MARCH 3, 2016

Yoga

Subject: Yoga and chakras Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2016 22:59:21 +0000

To: INFO AIE – Roma Segreteria (International Association of Exorcists), ICCRS, Michael Prabhu <michaelprabhu@vsnl.net

Dear All,

I am sending this in consideration that there is an upsurge of pseudo-scientific claims about chakras as being the entry point of spiritual energies. Related to it are the claims of energy exchange and energy lines in relation to human health, claiming an imbalance of the energies in the body are the cause for sickness (and not denying that an unhealthy spiritual life might cause sickness!) Those claims I have considered in the attached paper “Chakras”*. To help a fuller understanding I have also attached my article on Yoga.

In Christ, Erika Gibello

Ms. Gibello has served with the
International Association of Exorcists (AIE) and International Association for Deliverance (IAD). The following article was written by her on May 5, 2004 in London.

In our days, the word “yoga” is a household name.

Indeed in many everyday situations it seems to be synonymous with the word “gymnastic”. Right from the moment when the first Yoga classes were advertised, many Christians asked themselves the question: To attend or not to attend?

With this sentence I would like to point to the fact that, as Christians, as Catholics, we are not necessarily inclined to involve ourselves in Eastern Philosophy; we rather go along with modern thinking that we have to learn from other cultures, and their practices. This is even more so in the case of Yoga, which we consider to be purely physical exercises.

In this short chapter about Yoga I will try to set out the intrinsic connection of these exercises with Hindu philosophical thoughts.

Furthermore I would like to put forward the idea that the observation of experiences caused by yogic positions could have given rise to certain Hindu philosophical tenets, or at least were explained with established

Hindu concepts.

We find parallels throughout history; natural phenomena were explained with the prevalent religious or philosophical tenets of the day!

We have to investigate the exercises, rather then the philosophy behind it, to arrive at an answer to the above question.

From the viewpoint of a Hindu, Yoga belongs to the 6 classical “salvation” concepts of Hindu philosophy.

Since all European Languages are carrying in their expressions basic Christian values one has to be aware what the Hindu idea of “salvation” means:

“Escape from life as a reality”. (Not to be re-born!)

In view of this, it appears that any human action confirming the reality of Creation, negates the idea of Maya, which denies creation, and life surrounding us, as it supposedly exists only in our minds. According to this philosophy, Human action, that can be seen in essence to mean co-creation with nature, will cause re-birth which has to be avoided. Bad Karma does not necessarily reflect a moral standpoint, but action that causes reincarnation.

It follows that not to be
re-born is the goal of all “salvation” methods in Hinduism.

All Yoga exercises aim to facilitate Raja-Yoga, kingly Yoga, or Yoga of the mind, which is to lead to moksha, an experience that could be described as “head-orgasm”. This represents the liberation from the cycle of re-birth, which is brought about by the awareness that my self is identical with the Universal Self (the impersonal energy from which flows all existence).

To achieve this state all Yoga aims at the rise of the Kundalini, the power that supposedly is coiled at the lower spine. Once it reaches the fontanels on top of one head it gives a reaction of ecstasy, or as above mentioned, orgasm. This indicates that all forms of Yoga are tantric.

Tantra philosophy teaches that via ecstasy man can achieve moksha, liberation from re-birth.

Ecstasy can be achieved in various ways, but there is always the danger of by-passing our Freewill, which will have negative spiritual implications!

A Christian, who is interested in Yoga-exercises, assumes that the Non-Christian Philosophy behind it, will
not affect him/her.

Can the Yoga – exercises be separated from its philosophy?

Hatha Yoga prepares the body via exercises for Raja Yoga. Hatha cannot be separated from Raja, which is Yoga of the mind.

In times past the exercises have been “streamlined” to achieve certain psychological states, and experiences of the mind that are taken to be spiritual.

At the beginning of Yogic discipline there are some exercises that are very similar to Western gymnastics: to loosen muscles etc. But they are soon followed with shallow breathing exercises, and various positions of the body, that could have harmful physiological as well as psychological consequences.

Patanjali gathered the various Yoga methods into one system, weeding out those exercises that have not proven useful for the goal, i.e. moksha.

There is no doubt that all exercises lastly address the kundalini, the rising of the procreation power in man/woman (sex) towards the experience of Moksha. This is a real physical experience: there is a widening of the fontanels on top of the head!

All Yoga exercises aim in end effect at this state! The rising of Kundalini is forced by specific exercises to travel across the spiritual energy centres (the seven chakras=wheels) that are assumingly found in various places in the body. During its ascent the mind goes through various stages that cause confusion concerning nature.

The mind changes from being naturally extrovert and co-operative, to introvert, self-centred, and consequently negates life. In the final analysis it is a denial of creation, hence of the Creator.

One could view this denial as a possible opening for the enemy of God.

