www.yogisutras.com/articles/Yoga_Teacher_Training/yoga_ -
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Published on: 11/21/2006
Last Visited: 4/28/2008
Eric Walrabenstein, founder and director of Yoga Pura in Phoenix, suggests traditional teachings, when skillfully applied, are accessible to everyone regardless of spiritual orientation. I appreciate why people are drawn to Christian-centered yoga. states Walrabenstein, noting that the use of familiar images and beliefs can make the practice more accessible., He is quick to add, however, that there is no fundamental conflict between the two traditions. The perceived conflict arises when yoga is presented together with other traditions like Hinduism, he says.Commonly portrayed as a practice involving postures that stretch and strengthen the body, sometimes with Eastern religious overtones, the authentic practice of yoga is more fittingly described as a science of the mind.
Its true that we do use the body in yoga, but the body is used only as a vehicle for calming the mind, says Walrabenstein.Whats more, the postures are just one of the many techniques yoga employs. Settling the mind has always been one of the foremost goals of yoga.Our minds are responsible for creating much of the drama, angst, and frustration of lifeand in so doing, obstructing our experience of the Divine, adds Walrabenstein.