Judge allows Yoga in Public schools, rejects Church-State Fight

Originally posted by Taissa
I love yoga, but it is a spiritual practice that does not belong in the public school. It should not be forced as part of a curriculum, manipulated as being for health benefits only. It is deeply rooted in a spiritual belief.

Not here it isn't. It's an exercise regimen.

If we cannot allow Christian or other religious prayers in school, then it's not fair to teach Yoga either.

What physical training does Christianity provide?

Originally posted by Superhans

Originally posted by Thundersmurf

Originally posted by Superhans
To say yoga is not religious is just stupid, it would be like saying prayer is not religious if you called it happy time and did it silent.

I couldn't disagree with you more. I've practiced yoga many times throughout my life and not one single time was there any mention of a god, spirits, faith in the almighty, divine blessings, praying, etc - basically, nothing to do at all with any form of religion or religious worship.

It's simply a good form of exercise. I don't see why so many people are saying it's a religious act and making such a big deal out of it.

What next? - Pilates is devil worship?

That is just a stupid thing to say, yoga has a very clear religious background. Its not like they are calling math religion just for the hell of it.

A stupid thing to say? Well, that's just your opinion. The point I, and many others in this thread, make is from personal experience. From all the books, dvd's, classes, and friends' experiences of yoga, not once has religion come in to it at all. I also don't view Christmas as religious even though that has strong religious ties; it's a time to gather family, have a big meal, exchange gifts, and have some well deserved time off.

So for me, and many others, yoga is not religious. That's just a fact, and not at all stupid

Originally posted by intrepid

Not here it isn't. It's an exercise regimen.

You labeling it "physical education" in your previous post and "an exercise regimen" in this one doesnt make it so.

Even in basic Hatha Yoga (Physical Yoga) there are still plenty of movements that are spiritual...such as "greeting the sun".

As already shown in this thread, Yoga that is purely physical is not Yoga.

Originally posted by Skyfloating

Originally posted by intrepid

Not here it isn't. It's an exercise regimen.

You labeling it "physical education" in your previous post and "an exercise regimen" in this one doesnt make it so.

Semantics that mean the same thing.

Even in basic Hatha Yoga (Physical Yoga) there are still plenty of movements that are spiritual...such as "greeting the sun".

Are they teaching that? Or are they focusing on the exercises?

Originally posted by Benevolent Heretic
reply to post by Thundersmurf

 

Originally posted by Thundersmurf
What next? - Pilates is devil worship?

It IS??? Oh, crap! Now I'm going to have to stop worshiping the devil AND practicing religion! How am I supposed to get my exercise? Is swimming religious?

Swimming? Don't be daft, unless you're doing the breast stroke of course.

On a serious note, and to all those in this thread who claim that yoga is a religious act, how can any physical act that is used primarily for exercise be religious? I don't think there's a way to debate with these people; we all know that you can't reason someone out of a position that they haven't reasoned themselves in to.

Originally posted by Afewloosescrews
“There is no physical yoga and spiritual yoga. If it is exclusively physical, it won’t be yoga. Yoga is dealing with the entirety; it is a union.” – Prashant Iyengar, son of B.K.S Iyengar

'Nough said?

There is such an apparent double standard going on here, it's really difficult to even take some of these posts seriously. In my view, there isn't even an argument to be had here. Do we allow religion in schools or don't we? If the answer is no, Yoga, by definition must be rejected.

What if all the same exercises were carried out, with none of the religious/spiritual stuff, and we called it Yogacise? Would that be acceptable in schools in your opinion?

Originally posted by intrepid

Semantics that mean the same thing.

Are they teaching that? Or are they focusing on the exercises?

Yoga is not "just physical exercise". You cant expect to get a six-pack with Yoga. Even the basic Yoga stretches have spiritual correspondences on how energy-flows through the body. Teaching Yoga without these explanations is nonsense. If they are just focusing on exercises it might as well be called Pilates.

Originally posted by MichaelPMaccabee
You don't actually seem to understand the "No True Scotsman" fallacy. You say you take the yoga practitioner's word as to why he practices over a self imposed definition created by an ATS poster, but that's the entire point.

I am an atheistic yoga practitioner, however to you, I am wrong because your definition of yoga doesn't allow for that.

That is an incorrect assumption of my logic.

Yoga has no God, so being atheistic (without God) and practicing Yoga; go hand and hand without issue.

It is the definition of "religion" and the need for a God to exist in the mind of a practicianer for something to be "religious" that we are not in agreement on.

In my opinion your practising of Yoga is a religious experience void of a God relationship outside of self; thus remaining atheistic (without God), while also being "religious".

In your opinion a God must exist within a mind for a mind to be "religious"

I respect your opinion on the matter and and as such I understand your view of Yoga being non-religious to you.

God Bless,

Originally posted by ElohimJD
.

It is the definition of "religion" and the need for a God to exist in the mind of a practicianer for something to be "religious" that we are not in agreement on.

Yoga requires belief in the supernatural ("energies") as well as faith (in the existence of chakras for instance)...it is therefore religiously based.

Buddhism has no God either, but also requires belief in the supernatural.

Originally posted by Skyfloating
If they are just focusing on exercises it might as well be called Pilates.