The psychological experiences gained by these very specific exercises have been explained in Hindu philosophical terms; or the experience of the exercises maybe even brought about those philosophical concepts.

Yogic exercises came before any philosophical explanation, hence a Christian should avoid them, as theye have been streamlined to achieve certain states of the mind that lead away from the Christian goal of humility, love, and a positive co-operation with God’s Creation.

In all this we are to consider St Paul’s word in I Corinthians 6:12 ff:

“A Christian can do everything, but not everything is helpful for us”… and he ends: “I will not be dominated by anything!”

Yoga tends to take over the life of the practitioner!

*See
CHAKRAS-ERIKA GIBELLO

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/CHAKRAS-ERIKA_GIBELLO.doc

30 YOGA REPORTS

BANGALORE DELIVERANCE MINISTRY LEADER OBJECTS TO PRIEST’S CRITICISM OF YOGA-ENDORSING BISHOP THOMAS DABRE

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/BANGALORE_DELIVERANCE_MINISTRY_LEADER_OBJECTS_TO_PRIESTS_CRITICISM_OF_YOGA-ENDORSING_BISHOP_THOMAS_DABRE.doc

BISHOP THOMAS DABRE BRAZENLY LIES IN PRINT AND INTERNET MEDIA ABOUT THE CHURCH POSITION ON YOGA

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/BISHOP_THOMAS_DABRE_BRAZENLY_LIES_IN_PRINT_AND_ON_SOCIAL_MEDIA_ABOUT_THE_CHURCH_POSITION_ON_YOGA.doc

BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVERSITY

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/BRAHMA_KUMARIS_WORLD_SPIRITUAL_UNIVERSITY.doc

CARDINAL OSWALD GRACIAS ENDORSES YOGA FOR CATHOLICS

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/CARDINAL_OSWALD_GRACIAS_ENDORSES_YOGA_FOR_CATHOLICS.doc

CATHOLIC YOGA HAS ARRIVED

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/CATHOLIC_YOGA_HAS_ARRIVED.doc

CHURCH MOUTHPIECE THE EXAMINER ACCUSED OF PROMOTING HERESY

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/CHURCH_MOUTHPIECE_THE EXAMINER_ACCUSED_OF_PROMOTING_HERESY.doc

DIVINE RETREAT CENTRE ERRORS-05
YOGA PROMOTED

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/DIVINE_RETREAT_CENTRE_ERRORS-05.doc

EXORCISTS WARN AGAINST USE OF YOGA MANTRAS

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/EXORCISTS_WARN_AGAINST_USE_OF_YOGA_MANTRAS.doc

FORMER YOGI REJECTS A CHRISTIAN ALTERNATIVE TO YOGA

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/FORMER_YOGI_REJECTS_A_CHRISTIAN_ALTERNATIVE_TO_YOGA.doc

FR ADRIAN MASCARENHAS-YOGA AT ST PATRICK’S CHURCH BANGALORE 

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/FR_ADRIAN_MASCARENHAS-YOGA_AT_ST_PATRICKS_CHURCH_BANGALORE.doc

FR JOE PEREIRA-KRIPA FOUNDATION-NEW AGE ENDORSED BY THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BOMBAY AND THE CBCI

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/FR_JOE_PEREIRA-KRIPA_FOUNDATION-NEW_AGE_ENDORSED_BY_THE_ARCHDIOCESE_OF_BOMBAY_AND_THE_CBCI.doc

FR JOE PEREIRA-KRIPA FOUNDATION-WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/FR_JOE_PEREIRA-KRIPA_FOUNDATION-WORLD_COMMUNITY_FOR_CHRISTIAN_MEDITATION.doc

FR JOE PEREIRA-KRIPA FOUNDATION-WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION-LETTERS TO THE BISHOPS AND THEIR RESPONSES

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/FR_JOE_PEREIRA-KRIPA_FOUNDATION-WORLD_COMMUNITY_FOR_CHRISTIAN_MEDITATION-LETTERS_TO_THE_BISHOPS_AND_THEIR_RESPONSES.doc

FR JOE PEREIRA-PLANS YOGA EVENT SPARKS DEBATE

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/FR_JOE_PEREIRA-PLANS_YOGA_EVENT_SPARKS_DEBATE.doc

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/FR_JOE_PEREIRA_SUPPORTED_BY_HIS_BISHOPS_CONTINUES_TO_MOCK_AT_CATHOLICS.doc

FR JOHN FERREIRA-YOGA, SURYANAMASKAR AT ST. PETER’S COLLEGE, AGRA

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/FR_JOHN_FERREIRA-YOGA_SURYANAMASKAR_AT_ST_PETERS_COLLEGE_AGRA.doc

FR JOHN VALDARIS-NEW AGE CURES FOR CANCER

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/FR_JOHN_VALDARIS-NEW_AGE_CURES_FOR_CANCER.doc

