Yoga as Christian Spiritual Practice Parts 1 & 2
This post is the first of a two-part series describing the four paths of yoga. The second post which includes parts 3 and 4 will be published soon.
In the traditional sense, yoga means to yoke up or join with the higher consciousness of Love. A sacred yogic text affirms, “The Lord of Love is the one Self of all” (Mundaka Upanishad II:10). Christians also know God as Love and see God’s immanence as Christ. There are many routes on this spiritual journey and a variety of callings in the body of Christ. Yoga philosophy describes four paths that facilitate joining with the Lord of Love: bhakti yoga, karma yoga, jnana yoga, and raja yoga. Following the path that best suits your natural temperament facilitates the revelation of the glory of God in you. In the subsequent blogs, we will explore the essence of each path and how flowing with your natural temperament in the way that feels organic to you can foster yoking with the higher consciousness of Christ within. I invite you to notice, as you read.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez from Unsplash
PART 1: Bhakti Yoga: The Path of Devotion
“With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.” Colossians 3:16
“Fill your mind with me, love me; serve me; worship me always. Seeking me in your heart, you will at last be united with me.” Bhagavad Gita 9:34
Bhakti yoga is the path of yoking to Christ through loving devotion. Every word spoken and deed done are opportunities to adore God in Christ. Every thought entertained is a chance to praise and pray. Therese of Lisieux, a model of devotional love, wrote of her passion, “What I ask for is love. Only one thing, my Jesus, to love You. . . I can prove my love only by scattering flowers, that is to say, by never letting slip a single little sacrifice, a single glance, a single word; by making profit of the very smallest actions, by doing them all for love. . . Never a flower shall I find but it shall be scattered for you; and all the while I will sing, yes always sing, even when gathering my roses in the midst of thorns.” (The Story of a Soul, Chapter 11)
In the first moment of awakening, the loving devotee of Christ smiles in acknowledgment of the gift of a new day and fresh mercies. Making the bed becomes an offering to Christ in their loved one who shares their bed, or Christ within, if they sleep alone. Drinking the morning beverage in quiet and solitude, with scripture and pen, facilitates a conversation with the Advocate, their Counselor and Teacher. Stepping onto the mat honors the embodiment of Christ in their holy temple.
The loving devotee of Christ uses the mind for prayer, the mouth for praise, the eyes for worship, and the hands for service. In times of sadness, the bhakti weeps in the arms of Christ and takes solace in Christ’s comfort. In times of need, the bhakti makes known their requests in simple trust and thanksgiving.
No path to yoking to Christ is more straightforward. The world changes compassionately when seen through the eyes of devoted love. With a child-like heart, the loving devotee gives one-pointed focus to their Beloved in the face of each person they encounter, in the beauty of every flower, in the majesty of all the animals, and within the adversity they endure. The pure joy of knowing Christ through tribulation and triumph produces a steadfast faith and maturity that yields the peace which passes all understanding. The pure in heart see Christ everywhere.
Although scripture affirms it and the lives of ordinary bhaktis testify to it, the fruit of the path of devotion is evident and abundant when you choose to live it. May the peace of God guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
PART 2: Karma Yoga: The Path of Service
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” Ephesians 2:10
“Those who make me the supreme goal of all their work and act without selfish attachment, who devote themselves to me completely and are free from ill will for any creature, enter into me.” Bhagavad Gita 11:55
Karma yoga is the path of yoking to Christ through service. The selfless servant of Christ views the world through the lens of blessing others. The life of the humble servant is oriented around giving. About her experience with selfless service, Therese of Lisieux wrote, “Charity took possession of my heart, and I have been happy ever since.” (The Story of a Soul, Chapter 5)
On the path of karma yoga, every task accomplished is done for Christ. When cooking a meal, it is prepared for Christ. When fixing a faucet, it is mended for Christ. When cutting hair, it is for the head of Christ. When cleaning a home, it is for the abode of Christ. When selling an item, it is for the enrichment of Christ. When assisting a customer, it is for the benefit of Christ.
The path of the selfless servant is particularly suited for people of action, those geared toward doing. Mother Teresa of Calcutta is a beautiful example of one who combined the paths of devotion (bhakti yoga) and service (karma yoga). Perhaps you can think of several people you know personally who are also living both of these paths, and when you look at your own life, you may find that your particular expressions of prayer are a blend, as well.
We are one body and one Spirit in Christ, and the opportunities for service are plentiful. As you use your talents and skills, the glory of God is made manifest in you. May your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and praise the Great Lover of us all.
Cover image by Chuttersnap on Unsplash
