Is Yoga too Spiritual?

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For the past 9 years in the populous city of Bristol in South West England, St. Michael and All Angels Church has been 39 year old Naomia Hayma’s home for teaching twice-weekly group yoga classes, one to one lessons, and yoga workshops. Recently though, she has been put in a pickle of not being welcome in her Church.

Despite her classes not having any religious affiliations, religious leaders and church chiefs have accused them of being “too spiritual.” “They are trying to say it is a spiritual practice but my classes are not,” Ms. Hayama said. “I respect people who are religious, but I am not. That’s what attracted me to yoga – you don’t have to be religious to teach it.”

Mrs. Sweigart, Padua’s after school librarian and an outside of school yoga instructor voiced her opinion on the issue. “I understand the concerns of the church officials, as yogic philosophy does not necessarily fall in line with teachings of the church,” she said. “However, it is my belief that, and that of many westerners, that yoga can be practiced without any connection to a religious culture.”

After the assumptions against Ms. Hayama being made by church leaders and chiefs that have not even attended one of her classes, St. Michael and All Angel’s priest and council left her with only one option: to find a new home for her classes by the end of February. “My students are puzzled and outraged,” she said. “My class is a physical exercise which is about relaxation and breathing, and it’s a healthy thing to do.”

“My classes are made up of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and even Atheists,” Mrs. Sweigart comments. “I encourage an atmosphere of neutrality and acceptance. Hopefully, creating a comfortable space for people to incorporate their own beliefs into their practice.”

After being unwelcome at St. Michael and All Angels, Ms. Hayama attempted to have the church council to change its decision by gathering over 500 signatures for the cause. “The students enjoyed coming to the church, and now being told they are not really welcome,” she said. “Many of them have written in to the church to try and change their minds, but they are being really stubborn about it.”

Reverend James Stevenson and the Parish and Bishopston and St. Andrew’s overruled her and her students though, declaring that the building should solely be used for “Christian acts of worship,” and nothing of “a spiritual nature outside of Christ.” “We understand yoga is practiced as a physical exercise and discipline,” Reverend Stevenson said, “but it’s definitely a spiritual act whose roots are not Christ-centered.” He also adds that he and the Bishopston and Parish think they have handled the matter legally and fairly, and that every church leader he has spoken to completely understands their decision.

If there was one group of people that did not understand the Church’s decision, it is definitely the city’s local citizens. “It is ridiculous,” voiced Bristol citizen Susan Blair. “Yoga is yoga, it has nothing to do with religion! Let them continue to have their yoga lessons in your church. Why would you drive people away from God’s home?”

“This is such a tragedy,” Usula Dunne, another UK citizen from Glastonbury said in agreement. “In terms of alternative spirituality, it seems to me there are many paths to God, not one only. Most people attending a yoga class will go for the physical exercise and well-being.”

“The decision was made without seeing my class, which is what I have a real problem with,” Ms. Hayama said. “Seeing it and deciding it’s not appropriate is one thing, but to do no investigation and just talk about yoga’s background is another.”