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/INTERNATIONAL_YOGA_DAY.doc

IS BISHOP DABRE FORMER CHAIRMAN DOCTRINAL COMMISSION A PROPONENT OF YOGA

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/IS_BISHOP_DABRE_FORMER_CHAIRMAN_DOCTRINAL_COMMISSION_A_PROPONENT_OF_YOGA.doc

NARENDRA MODI SEEKS TO INTRODUCE YOGA IN ALL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/NARENDRA_MODI_SEEKS_TO_INTRODUCE_YOGA_IN_ALL_EDUCATIONAL_INSTITUTIONS.doc

NARENDRA MODI SEEKS TO INTRODUCE YOGA IN UNIVERSITIES

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/NARENDRA_MODI_SEEKS_TO_INTRODUCE_YOGA_IN_UNIVERSITIES.doc

NEW AGE GURUS 01-SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR-THE ‘ART OF LIVING’

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/NEW_AGE_GURUS_01-SRI_SRI_RAVI_SHANKAR-THE_ART_OF_LIVING.doc

PAPAL CANDIDATE OSWALD CARDINAL GRACIAS ENDORSES YOGA

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/PAPAL_CANDIDATE_OSWALD_CARDINAL_GRACIAS_ENDORSES_YOGA.doc

SEXUAL PREDATORS MORE PREVALENT AMONG RABBIS PASTORS YOGIS THAN AMONG PRIESTS http://ephesians-511.net/docs/SEXUAL_PREDATORS_MORE_PREVALENT_AMONG_RABBIS_PASTORS_YOGIS_THAN_AMONG_PRIESTS.doc

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/U_S_CATHOLIC_MAGAZINE_ENDORSES_NEW_AGE-REIKI_YOGA_AND_ZEN.doc

VISHAL JAGRITI MAGAZINE PULLS YOGA SERIES OF FR FRANCIS CLOONEY

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/VISHAL_JAGRITI_MAGAZINE_PULLS_YOGA_SERIES_OF_FR_FRANCIS_CLOONEY.doc

YOGA AND THE BRAHMA KUMARIS AT A CATHOLIC COLLEGE IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BOMBAY
http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA_AND_THE_BRAHMA_KUMARIS_AT_A_CATHOLIC_COLLEGE_IN_THE_ARCHDIOCESE_OF_BOMBAY.doc

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA_CAMP_FOR_CHILDREN_AT_OUR_LADY_OF_GUIDANCE_CHURCH.doc

YOGA IN THE DIOCESE OF MANGALORE

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA_IN_THE_DIOCESE_OF_MANGALORE.doc

YOGA, SURYANAMASKAR, GAYATRI MANTRA, PRANAYAMA TO BE MADE COMPULSORY IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA_SURYANAMASKAR_GAYATRI_MANTRA_PRANAYAMA_TO_BE_MADE_COMPULSORY_IN_EDUCATIONAL_INSTITUTIONS.doc

32 OTHER YOGA ARTICLES/COLLATIONS

AYUSH-THE NEW AGE DANGERS OF

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/AYUSH_THE_NEW_AGE_DANGERS_OF.doc

A CATHOLIC ALTERNATIVE TO YOGA-PIETRA FITNESS

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/A_CATHOLIC_ALTERNATIVE_TO_YOGA-PIETRA_FITNESS.doc

AN INDIAN CATHOLIC’S PROBLEMS WITH THE CONDEMNATION OF YOGA ARE ADDRESSED

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/AN_INDIAN_CATHOLICS_PROBLEMS_WITH_THE_CONDEMNATION_OF_YOGA_ARE_ADDRESSED.doc

AUM SHINRIKYO YOGA CULT

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/AUM_SHINRIKYO_YOGA_CULT.doc

AYURVEDA AND YOGA-DR EDWIN A NOYES

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/AYURVEDA_AND_YOGA-DR_EDWIN_A_NOYES.doc

DANGERS OF AWAKENING THE KUNDALINI IN YOGA-LIFE POSITIVE

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/DANGERS_OF_AWAKENING_THE_KUNDALINI_IN_YOGA-LIFE_POSITIVE.doc

DEATH OF A GURU

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/DEATH_OF_A_GURU.doc

MANTRAS YOGA WCCM CHRISTIAN MEDITATION ETC-EDDIE RUSSELL

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/MANTRAS_YOGA_WCCM_CHRISTIAN_MEDITATION_ETC-EDDIE_RUSSELL.doc

PRANAYAMA

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/PRANAYAMA.doc

REIKI YOGA AND CENTERING PRAYER

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/REIKI_YOGA_AND_CENTERING_PRAYER.doc

