UCA News
Contribute

Yoga is not a religion, claims Catholic priest who teaches it

Some Catholics view yoga suspiciously as a subversive religion. But a priest who teaches it dismisses that theory; so do his bishop and a cardinal.
Yoga is not a religion, claims Catholic priest who teaches it
Published: November 06, 2012 05:06 AM GMT
Updated: November 06, 2012 05:08 AM GMT

A Catholic priest here is busy popularizing yoga, saying it is beyond religion and "truly universal". Father John Ferreira's latest book, "Health, Wealth and Happiness Through Yoga", was Thursday released by the Archbishop of Agra Diocese, Albert D'Souza, at St Peter's College.??"The book is a primer, aimed at popularising the intricate knowledge of the esoteric science of yoga, which is beyond religion and truly universal," Fr Ferreira told IANS. "Modern society with its cup full of stresses, and a package of mental and physical ailments, stands in dire need for India's yogic knowledge," he said. Archbishop D'Souza agreed.??"Yoga integrated into the school curriculum will provide a holistic approach to education as a science that not only prepares a student for life but provides the art of living well," he said. ??"Joyful living, drawn from the depths of one's own rhythm of life, according to the goal set by the Creator, is the foundation of health, wealth and happiness," he added. In a message read out at the event, Oswald Cardinal Gracias, the Archbishop of Mumbai and president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, said: "Through the prescribed postures and exercises one improves one's all round sense of well being and is able to enter into oneself so as to commune better with God." Ferreira, the author, feels yoga has no religion. He himself has been a follower of many yoga gurus and has extensive research to produce the book.??The book includes views of Christian priests who have approved his yoga experiments.??"This is significant since yoga is still regarded by many as basically a Hindu system," he said. Full Story: A Christian priest who is yoga guruSource:Deccan Herald

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia