Yoga and Jesus: Works from/with a Positive Appreciation of Yoga for Christians
SECTION 1: FOCUS ON POSTURAL YOGA (ASANA)
Works cited here will likely address the other seven limbs of Patanjali’s description of yoga, but they concentrate on the practice of the asanas or postures. Questions about whether or not Christians ought to practice yoga may be addressed but do not constitute a major part of the work. Emphasis is given to yoga as embodied spiritual practice. Section 2 focuses on theological issues associated with a broader, more comprehensive view of yoga.
Alexandrou, Evangelos. Christian Yoga and You. Christananda Publishing, 1975.
An out-of-print book about practicing Hatha Yoga, written in both English and Spanish.
Amaldas, Yoga and Contemplation. Foreword by Bede Griffiths. New York: Crossroad, 1982.
Amaldas was an Indian Christian and a member of Bede Griffiths’ ashram at Shantivanam. The book provides an excellent overview of hatha yoga, with instruction on asana, pranayama, and meditation from the experience of a Christian practitioner.
Boon, Brooke, Holy Yoga: Exercise for the Christian Body and Soul, Faithwords Publishers, 2007.
Written by the founder of Holy Yoga, the book Holy Yoga provides an introduction for practicing yoga as a Christian. The first half of the book lays out a framework for why Christians can practice yoga, including an overview of what yoga is and how it integrates with Christian practice. The second half of the book includes descriptions of poses as well as suggested routines for how to link them together. The book also includes a DVD of Brooke Boon leading a Holy Yoga class. Throughout the book and the class, Boon quotes scripture and evangelical theological leaders.
Bordenkircher, Susan. Yoga for Christians. A Christ-Centered Approach to Physical and Spiritual Health. Nashville, TN: W Publishing Group, 2006.
This book is a comprehensive primer for the Christian learning to practice yoga. Bordenkircher includes a chapter of overview for why a Christian might practice yoga, then launches into a practical discussion of how. She includes tips for household props you might use, how to breathe, how to move, how to rest, how to include children, how to include your partner. The book is infused with scripture references and personal anecdotes to illustrate how yoga might integrate with your faith.
Carlo SVD, Gilbert, Christian Meditation Through Yoga. Pune, India: Ishvani Publications, 1999.
An overview of yoga, with an emphasis falling on yoga for prayer. Includes some description of asana with photographs of acceptable quality. The author, a Roman Catholic priest from India, includes some mantras and chants in Sanskrit with Christian content. Apparently, there is a tape with the music for these. He has also produced a couple of videos.
Bethany B. Connelly, Finding Jesus on the Mat: Your Yoga Daily Devotional. 2012.
This daily devotional unites faith in Jesus with traditional yoga teachings. Each entry contains Biblical passages combined with poses and practices. Connelly’s book will appeal to those who already have an intimate relationship with Jesus but have yet to try yoga. It will also appeal to advanced yoga students who may be skeptical of how their ‘time on the mat’ relates to Jesus.
Déchanet, J.-M., Christian Yoga, (Originally published as La Voie de Silence, 3rd edition, translated by Roland Hindmarsh. First French edition, 1956) Tunbridge Wells, Kent: Search Press, Ltd., first published 1960, eighth impression 1984.
One of the first published appreciation of Yoga from a Christian perspective, the author, a French Benedictine, presents Yoga as a means to encourage contemplation in the tension of the modern world.
Devaprasad, Swami. Yoga for Integral Health and Growth (Bangalore: NBCLC, 1998).
The author, a former Roman Catholic priest from Kerala, writes from years of experience as a practitioner of yoga and a member, from time to time, of ashrams. A good introduction to the various limbs of yoga, with a fair amount of detail, including photos, of asana. Valuable for any beginner; useful for more experienced practitioners.
Devaprasad, Swami. Deva Yoga for Wholeness and Wellness Bangalore: Asian Trading Company, 2010.
A more extensive exploration of yoga than his earlier work, this book offers greater detail on pranayama, kriyas, and aspects of meditation practice. The author introduces acu-pressure or acu-yoga, a method of healing through the promotion of an even flow of vital energy through the body. The majority of the book describes numerous asanas. There are clear, detailed photographs and drawings throughout. The books would be of use both for beginners and more experienced practitioners.
Drego, Pearl, Pathways to Liberation: An Essay on Yoga-Christian Dialogue. New Delhi: The Grail, 1974.
A lovely book by a Christian Indian woman, exploring asana, psychology, philosophy, and Scripture. A dialogue between Christianity and Yoga. Out of print, but if you can track down a copy, it is a gem.
Driver, Dave. The Bottom Turtle. A Christian’s Journey into Yoga. Minneapolis: Bottom Turtle Publishing, 2016.