ROME WARNS CATHOLICS ABOUT YOGA AND ZEN MEDITATION SYSTEMS

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/ROME_WARNS_CATHOLICS_ABOUT_YOGA_AND_ZEN_MEDITATION_SYSTEMS.doc

TRUTH, LIES AND YOGA-ERROL FERNANDES

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TRUTH_LIES_AND_YOGA-ERROL_FERNANDES.rtf

WAS JESUS A YOGI? SYNCRETISM AND INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE-ERROL FERNANDES

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/WAS_JESUS_A_YOGI_SYNCRETISM_AND_INTERRELIGIOUS_DIALOGUE-ERROL_FERNANDES.doc

YOGA

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA.doc

YOGA-02

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA-02.doc

YOGA-03

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA-03.doc

YOGA-A I

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA-A_I.doc

YOGA CAN BE DANGEROUS FOR YOU

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA_CAN_BE_DANGEROUS_FOR_YOU.doc

YOGA AND CHRISTIANITY-ARE THEY COMPATIBLE?

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA_AND_CHRISTIANITY-ARE_THEY_COMPATIBLE.doc

YOGA AND DELIVERANCE

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA_AND_DELIVERANCE.doc

YOGA IS SATANIC-EXORCIST FR GABRIELE AMORTH

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA_IS_SATANIC-EXORCIST_FR_GABRIELE_AMORTH.doc

YOGA-A PATH TO GOD-FR LOUIS HUGHES

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA-A_PATH_TO_GOD-FR_LOUIS_HUGHES.doc

YOGA-BRO IGNATIUS MARY

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA-BRO_IGNATIUS_MARY.doc

YOGA-FR EZRA SULLIVAN

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA-FR_EZRA_SULLIVAN.doc

YOGA-MARTA ALVES

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA-MARTA_ALVES.doc

YOGA-MIKE SHREVE

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA-MIKE_SHREVE.doc

YOGA-REV DR ED HIRD

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA-REV_DR_ED_HIRD.doc

YOGA-SUMMARY

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA-SUMMARY.doc

YOGA-SUSAN BRINKMANN

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA-SUSAN_BRINKMANN.doc

YOGA-THE DECEPTION-FR CONRAD SALDANHA

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA-THE_DECEPTION-FR_CONRAD_SALDANHA.doc

YOGA-WHAT DOES THE CATHOLIC CATECHISM SAY ABOUT IT

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA-WHAT_DOES_THE_CATHOLIC_CATECHISM_SAY_ABOUT_IT.doc

YOGA-WHAT DOES THE CATHOLIC CHURCH SAY ABOUT IT?

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/YOGA-WHAT_DOES_THE_CATHOLIC_CHURCH_SAY_ABOUT_IT.doc

2 YOGA DOCUMENTS

LETTER TO THE BISHOPS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON SOME ASPECTS OF CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
CDF/CARDINAL JOSEPH RATZINGER OCTOBER 15, 1989

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/LETTER_TO_THE_BISHOPS_OF_THE_CATHOLIC_CHURCH_ON_SOME_ASPECTS_OF_CHRISTIAN_MEDITATION.doc

JESUS CHRIST THE BEARER OF THE WATER OF LIFE, A CHRISTIAN REFLECTION ON THE NEW AGE
COMBINED VATICAN DICASTERIES FEBRUARY 3, 2003

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_BEARER_OF_THE_WATER_OF_LIFE_A_CHRISTIAN_REFLECTION_ON_THE_NEW_AGE.doc

26 YOGA TESTIMONIES

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-01
MIKE SHREVE

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-01.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-02
TERRY JUSTISON

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-02.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-03
KENT SULLIVAN

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-03.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-04
MICHAEL GRAHAM

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-04.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-05
BRAD SCOTT

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-05.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-06
JANICE CLEARY

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-06.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-07
CARL FAFORD

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-07.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-08
ANONYMOUS

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-08.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-09
DEBORAH HOLT

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-09.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-10
DANION VASILE

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-10.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-11
MICHAEL COUGHLIN

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-11.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-12
LAURETTE WILLIS

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-12.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-13
KEITH AGAIN

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-13.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-14 VIRGO HANDOJO

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-14.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-15 PURVI

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-15.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-16
PRISCILLA DE GEORGE

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-16.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-17
SARAH

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-17.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-18
BRANDY BORDEN SMITH

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-18.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-19
CONNIE J. FAIT

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-19.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-20
LOSANA BOYD

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-20.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-21
FR. PARESH PARMAR

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-21.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-22
GINA

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-22.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-23
JESSICA SMITH

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-23.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-24
MARY GARDEN

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-23.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-25
DANIEL SHAW

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-25.doc

TESTIMONY OF A FORMER YOGI-26
REV. DR. ED HIRD

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/TESTIMONY_OF_A_FORMER_YOGI-26.doc

Categories: Eastern Meditation, Hinduisation of the Catholic Church in India, new age