Famous Instructor Exposes Dark Side of Yoga
Should Christians Practice Yoga? Yoga has become increasingly popular in Western culture over the past few decades, with many people viewing it simply as a form of exercise and stress relief. However, a former renowned yoga instructor is now speaking out about the hidden spiritual dangers of this practice.
The Journey of a Former Yoga Devotee
Blessings Win, a once highly sought-after yoga teacher, spent years immersed in the world of yoga and Eastern spirituality. She was certified in multiple yoga disciplines, including:
- Ashtanga yoga
- Therapeutic yoga
- Ananda yoga
- Kundalini yoga
Her expertise led her to teach at prestigious clubs and studios, such as Club Sport, Equinox, and Yoga Works. However, Blessings’ perspective on yoga changed dramatically after a profound spiritual awakening.
The Hidden Spiritual Side of Yoga
While many Westerners view yoga as merely physical exercise, Blessings argues that it’s impossible to separate the practice from its spiritual roots. She emphasizes several key points:
- Yoga is inherently religious: It is deeply rooted in Hinduism and cannot be divorced from its spiritual context.
- Secret teachings: Many yoga instructors are unaware of the true nature and purpose of the practices they teach.
- Invocation of deities: Each pose and mudra (hand gesture) is designed to honor or channel specific Hindu gods.
- Kundalini awakening: The ultimate goal of yoga is to awaken the “Kundalini serpent,” which Blessings equates with demonic possession.
- Altered states of consciousness: Yoga and meditation techniques can lead to dangerous spiritual experiences.
The Dangers of Kundalini Awakening
One of the most alarming aspects Blessings discusses is the concept of Kundalini awakening. This experience, often sought after in advanced yoga practices, involves:
- A powerful energy rising from the base of the spine
- Intense physical and emotional sensations
- Altered states of consciousness
- Potential for long-lasting psychological and spiritual damage
Blessings shares her own frightening experience with involuntary Kundalini activation, which led to a trip to the emergency room and ongoing spiritual oppression.
Yoga’s Connection to Occult Practices
According to Blessings, yoga is deeply intertwined with various occult and New Age beliefs:
- Chakras and energy manipulation: The concept of channeling spiritual energies through the body’s energy centers.
- Mudras as spirit communication: Hand gestures used in yoga are said to be a form of nonverbal communication with spiritual entities.
- Nature and ancestor worship: Many yoga practices involve venerating natural elements and deceased spiritual masters.
- Reincarnation and karma: Core Hindu beliefs that contradict Christian teachings on the afterlife and salvation.
The Counterfeit Gospel in Yoga Philosophy
Blessings argues that yoga philosophy presents a deceptive alternative to Christian truth:
- Self-deification: The idea that practitioners can become divine through yoga practices.
- Multiple paths to enlightenment: The belief that all spiritual paths lead to the same destination.
- Emptying the mind: Meditation techniques that leave practitioners vulnerable to spiritual influence.
- Altering consciousness: Seeking mystical experiences through breath work and postures.
Historical Connections to Pagan Worship
The instructor draws parallels between yoga and ancient pagan practices, including:
- Sun and moon worship: Many yoga poses and sequences are designed to venerate celestial bodies.
- Serpent symbolism: The prominence of snake imagery in yoga philosophy and its connection to Biblical accounts of Satan.
- Sexual rituals: Some advanced yoga practices involve tantric techniques that go against Christian sexual ethics.
Scientific and Medical Concerns
Beyond spiritual dangers, Blessings highlights potential physical and psychological risks:
- Altered brain chemistry: Some yoga and meditation practices may affect neurotransmitter levels.
- Activation of the pineal gland: Claimed to be the source of mystical experiences but potentially harmful.
- Mental health risks: Cases of yoga-induced psychosis and other psychiatric issues have been documented.
Can Yoga Be Practiced Safely by Christians?
Given the information presented by Blessings, many Christians may wonder if there’s any way to engage in yoga safely. Her stance is clear:
- Complete avoidance: Due to the inseparable spiritual elements, Blessings advises Christians to avoid yoga entirely.
- Alternative exercise options: She suggests seeking other forms of stretching and exercise that don’t have occult connections.
- Focus on biblical meditation: Instead of emptying the mind, Christians should meditate on Scripture and God’s truth.
The Importance of Discernment
Blessings emphasizes the need for Christians to exercise spiritual discernment when encountering popular practices like yoga. She encourages believers to:
- Study Scripture: Understand biblical teachings on spiritual warfare and false doctrines.
- Research thoroughly: Investigate the origins and true nature of any spiritual practice.
- Pray for wisdom: Seek God’s guidance in making decisions about activities that may have spiritual implications.
Conclusion: A Call for Caution
While yoga’s popularity continues to grow, Blessings Win’s testimony serves as a sobering warning about its potential spiritual dangers. Her journey from devoted practitioner to outspoken critic highlights the importance of examining trendy practices through a biblical lens.
For Christians considering yoga, this information presents a challenge to carefully weigh the potential risks against any perceived benefits. Ultimately, believers must decide whether engaging in a practice with such deep roots in non-Christian spirituality aligns with their faith and values.
As the debate over yoga’s appropriateness for Christians continues, Blessings’ story reminds us of the importance of guarding our spiritual health and remaining vigilant against deceptive influences that may lead us away from the truth of the Gospel.
