Masihi Yoga

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Masihi Yoga" by Alerik Barlo Shivaji, based on the provided pages:

Masihi Yoga (Christian Yoga): A Comparative Study with Indian Yoga

The text "Masihi Yoga" by Alerik Barlo Shivaji explores the concept of "Christian Yoga," drawing parallels and distinctions with traditional Indian yogic practices. The author posits that while yoga is widely discussed globally, the Christian understanding of spiritual discipline differs from the Indian emphasis on physical postures and breath control.

Core Differences and Similarities:

• Goal: Both Indian Yoga and Christian practice aim for spiritual perfection or "siddh" (perfection). In Hinduism, yoga is seen as a path to moksha (liberation) and union with the divine. Similarly, Christianity emphasizes becoming perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect, as stated in the Bible.
• Methodology:
  • Indian Yoga: Primarily focuses on physical practices (Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga) involving contemplation, meditation, and ultimately Samadhi (a state of deep meditative absorption). These are described as physical and sensory activities.
  • Christian Yoga: The text argues that Christian spiritual discipline emphasizes inner spiritual practice over physical austerity. The Bible suggests that figures like Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Paul, and John experienced divine visions through effort and labor, not necessarily through physical yogic exercises. The Apostle Paul himself noted, "For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way."
• Detachment vs. Love and Service: Indian yogis often embrace vairagya (renunciation). In contrast, "Masihi Yoga" emphasizes becoming a devotee (anuragi) of Jesus Christ. While Indian yoga might be seen as leading to detachment through inaction, Christianity promotes a spirit of service born from love.
• Spiritual vs. Physical: The text highlights that Christian teachings believe "the spiritual man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned." This underscores the emphasis on inner, spiritual understanding.
• The Role of the Body: While Indian yoga involves body discipline and control of tendencies, the text quotes Paul stating that "bodily training is of some value, but godliness is valuable in every way." Christian yoga aims to control bodily desires through spiritual means.

The Need for Christian Yoga:

The text argues for the necessity of Christian Yoga in the present day, citing biblical passages:

• To know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, so that believers may be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19).
• To be preserved blameless for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Defining a "Siddh Purush" (Perfected Person) in Christianity:

A perfected person in Christianity is defined by:

• Not stumbling in speech: One who controls their tongue is perfect.
• Faith and patience: Endurance is produced through the testing of faith, leading to wholeness and lacking nothing.
• Self-control, righteousness, and godliness: Living a life of temperance, righteousness, and godliness.
• Detachment from ego (Kangal): True perfection involves emptying the ego and detachment from material possessions. Jesus' instruction to sell possessions and give to the poor is cited as an example.

Influences and Views on Christian Yoga:

The text examines contributions from Christian thinkers who have integrated yogic concepts:

• J.M. Dychmann: Author of "Christian Yoga," he proposed four practices: achieving purity through spiritual exercise, prayer, fellowship, and daily presence before God. He emphasized prayer as a means of self-discovery before God through His Word.
• Anthony de Mello, S.J.: A Catholic priest and director of the Sadhana Institute, Pune. His book "Sadhana - A Way to God" focuses on contemplation and spiritual exercises, including:
  • Awareness: Practices like silence, body awareness, thought control, and breath awareness.
  • Awareness and Contemplation: Exercises like "God in my breath," "breathing with God," stillness, physical prayer, God's touch, sound, the state of meditation, finding God in all things, and awareness of others.
  • Imagination: Using imagination for prayer, recollecting joyful and sorrowful mysteries of life, finding freedom from anger, the empty chair technique, Ignatian contemplation, symbolic imaginings, healing painful memories, valuing life, and meditating on life's journey.
  • Devotion: Various forms of prayer including vocal prayer, prayers to Jesus, God's thousand names, the "Praying as If He Sees You" practice, the Heart of Jesus, prayers of intercession, and praise.
• Father Nouner: In his book "Yoga and Christian Meditation," he highlights the distinction that Christianity involves a personal relationship with God, contrasting it with yoga's self-focus, advancement, reflection, and human power.
• Appaswamy: Suggests that "Christian Yoga" and "Hindu Yoga" are not distinct religious practices but rather mental disciplines applicable to any faith.

