Yoga and the Way of Jesus

I started an article series at examiner.com on "A Comparative Study of the Eight Limbs of Yoga and the Teachings of Christ". I add a local resource in the article as well for those who live in the Chicagoland area.

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Photo taken at Hyatt Spa in Indian Wells, Ca.

A constant theme in Jesus’s message was that inward introspection, loving thoughts and a rich internal dialogue with God was the way to connection to the Divine. This connection brings clarity, contentment, discipline, spiritual growth and surrender to the higher Power. Jesus saw how people become fixated with outward appearances, good deeds for recognition and spiritual acts for approval. He by example shows us how meeting the needs of the soul and body provided the pathway to contentment. He teaches that love is the highest need. We can choose to have love dictate our thoughts and actions.

                Similarly in the second limb of Yoga, the practice is to incorporate a way of life that promotes love through nourishing one’s own mind, body and soul. What we take in from our surroundings through eyes, ears, touch and intuition affects our experience in the moment. Jesus calls people to Himself to rest and let go of the stuff that burdens their souls. He says “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (The book of Mathew, Chapter 11, verses 28-30).”

                “True transformation, healing, and creativity flow out of present moment awareness, which means relinquishing your attachment to the past and embracing uncertainty”. –Deepak Chopra