Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

@itsbabytime:

I didn't meant to come across as contradicting you. I find it really interesting that your priest came to this conclusion, and I plan to ask my mom (who works for a church) to ask her Pastor what his thoughts/interpretations are. I would not want to do something that my religion frowned upon...but I'm curious to see if different Clergymen have interpreted the Vatican's article on the matter differently.
I agree that I wouldn't want my DD to do yoga in school if they were talking about the spiritual aspects of it...but IMO, the the movements can be separated from the spiritual aspects.

Message edited 8/22/2013 6:15:39 PM.

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

Honestly, these sound like people who have no idea what yoga is/isn't.

I practice a certain style of yoga (Hot/Bikram) and 99.9% of the time, the people who have shit to say about it, have never done it, or if they have, left the room right away because they became overwhelmed with the heat.

I also am not a religious person at.all and do not see anything that relates to a god or anything like that with my practice.

I actually have been thinking about incorporating some of the breathing exercises into a few of my groups at work (I run a day program for people with acquired brain injuries).

If anything, I feel that many people can benefit from a yoga lifestyle, regardless of what their religious beliefs may be.

In fact, the people who get most up in arms about it could honestly benefit the most IMO because they need to take a chill pill and calm the fluck down.

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

P.S. DS just completed a summer camp program based in a religious institution and they offered yoga classes as part of the program.

Yoga too religious for schools?

I took a yoga class at my old gym and the instructor farted loudly during a pose. This is why I oppose yoga in schools.

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

The main thing I agree with in this article is the parents concern that if they didn't want their child to participate in yoga they should have something else available to them. This I 100% agree with.
I don't see a problem having it offered in public schools. As for Catholic schools, that's up to them.

Many things that calm us/relaxation techniques etc have roots in religions (ex., mindfulness has it's roots in buddhism.) Although Yoga isn't necessarily religious, and doesn't have to be viewed as religious does 100% have it's roots based in certain religious beliefs.

To each their own.

As with most things, I pick and choose what I choose to practice as a Catholic.

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

I think anything can be made to be traced back to religion.

Speaking for myself though, I think the reason I enjoy yoga so much is because there is no judgment involved in it.

If anything, it helps you get over that mindset, especially when it comes to yourself.

Speaking from my own experience though, I see the complete opposite with most "churchgoers".

This is the main reason both myself and DH do not want to be part of a church.

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

Yoga too religious for schools?

Wow, who knew

Didn't realize it was religious

I'm not surprised by some of the views that people have about anything that centers you for calm, peace and harmony. I can see how some people may find it religiously challenging.

Guess I'm just a happy agnostic who figures as long as you aren't preaching death or exclusion, and you are only helping her find her inner peace, I'll allow it. If i feel uncomfortable with it, I'll take her out.

Bad enough she told me that there are cameras in stores so God can always watch you. *sigh*

Yoga too religious for schools?

I went to a very Catholic high School, and Yoga was offered, and I believe still is, for P.E.

Yoga too religious for schools?

I don't find it religious. Have attended classes and it never had a religious component in it at all.

They should have it and have an opt out option for those who don't agree.

If we are even touching on Buddhism or whatever associated with yoga (I think Hindu practices it as well) - many Eastern religions don't even focus on or agree that there are gods I believe. It's more philosophy and tools to get through life in a peaceful way and how to be a good person.

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

Message edited 8/22/2013 8:15:57 PM.

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

Honestly I have no problem at all with yoga in school and find that in its Americanized version can completely be adapted to be about stretching, excersizing, meditating etc. but I really am so surprised that so many people don't find it to be religious, or never felt there was a religious component to it. Maybe it depends on the type of yoga? I've taken yoga classes from well known instructors and definitely did think it was quite religious as well...

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

I am Catholic, and I did yoga for awhile. I do not like yoga at all; I feel casual prayer to be more meditative for me. I took yoga years ago, so I don't remember the exact wording or what exactly was said. However, there was some sort of praise/prayer offered at the end. I just did not participate in that since it's not in line with my beliefs.

I don't really think-at the core-that either side of this debate is ridiculous. If people do not wish to participate in yoga because it's not aligned with their religion beliefs, then I don't see what the big issue is.

On a side note...I am not sure why Catholicism always becomes the symbol of all Christianity in these types of conversations. The Roman Catholic Church is not the only entity in the world that has some controversial beliefs.

Yoga too religious for schools?

Ok now I've heard it all and the tangent this thread went off on has me lolling...

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

The instructors always have ended my classes by saying "Namaste" before they exit the room.

Again, I personally do not see this as being prayer-like at all, but to each his own.

There's always going to be someone who is offended, or more often than not, misinterpret something when it comes to "religion".

Kinda reminds me of the time I worked with an Orthodox Jewish dude who used to make a big deal that Kosher food was not served at company staff meetings. People would go out of their way to purchase a Kosher food item for him and then he wouldn't eat it.



These are the things that happen when you try to please everyone. I'm not trying to be offensive with the top example, but I guess my point is that you can't please everyone and when someone's beliefs are totally against the mainstream, well yes, they do have the option to not participate, bring their own food, etc.

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

I have no problem with yoga in schools as long as it's done in a non secular way. Which I think most yoga in the us is.

For some reason though, I feel like these people would be the first to have a conniption when people refuse to say the pledge.

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

Posted by Otherme



i'm sorry but this thinking is completely ridiculous. It's exercise. They're not teaching children to pray or chant or even reach out to any spiritual anythings while doing yoga - they're doing a good thing in trying to get them to get off their asses and be healthy!


(and ftr, a ouija board IS a game, trust me. That's all i can say about the post above without probably coming across as offensive)

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

Yoga too religious for schools?

Are we really becoming THAT society??? {{shaking head}}

And I'm sorry, the vatican and clergy...not really taking their word for much these days. Open your mind. Think for yourself. It's a series of exercises that stretch your body and calm the mind. In this test crazy, electronics happy society, yoga is a nice escape.

And what I really want to say about this??? That's another thread entirely.

Message edited 8/23/2013 7:52:13 AM.

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

Posted by MissJones

Are we really becoming THAT society??? {{shaking head}}

And I'm sorry, the vatican and clergy...not really taking their word for much these days. Open your mind. Think for yourself. It's a series of exercises that stretch your body and calm the mind. In this test crazy, electronics happy society, yoga is a nice escape.

And what I really want to say about this??? That's another thread entirely.

Message edited 8/23/2013 8:19:46 AM.

Re: Yoga too religious for schools?

I think this is a good discussion and good to read different views. I think people forget that everything we do is derived from some belief from some point in history. Do strict practicing Catholics not have a Christmas tree or celebrate Halloween because they have Pagan roots??

Also some scholars suggest at some point in his life Jesus lived in India, meditated and practiced Yoga.

Message edited 8/23/2013 8:32:19 AM.

Yoga too religious for schools?

I think Yoga can have a religious aspect to it, but I do not personally feel that it is against my religious beliefs in the way that I practice it or in the way that children would practice it in schools.

However, I think it is pretty RUDE and OBNOXIOUS that someone clearly stated how it could be interpreted that way in a very respectful and clear manner and that person is being mocked.

Yes, there is an obvious majority sentiment on this topic, but that does not mean that people should be discouraged from posting their opposing views as long as it is done in a respectful manner.