‘Catholic yoga’ at Chicago cathedral
January 25, 2011
Indian media are reporting on the presence of “Catholic yoga” classes at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. The yoga sessions, which cost $15, are led by two women, one “a devoted Catholic and a practicing yogi,” the other “a certified yoga instructor who teaches vinyasa flow yoga.”
In 1989 letter to bishops, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith discussed the “theological and spiritual implications” of the “problem” of Eastern methods of meditation, including yoga, transcendental meditation, and Zen.
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Further information:
- Now “Catholic Yoga” in America (IBNS)
- Catholic Yoga (Holy Name Cathedral)
- Letter To The Bishops Of The Catholic Church On Some Aspects Of Christian Meditation
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Posted by: lynnvinc7142 -
Jan. 26, 2011 1:37 PM ET USA
Depends of what type of yoga -- the physical/health or spiritual/meditation type. My Indian, extremely devout Roman Catholic mo-in-law practiced yoga for health. As long as people are well aware of their own faith & the differences, they can gain from other traditions. I saw a Chinese Catholic chi-kung or tai-chi master on TV once. God did not leave everyone outside the Middle Eastern religions totally bereft of His help, and Western medicine does not have ALL the answers.
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Posted by: hartwood01 -
Jan. 25, 2011 10:36 PM ET USA
,by the wayI took Yoga classes for several years for an ailing back. Wonderful stretching and strengthening for all ages. The instructor pointed out we could use any phrase as a mantra,such as repetition of a prayer. Wish I was in the Church when I attended. A mantra such as "Jesus,I love you" would be awesome. ($15 is a bargain,by the way). I never was into the new age stuff,too empty and unsatisfying.
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Posted by: garedawg -
Jan. 25, 2011 10:22 PM ET USA
I took a yoga class after having back surgery, and it really helped. Of course, this class was all about stretching - no meditating or "centering".
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Posted by: rpp -
Jan. 25, 2011 6:23 PM ET USA
It is as easy for a person to be both a "devoted Catholic" and a "practicing yogi" as it is for a person to be both in Rome and Calcutta are the same moment. Even Mother Teresa could not pull that off.
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Posted by: mgreen32234 -
Jan. 25, 2011 6:07 PM ET USA
I ran into an old friend on my way into Mass and told her that after 40 years, I'd returned to my faith and daily mass. Her brief response still makes me smile when I think of it: "Beats yoga."
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Posted by: Cblanch3181205 -
Jan. 25, 2011 10:03 AM ET USA
Thank you for reporting this story. I for one am fed up with this new age nonsense that's been going on in our church for far too long. Maybe shining a light on more stories like these will help clean things up a bit. Kudos!
