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By Content Desk Distribution Service Phoenix, AZ (ContentDesk) November 9, 2005 -- Many yoga studios have recently begun offering Christian-specific classes, noting the inaccessibility of the Indian-born tradition. Recent media coverage on the topic has portrayed arguments for and against the trend without addressing the fundamental flaw in each sides logic. Eric Walrabenstein, founder and director of Yoga Pura in Phoenix, suggests traditional teachings, when skillfully applied, are accessible to everyone regardless of spiritual orientation. I appreciate why people are drawn to Christian-centered yoga. states Walrabenstein, noting that the use of familiar images and beliefs can make the practice more accessible., He is quick to add, however, that there is no fundamental conflict between the two traditions. The perceived conflict arises when yoga is presented together with other traditions like Hinduism, he says.Commonly portrayed as a practice involving postures that stretch and strengthen the body, sometimes with Eastern religious overtones, the authentic practice of yoga is more fittingly described as a science of the mind. Its true that we do use the body in yoga, but the body is used only as a vehicle for calming the mind, says Walrabenstein. Whats more, the postures are just one of the many techniques yoga employs. Settling the mind has always been one of the foremost goals of yoga. Our minds are responsible for creating much of the drama, angst, and frustration of lifeand in so doing, obstructing our experience of the Divine, adds Walrabenstein.The power of yoga derives from its scientific focus on techniques, the same ones used by all spiritual paths, but in the case of yoga, they have been stripped of their cultural and spiritual doctrine. This allows them to be practiced and understood in the most clear and effective manner. The skilled yoga teacher is one who can deftly apply these techniques independently or integrated within any spiritual tradition, adds Walrabenstein. Yoga is about deepening ones experience of the Divine within ones own religion or tradition. This is precisely what Yoga Pura focuses on developing in their teachers-in-training. At Yoga Pura, students learn how to skillfully translate ancient concepts to everyday use for people from all traditions helping them not only get a good workout, but become happier, more fulfilled people as a whole. Yoga Pura is now accepting applications for its 2006 Advanced Studies & Teacher Training Program. An informational session will be held Saturday, November 12 at 5:30 PM at the studio, and a free 2-week trial membership is offered to new students interested in the program For more information, visit: www.yogapura.com.Yoga Pura is one of the Valleys most dynamic studios and offers Arizonas first 500-hour Yoga Alliance certified teacher training program. With more than 40 classes per week, the studio serves all levels of students. The studio offers massage therapy services and gifts, books, music and clothing in its Boutique. 15440 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85022. Phone: 602.843-PURA.
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