Zagreus said:
Jnana and Raja Yoga by choice, affinity, and appeal, Prober. Karma and bhakti yoga as per recommendations from mentors, and by my own admission of what might help give me a better, more balanced approach. Does that make sense?
As for separateness, my view is 180 degrees from yours, Silas. In my understanding, this is the *only sin* which will characterize transgressors in days to come. The times, they are a-changin'.
And yoga disciplines, in the context of Hinduism - in the very least - are by no means "worldly philosophies." They may not appeal to you, but please at least respect that for hundreds of millions of Hindus, to say such would be an insult ... and no different than saying that "Christian prayer is worldly and unspiritual." That doesn't feel very good, does it?
There is a valid point to be made, and it *has* already been made, regarding the distinct revelation and completeless of a spiritual path (and discipline) found in the world's various religions. This can be emphasized without speaking pejoratively of other traditions or their corresponding practices.
~Zag
Well . . . I kind of look at it this way.
I have no knowledge of Yoga, nor do I express Christianity using Yoga.
But . . . what if I
did know Yoga? Would I still express Christianity through Yoga?
But I guess that's the thing. It's an expression. A language. It's about
method and
meaning. Yoga, as far as I know, is about method.
Christianity, though, doesn't seem to have
method. It seems to focus on
meaning.
One must also not overlook the fact that because Christianity is driven by
meaning, it might be regarded as
sacred to a lot of "Christians." Introducing method, rather like clothing and decoration to Christianity, might seem like maltreatment of the faith to those who want to preserve its meaning. Those in pursuit of something pure in meaning and "consistent in itself" may not find it appealing.
Finding elements in other faiths to supplement Christianity might not be so bad if one believes that certain things are simply "poorly expressed" in Christianity, or simply not addressed. But others may regard this as a betrayal of what Christianity means to them.
But that's the thing. It's how you express your beliefs and experiences. I think one has to be "diplomatic" when talking about Christianity and it's relationship with other religions. You don't want one group to think you're a traitor and another to think you're a bigot. I think it really depends on what you value. To let the one who might think you're a traitor know you're not a traitor you have to tell him what's really important to you, because he may think that because of certain other beliefs you have that you are disloyal to the core concepts of the faith. But you simply have a different way of achieving the same goal. Likewise, you would have to tell the one who suspects you of being a bigot that you simply regard certain things as important. Perhaps by explaining yourself the cynicism will evaporate.
Finally, Christianity is about one's relationship with God. Actually, all religions have something to say about one's relationship with God, even those that reject the existence of God. The rejection is part of the relationship. Perhaps we could say the religion
itself is the relationship. The question, then is, do you merge Christianity with other faiths in
that relationship, or do you keep other faiths separate from that relationship?
One may practice Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism, while being a Christian, but not include that in one's relationship with God. In other words, they keep Christianity separate. Christianity goes into its own little box. Christianity may well be their relationship with God, the other faiths being merely a leisure activity or past-time. Their God-directed devotion is through Christianity. There is no syncretism involved. For some, even this may be blasphemous to Christianity, despite having one's unrivaled devotion being directed to Christianity. Different people perceive it as Ok, others as unacceptable, even though ultimately, they give the same, equal devotion to Christianity.
Most importantly, though, I think there's a dilemma here.
If Christianity is your primary devotion, then your involvement in other faiths wouldn't affect your relationship with God through Christianity, as the other faiths are more like petty interests that are of no or insignificant consequence. Moreover, Christianity, I believe, was always meant to be about being led by and connecting with God, with everything else just falling away. So if one's pursuit of Christianity is persistent, the other faiths just "fall away." That is, unless you feel like holding on to them . . .
Nevertheless, Christianity is also sacred. Christianity has sentimental value. Inclusion of other religions can also be thought of as a desecration and defilement of Christianity. It's like a marriage. You might say to your husband or wife that you are emotionally attached to him or her but then pursue sexual and sensual gratification with another man or woman. You love your spouse, as he/she meets your emotional needs, but the affair meets your physical needs, your biological urges. There's the paradox/dilemma/irony/conflict of interest. I think it's a question of what's important to you. If you can reason with your spouse that you love them, then your marriage may survive . . .
Ultimately, I think it's between you and God. Nobody can really say you can't have Buddhism, Hinduism or Islam in your life (like another man or woman), as well as Christianity. If Christianity takes first place in your life then only you and God know the truth . . . and it was said that God was a jealous God. Seriously . . . I think religion is a bit like a spouse.
Maybe one's spouse can find a reason to accept another's physical, biological needs. Who knows? A spouse to share emotions with and a another to cohabit and copulate with . . . Is it all wrong? Is it ok if it makes one happy?
I honestly don't have the answers. I can only state the possibilities. (I do have beliefs, though. Beliefs for
me, not for anyone else.)