So it's the term that's getting people bent out of shape. Wooooo. "We're teaching the basic concepts of yoga here children because it is an excellent workout and will help you to not be injured as easily. We will call it something else though because "yoga" scares people."

Originally posted by Taissa
I love yoga, but it is a spiritual practice that does not belong in the public school. It should not be forced as part of a curriculum, manipulated as being for health benefits only. It is deeply rooted in a spiritual belief. If we cannot allow Christian or other religious prayers in school, then it's not fair to teach Yoga either.

They do make an effort to hide that from the kids, like the crisscross applesauce pose instead of lotus position. Of which I wonder if it is a reference to the apple, but that would just be humor really. But many fail on their almost religious defense/denial about it in this topic. If there's nothing going on then why all the fuss and if the program significantly changed yoga why still call it yoga.

I wouldn't let my child go to such an event and become exposed to extra information they don't need to become happy individuals, he or she should pick a religion at some age and stick with it, or not pick one at all. It all leads to a better place if taught right I'm sure, but it would be wasting time trying to master other religions as well, time better spent on family and work as you only live once.

Even in basic Hatha Yoga (Physical Yoga) there are still plenty of movements that are spiritual...such as "greeting the sun".

See those are points I have problems with. The sun is not a person to greet, those greetings should be reserved for persons, not inanimate objects. It can screw up my thinking when I go around pretending rocks can be like persons. And if the sun is symbolic for giver of life I don't ever want to say goodbye, I would want it turned on in my mind forever not flip the switch on and off by greeting the sun.

Originally posted by intrepid
So it's the term that's getting people bent out of shape. Wooooo. "We're teaching the basic concepts of yoga here children because it is an excellent workout and will help you to not be injured as easily. We will call it something else though because "yoga" scares people."

You think that Yoga is physical exercise, but it isnt. And you thinking so and labeling it as such, doesnt change the fact.

In a similar fashion I could say "Well, prayer isnt actually to a God, its just closing my eyes and whispering a few thoughts, thats all"...but it wouldnt be true.

The Wikipedia Definition of Yoga is accurate:

Yoga (Sanskrit: योग) is a commonly known generic term for the physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India with a view to attain a state of permanent peace.

This is how Yoga is defined throughout the world. You saying it is "physical exercise" doesnt make it so.

Originally posted by Skyfloating

Originally posted by ElohimJD
.

It is the definition of "religion" and the need for a God to exist in the mind of a practicianer for something to be "religious" that we are not in agreement on.

Yoga requires belief in the supernatural ("energies") as well as faith (in the existence of chakras for instance)...it is therefore religiously based.

Buddhism has no God either, but also requires belief in the supernatural.

I agree fully.

In my opinion as well as the source of the knowledge (Yogis) Yoga is religious even though no God is present in the faith.

Good thread.

God Bless,

Originally posted by Skyfloating

Originally posted by intrepid

Semantics that mean the same thing.

Are they teaching that? Or are they focusing on the exercises?

Yoga is not "just physical exercise". You cant expect to get a six-pack with Yoga. Even the basic Yoga stretches have spiritual correspondences on how energy-flows through the body. Teaching Yoga without these explanations is nonsense. If they are just focusing on exercises it might as well be called Pilates.

I would agree with that. Call it Pilates and be done with it.

Well color me hateful since I think schools should actually be teaching:

mathematics,science.history, and other stuff that would prepare them for 'REAL LIFE".

Instead of things that most people can't use to put a roof over their heads,food on their plates,clothes on their backs.

yay Yoga!.

Only thing missing is a government subsidy no wait.

Originally posted by neo96
Only thing missing is a government subsidy no wait.

Cripes. Can't you leave your politics at the door for one damn thread?

Originally posted by Skyfloating

Judge allows Yoga in Public schools, rejects Church-State Fight

www.foxnews.com

A judge ruled Monday that a public school district can teach yoga, siding with administrators who argued the practice is a secular way to promote strength, flexibility and balance and rejecting pleas of parents who said the classes are inherently religious and violate the constitutional principle of separating church and state.

Read more: www.foxnews.com...

(visit the link for the full news article)

Almost every activity that has physical or mental benefits originated from a spiritual or religious exercise. Pretzels began as a way to reward young children for memorizing the Lord's Prayer... should those be banned form school? This simple equation should clear things up:

(activity with religious elements) - (religious elements) = secular activity.

Originally posted by neo96
Well color me hateful since I think schools should actually be teaching:

mathematics,science.history, and other stuff that would prepare them for 'REAL LIFE".

Instead of things that most people can't use to put a roof over their heads,food on their plates,clothes on their backs.

yay Yoga!.

Only thing missing is a government subsidy no wait.

So I take it you have an issue with phys-ed, art programs, music programs, etc?

reply to post by captaintyinknots


What's not to love about Yoga?

Women in skin tight outfits in compromising positions.

Should it be taught in schools?

Nope other things are more important.

Originally posted by neo96
reply to post by captaintyinknots

 

What's not to love about Yoga?

Women in skin tight outfits in compromising positions.

Should it be taught in schools?

Nope other things are more important.

Thats not what I asked. Do you have issues with phys-ed, music, art, etc?