, purpose, and spiritual awakening. Through disciplined practice, it guides individuals toward self-realization and ultimate liberation (moksha), making it a timeless path to holistic well-being and deeper understanding of life.

These indicate that there is a well-developed spirituality that is the greater meaning or purpose of life to be found in yoga.

Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also …” (Jn 14:6-7)

Christians believe the Triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - created us all, redeemed us through the Cross of Christ the Son, can fill us with the eternal and holy Life of God Himself, and invites us to live with Him eternally in Holiness.

Question: Is Jesus a liar and/or simply does not know about the bliss of X-ism (fill in the blank with any non-Christian “way, truth, life”, because “actually Yoga (or any other pagan faith you choose) offers us something much much better here and now in its superior wisdom unknown to the Holy Trinity?

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Once again, the Church does not teach we shouldn't do Yoga exercises.

Here is a Catholic site on the explanation.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

Question: Is Jesus a liar and/or simply does not know about the bliss of X-ism (fill in the blank with any non-Christian “way, truth, life”, because “actually Yoga (or any other pagan faith you choose) offers us something much much better here and now in its superior wisdom unknown to the Holy Trinity?

Yoga is part of the quest of human understanding and striving for liberation. There need not be competition with Jesus at all. Anything can come a long to compete with Jesus in our own hearts. Even spiritual practices within 'Christian" tradition if they feed the ego rather than the love of God.

Reiki is another matter. It especially bothers me when it is presented as a legitimate medical intervention. It is pseudoscience with spirituality thrown in. Same goes for Therapeutic Touch.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

Not all, but I've watched my grandsons when they were toddlers. They did
downward facing dog, screaming pigeon, and other postures that are done
in yoga. Not all are yoga postures and not everyone can do them, but it
was just an observance I had at the time.

Now that I am older I am glad that I at least kept with leg and back stretches. Anything beyond that is now dangerous for me. I went back to the gym yesterday and did some light weight lifting. It felt pretty good and my body wanted to hold better posture.

I might add the Eastern spirituality has never scared me. I like Bede Griffiths and Thomas Merton. In fact if it were not for yoga I might not have awakened to my own Christian tradition.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Now that I am older I am glad that I at least kept with leg and back stretches. Anything beyond that is now dangerous for me. I went back to the gym yesterday and did some light weight lifting. It felt pretty good and my body wanted to hold better posture.

I might add the Eastern spirituality has never scared me. I like Bede Griffiths and Thomas Merton. In fact if it were not for yoga I might not have awakened to my own Christian tradition.

The thing observing toddlers showed me is that had I kept doing the various postures as they do,
the postures would be easier for me today.

I'm currently reading, "Zen Spirit and Christian Spirit," by Robert E. Kennedy.
Fr Kennedy, SJ, is a Jesuit who has trained in Zen for 20 years and has even studied
under Zen Buddhists masters. His book merely shows the similarities between
Christians and Zen Buddhists, which are very different, but some things are the same.
As he learned, Zen isn't a religion, nor a philosophy. It isn't even about life but is life.

The spiritual assistant of my former OCDS group told me that he is Zen Christian.
What does that mean?

To follow the principles of Zen, is to follow reality. It is to be in union with God
as God is, not as I perceive God to be. A person who follows true Christianity,
doesn't go running after miracles, apparitions and wear religious objects, in order to satisfy
their belief. A Zen Christian follows the will of God as God wills and not as they themselves will.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

A Zen Christian follows the will of God as God wills and not as they themselves will.

That should be every Christian. And yet it is certainly not. I always thought of Zen as mental hygiene.

We so easily let ourselves be seduced by a "web, spun out of jargon and pious phrases which we have lifted from books and sermons and with which we conceal, rather than reveal what is in us." - Merton

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

I'm currently reading, "Zen Spirit and Christian Spirit," by Robert E. Kennedy.

BTW, if you are a big enough nerd, James H. Austin is the guy to read when it comes to meditation and the brain.

Zen and The Brain

James H Austin website

www.zenandthebrain.com

How Does Meditation Train Attention? - Barre Center for Buddhist Studies

“Attention, attention, attention!” —Zen Master Ikku’s answers when asked for the source of the highest wisdom It helps to conceptualize meditation as an attentive art, so let’s start with meditation’s two basic categories. The first kind employs an effortful, sustained attention. This variety of...

www.buddhistinquiry.org

 

[fide]

Yoga is part of the quest of human understanding and striving for liberation. There need not be competition with Jesus at all. Anything can come a long to compete with Jesus in our own hearts. Even spiritual practices within 'Christian" tradition if they feed the ego rather than the love of God.

