Some Christians wrongly see Yoga as evil, often due to misunderstanding its roots and purpose.
I was hosting friends this week and we got into a religious discourse. He’s Catholic and I’m Hindu. The conversation steered towards Yoga. He said his priest told him “Yoga is Evil.” I kept an open mind; however, I felt myself becoming offended. Not at him, but at the priest.
Let me enlighten you
Yoga originated in ancient India as a spiritual and philosophical practice, and it’s tied to Hinduism. At its core, true Yoga is about union, it refers to the union of the individual self with the universal consciousness (God). The crux of true Yoga is to transcend the ego, quiet the mind, and realize your true self – your soul – which is divine and eternal and one with the universe (God).
For Hindus, true Yoga is:
· A path towards spiritual self-realization
· A way to connect mind, body and soul
· Deeply rooted in Vedic teachings, dharma, and practices like meditation and mantra
· A practice of balance, discipline, and harmony
Westernized Yoga is not true Yoga.
Let’s be honest – In most gyms, studios, and Instagram feeds, western yoga tends to focus on:
· Physical fitness (flexibility, strength, toning)
· Stress Relief and relaxation
· Aesthetic appeal (perfect poses, yoga bodies)
· Maybe a bit of mindfulness and breathing – but usually light on spiritual depth
In other words, it’s reduced to exercise with a sprinkle of feel-good vibes.
The Difference:
| Aspect | Traditional Yoga | Western Yoga |
| Goal | Self-realization, union with divine | Physical Health, stress relief |
| Philosophy | Deeply spiritual & holistic (include ethics, devotion, etc) | Often detached from spiritual root |
| Practice | Includes meditation, breathwork, inner inquiry and devotion | Mostly postures, sometimes breathwork |
| Cultural Root | Rooted in Hinduism | Often commercialized, sometimes appropriated |
| Approach | Humble, inward journey | Sometimes “ego” driven (achieving the perfect post) |
To the priest and any other priests or people of other religions who think Yoga is evil, here is what I have to say to you:
Your lack of understanding is not a license to disrespect.
Just because something is unfamiliar or outside of someone’s personal belief system doesn’t make it evil.
That kind of labeling reflects more on your fear and close-mindedness than the truth about Yoga.
If your belief system is solid and rooted, they won’t feel threatened by a Western Yoga pose or a breathing technique.
When you think about it logically:
· If a practice brings you peace, discipline, and self-awareness, wouldn’t a spiritual path encourage that?
· Shouldn’t your faith empower you to discern what’s good for your well-being – not make you fearful of anything unfamiliar?
· Isn’t part of spiritual maturity being able to say, “This helps me, and it doesn’t take me away from my beliefs – it brings me more peace within them?
Blind Obedience does not equal to Faith
Telling someone not to do Yoga just because “the priest said so” is like saying:
· “Don’t eat vegetables because someone told you they’re suspicious.”
It’s fear-based control – not spiritual guidance.
Yoga is not trying to convert you
Yoga isn’t asking anyone to switch religion. It’s offering tools:
· To manage your nervous system
· To become present
· To face your inner world
· To live more consciously and compassionately.
Yoga is a sacred and ancient part of my religion and culture. You don’t have to practice it or agree with its philosophy, but please don’t call it evil.
