:: YogiSutras News ::

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 side’s 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.