Today I came across a link to a local news story on Facebook that was of the sort that make me roll my eyes. I hold out hope that one day we will all be able to live together on this planet in a society that is accepting of differences in color, gender preference, size, language, and religious beliefs. But things like this remind me that there is still a lot of work to be done.

The news story told of a local college professor, Deborah Dana, who wrote an op-ed piece titled “Rethink Yoga” for the student newspaper at John Brown University wherein she warned readers about a practice that has become common in many people’s exercise and meditation regimens. Among other things, Dana stated that “yoga has its roots in the worship of demonic Hindu gods.” She also related that she practiced yoga in her 20s, but that since that time, she has been “delivered from numerous demonic spirits”. Finally, she made reference to a conversation she had with a former Hindu, an individual from India who has now turned to the Christian faith. This person told Dana that yoga is a gateway drug of sorts, to lure people to the “very ugly religion of Hinduism”.

Let me state for the record that I am not attempting to diminish Ms. Dana’s life story or her experience with faith, the loss thereof, or the regaining of her relationship with God. It’s her story, and if she thinks that yoga may have allowed demonic spirits to accompany her, I am in no position to argue. But the fact that she is so uninformed bothers me. Because it’s the ignorance that exists in our society – and the unwillingness of others to become educated about things that they are not familiar with – that breeds the fear that leads to division and hatred, and ultimately plays out in the negativity that supports 24/7 news channels across the globe.

First, let’s look at yoga in general. According to the American Yoga Association, there are over 100 different “schools” of yoga. Ms. Dana doesn’t mention which school she studied, but I do have friends who practice yoga and find it to be a beneficial way to meditate through their prayer list as they relax and strengthen their body. Unless one is attending a yoga session that involves some religious overtone – at a Buddhist temple, for example – a class taught at the local Y or a generic yoga studio is not going to present any threat to one’s personal journey of faith, no matter what your name for God may be.

Secondly, yoga did not originate with the Hindu religion(s). In fact, the history of yoga is much older than the history of Hinduism. The Patheos Library states that it’s impossible to know exactly when Hinduism first came on the scene, but estimates 2000 B.C.E. Again, from the American Yoga Association:

The common belief that Yoga derives from Hinduism is a misconception. Yoga actually predates Hinduism by many centuries. Ancient seals unearthed in the Indus Valley provide clear evidence of widespread Yoga practice earlier than 3,000 B.C.E. The techniques of Yoga have been adopted by Hinduism as well as by other world religions.

Now, I know some Christians believe that one should look to God and God alone for wisdom, strength and guidance, so if one studies the core spiritual principles of yoga which teach that everything an individual needs is available within that individual, with no need for dependence on any kind of God or religion, that could cause some internal discord. However, again, Dana is assuming an awful lot. Is it not possible that whatever religious practice an individual adheres to is going to be the “go-to” whenever any thoughts of God come to mind as they do their Downward Facing Dog? Certainly, there can be a deeper meaning to the practice of yoga for those who desire to pursue it – but my assumption is that students of John Brown University, a private Christian college, are seeking increased flexibility at their yoga class, not spiritual enlightenment. And certainly not demons.

And that leads me to my third point. Demons. I will not attempt to argue for or against the existence of demons, because I am not a student of theology (although I do perceive glimpses of evil now and again during the mind-numbing drive through the endless stoplights in my town…). But I will suggest that Ms. Dana should study more closely those religious doctrines she is taking the time to disparage. The practice of Hinduism varies widely through the cultural complexities that define India, and there are numerous gods and goddesses involved. Demons, or asuras, as they are called by Hindus, oppose the devas (gods). The practice of Hinduism does not involve the worship of demons, nor does the practice of yoga. As stated above, the true spiritual practice of yoga encourages an individual to eschew dependence on any outside power. For me, if I ever get my butt to a yoga class, that would include the power of carbohydrates.

All I’m asking is that people who put information out so as to influence and persuade others would do so with some level of understanding of that information. I don’t think it’s an outrageous request.