Yoga seems all about self. Think about it, our culture has a bunch of "self help", "the power is within" philosophies floating around with tons of books that frankly have been misleading people down the wrong path. When you focus on yourself too much, you'll get depressed. Actually a famous psychoanalyst was asked this question: " If you were so depressed and could not snap out of it, what would you do?" He said that he would go out and help someone and when he was done, He would find someone else to help. That gets the focus off you and the depression or stress begins to fade and disappear.
In Eastern thought and religion it's all about the power within you and that you need to tap into it to find inner peace. Jesus gives a us peace, not the peace that the world offers ...or yoga.
But let's go back 150 years to a time when the USA was growing, everyone was working towards building towns, their own homes, farming, hunting, trading - all pioneers, rough and tough cowboys. Lets say a Yogi came along and attracted some souls, influenced them to join him. Kids gathered around, started doing these exercises, came home and started to practice. "Mom and Dad, I need to decompress, It's releaving me from stress ... I'll need some extra time during the day alone in my sanctuary to do this." THE Dad looks at the Mom disturbed, then back at the kid and says, " Fat chance grasshopper, get off your butt and do your chores! Chores will naturally stretch the body and exercise it adequately - get to work or don't eat!"
God wants us to work and also enjoy life. He doesn't want us to get self focused, searching within ourselves, He wants us to die to self. There is so much junk inside that's it's best to get off of yourself and focus on things above. He doesn't want us to empty our minds, He wants us to be transformed by His Word.
