Yoga and Religion
It is important to understand that yoga is not a religion. This can be especially important when approaching religious schools, such as Catholic and Church of England. It does however form part of some religions. Yoga is in religion but religion is not in yoga. There are similarities in the meeting of body, mind and spirit and the aim of self-awareness and stillness through meditation but it is not a religion in itself.
What is important to remember is that yoga can be practiced with or without religion and it is important to respect the religious choice of those in class and yoga can be practiced by those of all religions.
Some schools may request for the yoga practice to be blended with their religious beliefs or you may like to offer this. Below are examples of how this can done.
The Lord’s Prayer
Check which version of the Lord’s Prayer the school or children are used to using. The following is the New English Version which is commonly used with children rather than the traditional.
Our Father in heaven, (standing, hands in prayer)
hallowed be your name.
your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
On Earth as in Heaven.
Give us today, our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. For the Kingdom,
the power, and the glory are yours.
Now and for ever. Amen (standing, hands in prayer)
Many yoga poses can be adapted to suit Bible stories.
For example:
Boat pose used as the manger.
Revolved triangle used as a cross or star.
Fish Pose used as Loaves and Fishes.
Lord of the Dance could be used with the Hymn.