Reiki is another matter. It especially bothers me when it is presented as a legitimate medical intervention. It is pseudoscience with spirituality thrown in. Same goes for Therapeutic Touch.

When I first realized that Jesus is truly God, and became also Man to dwell among us to - HimSelf! - teach and do what is pleasing to God, and which is also our vocation - by His intention to follow and live - then I can't see how any mere human ideas or conclusions or experiences that are not His - not immediately from and of God, Jesus, HIs Father and their Spirit - I can't see how that could be at best a waste of time, and at worst a futile trek in a wrong direction. How can anything of man be an improvement over what is of God? It can easily be much worse, and very harmful.

We have very little time in this life, which passes very quickly. The path to true holiness is a difficult one, calling for our total gift of self to God. The human mind is very clever in its protective deceits to hold on to its own autonomy, which it thinks is "freedom." No, freedom is a life in Truth, in full embrace of the beautiful will of God.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

When I first realized that Jesus is truly God, and became also Man to dwell among us to - HimSelf! - teach and do what is pleasing to God, and which is also our vocation - by His intention to follow and live - then I can't see how any mere human ideas or conclusions or experiences that are not His - not immediately from and of God, Jesus, HIs Father and their Spirit - I can't see how that could be at best a waste of time, and at worst a futile trek in a wrong direction. How can anything of man be an improvement over what is of God? It can easily be much worse, and very harmful.

We have very little time in this life, which passes very quickly. The path to true holiness is a difficult one, calling for our total gift of self to God. The human mind is very clever in its protective deceits to hold on to its own autonomy, which it thinks is "freedom." No, freedom is a life in Truth, in full embrace of the beautiful will of God.

I don't disagree.

Let us also recognize that even within our own Christian tradition we are subject to clever tricks of the ego. We see it here on this Christian forum all the time. Dying to self is the sine qua non of discipleship. And yet it is actually pretty rare. The self often finds a protective home in its favorite versions of religion.

Yoga and Buddhism predate Christianity. They lack so much that only Christ can offer. And yet they each can offer their own wisdom and insights.

" The Church, therefore, exhorts her sons, that through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions, carried out with prudence and love and in witness to the Christian faith and life, they recognize, preserve and promote the good things, spiritual and moral, as well as the socio-cultural values found among these men." Nostra Aetate #2

 

[Valletta]

Once again, the Church does not teach we shouldn't do Yoga exercises.

Here is a Catholic site on the explanation.

Realize this is just the opinion of one individual. It is best to stay away from Yoga and anything that promotes non-Christian spirituality.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Realize this is just the opinion of one individual. It is best to stay away from Yoga and anything that promotes non-Christian spirituality.

But he's correct and I've heard priests say the same thing.

If you can't separate Hindu spirituality from the exorcise, then you'll have a problem
doing any exorcise, for much comes out of Greek culture. As it is, if you go to
most gym classes, you'll end up doing yoga stretching without even knowing it.
Yoga stretching is part of the exorcise routines in most of the exorcise programs.
Are you worshiping pagan gods doing these stretches? Of course not.

 

[fide]

I don't disagree.

Let us also recognize that even within our own Christian tradition we are subject to clever tricks of the ego. We see it here on this Christian forum all the time. Dying to self is the sine qua non of discipleship. And yet it is actually pretty rare. The self often finds a protective home in its favorite versions of religion.

Yoga and Buddhism predate Christianity. They lack so much that only Christ can offer. And yet they each can offer their own wisdom and insights.

" The Church, therefore, exhorts her sons, that through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions, carried out with prudence and love and in witness to the Christian faith and life, they recognize, preserve and promote the good things, spiritual and moral, as well as the socio-cultural values found among these men." Nostra Aetate #2

Yes, dying to self is rare! And it is TRUE. We are not called to follow what is easier, but what (who) is true. We must follow what is true - not what is popular, or what seems easier, or what fits with all the "cool kids" in academia, or in my ring of friends, or anything more attractive for any reason. Only what is True is eternal: all falsity will - must - collapse into its own contradictions. I am sorry to hear anyone defend anything less than the simple will of God. What could be more self-evident than the reality of the affirmation God IS Truth. The only question we ought to have is, where can I find this Truth? How can I find all of this Truth? And God has shown us, and revealed to us, all that we need. ALL that we need. We need only to find within us, the will to follow Him.