Question: Dear
Father Andrew, please help me to figure out which position to take with regard
to yoga as a physical practice. I did yoga for a long time, and I even trained
a group. I regarded the clean-up of the body by physical exercise similar to the
daily household chores that we all do. When I came to the church, I did an
extensive research on the Church opinion about yoga as a system of physical
exercises and finally realised that it is alien to the Orthodox spirit. Four
years have passed since I stopped teaching yoga but those whom I taught
sometimes meet me and ask if I’m thinking of gathering a group again. They want
to do some kind of exercise to improve their health and boost their energy. I’m
in doubt: is it a temptation? Should I try to coach them, if what I teach is going
to be closer to the Orthodox spirit? Anna.
Answer
by Fr. Andrew Lemeshonok: People who are initially leading an
external, emotionally-driven life want to remain lively and energetic, and they
use physical exercise to be in shape, which helps them in their lives. Little
by little, they discover that there is the soul living in that body, and in the
same way that the body requires motion, the soul requires God, prayer, and
repentance, too.
The doctrine that lies at the roots of
yoga is unacceptable for the Orthodox, in spite of the fine-tuned and time-honoured
exercises that stimulate agility and make an individual more robust. This
doctrine teaches that a human being can do everything; that he is able to climb
the heaven using his own power. Its chief principle is “I can do it,” that is,
an individual gets puffed up in his own eyes; he tries to exercise his huge
potential, which is present in each one of us. It leads to pride. That is why
you should avoid yoga at all costs. As far as physical exercises in general are
concerned…
There are people who suffer because they don’t
get enough exercise: they have a sedentary lifestyle, while they are still
young and their bodies need to be fit. If possible, everyone should keep fit. I
think it would be great if you organise a group, find certain exercises, and
combine them with Orthodoxy, with the spiritual vigilance. It can be your
ministry. If you are a good coach (apparently, people remember and respect
you), you will be very helpful for those who join your group. You can do some
exercises and then read the Gospel, for example, and then pray for each other
or go and confess in the church. I would recommend you to gather a group of people.
Perhaps, it may even become a fitness centre in the end. People need it because
they need to keep fit. If it’s combined with Orthodoxy, it will be great!
September 20, 2018
St. Elisabeth Convent
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