AIZAWL, June 12 - Society for Propagation of Ayurveda, Naturophathy and Yoga (SPANY) has asked Church leaders to have more comprehensive study on Yoga. SPANY�s appeal came as Church leaders were opposing the practice of Yoga believing that it has a relationship with Hindu philosophy and therefore practising Yoga means assimilation of the Christian belief and gradual conversion to Hinduism.
Believing that Church leaders might have misunderstanding about the practice of Yoga, leaders of SPANY said it wants the Church leaders to study it properly in their centre. According to SPANY leader and international Yoga therapist Bijoy Laxmi Hota, Yoga has been practised for healthy body and mind and it does not have any religious connotation. She also said that Yoga has been practised even before the birth of Hinduism and Christianity.
She added that Yoga can be practised without meditation and Yoga training will be imparted to Mizoram police.
SPANY, set up as per Union Government�s directives, is giving what is called physical and stress management training at Ayush Conference Hall, Bungkawn, Aizawl under the leadership of Bijoy Laxmi Hota. About 16 Mizoram police personnel selected for instructor post are given physical and stress management training under Hota.
Mizoram Kohran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), a conglomeration of leaders of major churches in Mizoram earlier in a statement asked people to refrain from Yoga since it is believed to be based on Hindu philosophy and not safe for Christians to practise it.
Although Yoga may cure some illness, it can�t give complete healing received from Jesus Christ, the statement said.
�We are of the opinion that Yoga is a plot to assimilate the Christians and other religions and gradually convert them to Hinduism. Therefore, we appeal all church members to stay away from Yoga, MKHC said in a statement.