Biblical Miracles and Yoga:

The text draws a parallel between biblical miracles and yogic abilities:

• Elisha: The prophet Elisha's miracles (multiplying oil, feeding people) are presented as potentially having a yogic dimension.
• Jesus Christ: Jesus' miracles (raising the dead, healing lepers, feeding thousands, walking on water, calming storms, turning water into wine, giving sight to the blind) are seen as indications of his perfect yogic and immaculate nature.
• Divine Grace: However, the text clarifies that miracles performed by Elisha, Jesus, and his disciples were due to God's grace, which is presented as a key differentiator from Indian yoga.

Further Distinctions and Principles:

• Love and Service: Christianity emphasizes service driven by love, contrasting with the potential indifference associated with yogic inaction.
• Grace as a Gift: Christian perfection is achieved through a life of grace, which is a gift from God, unlike self-effort.
• God's Immanence: The text states that humans do not need to search for God, as He is closer than their breath. Paul testifies, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."
• Prayer as a Core Practice: Christian yoga involves prayer, a vital element for knowing Jesus Christ. Prayers for divine guidance and self-examination are highlighted.
• Faith as the Foundation: Christian practice emphasizes faith, which can render other yogic processes ineffective. Jesus' invitation to the weary and heavy-laden is a call to rest in Him.

Yama and Niyama in the Christian Context:

The text explores how the principles of Yama (ethical restraints) and Niyama (observances) from Indian Yoga can be interpreted within Christianity:

• Yama:

  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Christianity also prohibits violence (e.g., "You shall not murder"). It promotes love and warns against destructive actions of the flesh. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and his plea for forgiveness demonstrate ultimate non-violence. Ahimsa is to be practiced in mind, word, and deed.
  • Satya (Truth): Jesus identifies himself as "the way, and the truth, and the life." Knowing truth is equivalent to knowing Jesus Christ, who is the Truth.
  • Asteya (Non-stealing): The Ten Commandments include "You shall not steal." Christians are exhorted to work diligently and not steal.
  • Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Continence): Interpreted as living in communion with God and practicing self-control. The commandment "You shall not commit adultery" is relevant. Breaking this vow is seen as enmity with God.
  • Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Christianity advocates against accumulating earthly treasures, as they are impermanent. The text notes Jesus' warning about the difficulty for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God.

• Niyama:

  • Shaucha (Purity): Both external and internal purity are discussed. While Old Testament laws had many external purity rituals, the New Testament emphasizes internal purity of the heart and mind, which is crucial for seeing God. Any impurity of thought or desire is considered akin to idolatry.
  • Santosha (Contentment): The text highlights that contentment is key to knowing and revealing truth. It is achieved through godliness, not physical austerity. Christians are encouraged to be content with what they have, avoiding greed.
  • Tapa (Austerity): Christian austerity includes fasting, repentance, prayer, and worship. Fasting is presented as a way to remember God, not as a means of self-punishment. It should be done discreetly, with God as the sole witness.
  • Svādhyāya (Self-study): This involves studying the Holy Scriptures (the Bible), as faith comes from hearing the Word of God. It illuminates the mind with knowledge.
  • Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to God): All actions should be dedicated to God. Humans are incapable of anything without God's grace, and surrender to Him is essential for receiving His favor.

Asana and Pranayama in Christianity:

• Asana (Posture): The text states that asana is not given as much importance in Christianity as in Hindu culture. While some Christian saints practiced self-mortification to control senses, the emphasis is on self-sacrifice through Christ. Practices like wearing sackcloth (as Jonah's city did) are seen as signs of repentance. The text concludes that physical postures alone do not create purity, but rather inner purity is paramount. While there's no prescribed prayer posture, kneeling, sitting, and standing are common.
• Pranayama (Breath Control): The text views breath as a gift from God. While some modern Christian practices, like those of Anthony de Mello, incorporate breath awareness as a way to connect with God, the fundamental Christian perspective is that God's breath is life itself. Isaiah's warning against relying on human breath, whose value is limited, is cited. The text notes that terms like pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi are not directly extracted from the Bible and would require further research.

In essence, "Masihi Yoga" proposes a spiritual discipline within Christianity that shares the goal of perfection with Indian Yoga but achieves it through faith, prayer, love, service, and inner purity, rather than primarily through physical practices.