Book Review: Yoga Unveiled
There is no God but one (1 Corinthians 8:4).
I have worked in the wellness and fitness field for close to 25 years. After reviewing the book “Yoga Unveiled” by Linda Carl, I was surprised and concerned.
I have never questioned the practice of yoga and have read many times about the numerous benefits people experience with a regular yoga practice. Every gym and club I have belonged to and worked at over the years 一 going back to college in the mid 90s一 offered one or more version(s) of a yoga class. Yoga is extremely popular.
Unsuspecting individuals, close friends and family members – excited to take this class or that class, attend a weekend yoga retreat, or become a certified yoga instructor – all too willingly rush to the opportunity. I personally have never practiced yoga, but I stretched to some of the poses, calling the poses by their official yoga name, not knowing the repercussions of my actions until reading “Yoga Unveiled.”
The author, Linda Carl, was a devoted yogi for 20 years. She began taking classes as a new stay-at-home-mom and was quickly hooked. She was certified as a teacher, promoting it, believing she was helping people find peace.
What is Yoga, Exactly?
“Yoga Unveiled” provides a thorough description of the definition, components, language, types and poses of yoga. The book details the history of yoga and how it is extrinsically tied to Hinduism. The book also discusses the beliefs of Hinduism and yoga, early and contemporary yoga gurus, yoga’s rise in popularity in the U.S, and how yoga is linked to the new age and occult practices. It is eye-opening to say the least.
Most people who practice yoga do not know any of this. I did not. There is an interesting warning in the book from a yoga guru that is unsettling: non-Hindus should not practice yoga because the poses and mental intention is to merge one’s soul with Brahma, the main Hindu god.
Linda explores and explains how yoga and Christians should and cannot mix. People believe yoga is religion neutral. It is not. Objections and arguments from the yoga crowd are refuted, such as “yoga is just exercise,” “yoga helps me relax,” “my priest said it is ok as long as I don’t partake in its spirituality,” and “I don’t believe in what lies behind yoga’s movements.” The last one is especially poignant. When Christians make the Sign of the Cross, we are engaging in a sacred gesture. It is the same for yoga poses, whether an individual wants to believe it or not.
Turning to the Light
The book discusses spiritual warfare, Satan, the gods of Hinduism, and provides several testimonies and real-life stories of yoga’s dangers, some of them unnerving and scary, including Linda’s personal story. She weaves in the power of scripture, the sacraments, prayers, angels, saints and virtues to stay strong in the face of darkness.
The final chapter is about how the Church views yoga and the new age. While there is no official statement on the practice of yoga, there have been cautionary statements in the Catechism (2117, 2116), a Vatican publication on the new age, and other public documents. There is an excellent chart toward the end of the book that relates Catholic practices to yoga practices and how they are complete opposites, never to be inter-mixed. There are also many thought-provoking questions to ponder at the end of the book.
An appendix lists healthy and helpful alternatives to yoga. As Linda states at the end of the book, “yoga can be alluring and attractive, but it can lead to relativistic thoughts and as a Hindu practice, will lead you to the wrong god.”
Overall, the book is well-researched, and Linda provides a wealth of information and knowledge on the topic. I did wish for more suggestions and recommendations on how to approach friends, family, and acquaintances about the dangers of yoga. Christ states in John 15:18: If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. St. Paul questions “so now have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16).
If you are currently practicing yoga, I recommend you read the book or check out the online resources from this article. If you wish to share this important information, having tough conversations with people living in a culture that denies, ignores, or takes offense to the Truth一 especially if they are Christians一 will not be easy. Helpful approaches include prayerfully discerning how to approach an individual, seeking guidance from a spiritual director, and discussing the topic with compassion and understanding instead of reprimanding.
“With that their eyes were opened” (Luke 24:31).
Megan Amaya is an associate clinical professor, director of health promotion & wellness, board-certified health coach, and certified group fitness instructor.