Dave describes the intellectual journey of an evangelical Christian encountering yoga, outlining his theological hesitancy, re-examining his theology, and ultimately coming to a Biblically-based understanding of how the practice of yoga can complement the Christian faith. Dave's writing is clear and compassionate, a testament to the deep thinking and soul-searching that produced this book.
See interview: https://www.christianspracticingyoga.com/christianity-and-yoga-blog/2017/3/14/interview-with-dave-driver-author-of-the-bottom-turtle?rq=driver
Michaëlle, Yoga and Prayer (First published in French, Les Editions du Cerf, 1977) London: Search Press1980.
Michaëlle, a disciple of Jean Déchanet, provides an overview of Yoga asanas, pranayama, diet, etc. She offers a series of prayers and meditations that may be linked to asanas. Attractive line drawings by a Poor Clare.
Neal, Susan. Scripture Yoga. 21 Bible Lessons for Christian Yoga Classes. Christian Yoga LLC, 2016.
Susan Neal is an evangelical Christian who has been teaching yoga for over thirty years. In this book she promotes the memorization of texts from the Scriptures which can then be repeated throughout postural practice. She also offers 21 bible studies intended to accompany postural classes. There is no necessary link between postures and the bible studies. The intention instead is the creation of a scripturally infused atmosphere in which practice takes place.
Raining, Hillary D., and Amy Nobles Dolan. (2018) Faith with a Twist: A 30-Day Journey into Christian Yoga. Forward Movement.
A slim volume with beautiful pictures. Begins with a brief discussion of the yamas and niyamas, then 30-days of gentle practice. Ideal for beginners, perhaps a practice for a season from the Christian calendar--like Advent, Lent, or Easter.
Randazzo, Fr. Anthony and Madelana Ferrara-Mattheis. Foreword by Fr. Thomas Ryan. Beatitudes, Christ, and the Practice of Yoga. A Sacred Log on Land and Sea. Totowa,NJ: Resurrection Press, 2006.
The authors, a Catholic priest and a yoga teacher, offer a very personal account of the value of yoga as a practice to deepen and enhance Christian life. A set of photos show the postures referred to in the text. The authors use anecdotes, reflections on the Scriptures, basic instruction in yoga, and personal histories to outline an embodied, contemplative Christianity.
Roth, Nancy, A New Christian Yoga. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Cowley Publications, 1989.
Written by an Episcopal priest this is a gentle introduction to the use of hatha yoga linked to prayer. Reprinted more popularly as An Invitation to Christian Yoga.
Ryan, Thomas, Prayer of Heart and Body. Meditation and Yoga as Christian Spiritual Practice. New York: Paulist Press, 1995.
The first part of the book is an introduction and guide to meditation; the second explores how Yoga can help a Christian to pray. Probably the most complete and accessible Christian introduction now available. The author, a Roman Catholic priest, is a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher.
Senarighi, Cindy, and Heidi Green, Yogadevotion: Practicing in the Presence, God Breath Books, LLC, 2017
Cindy Senarighi is a Lutheran pastor and the founder of Yogadevotion. This book, compiled with Heidi Green, is a beautiful collection of 40 devotions, each containing a photo, scripture verse, spiritual quote, devotion, breath prayer, and pose description. You could read the book in order, or there are suggested seasons (both weather and church calendar) for their practice as well. Senarighi and Green both continue to write similar devotions on their site, yogadevotion.com
Thielen, Michelle, Stretching Your Faith: Practicing Postures of Prayer to Create Peace, Balance and Freedom, Aviva Publishing, 2016
This how-to book was written by Michele Thielen, founder of YogaFaith, as a manual for their teacher-training program. The book includes three class videos (online), detailed instructions for each pose, and Scripture meditations for each pose. Stretching Your Faith is loosely organized into three overall parts: a framework for understanding yoga from a Christian perspective; descriptions of families of poses and how to practice; final chapters include Thielen’s testimony and more information about YogaFaith. More detail in our review.
SECTION 2: FOCUS ON THEOLOGICAL ISSUES
These books may concentrate on postural practice or on broader aspects of yoga philosophy and spirituality. There is an explicit address to the range of theological questions that arise in such study, e.g., inter-religious dialogue, the work of the Holy Spirit within and beyond the Church, the identity and significance of Christ, etc. To the extent possible, we identify the expertise and ecclesial background of each writer.
Amaldas. Christian Yogic Meditation. Wilmington, Delaware: Michael Glazier, Inc., 1983.
Continues the work he began in his earlier book with greater emphasis and detail on meditation as growth in Christ consciousness.
Bourgeois, Henri, Michel Alibert, Beatrice Viard, Yoga et Christianisme: Quelles convergences? Paris: Desclée de Brouwer, 1998.
The account of a year-long dialogue between a Catholic theologian in Lyons and two Yoga teachers there. Sets forth the dynamics and emphases of yoga as taught by Pantajali with its anthropological and spiritual implications. Then examines points of contact with Christian spirituality, and relates perceptions and discoveries of Christians practicing yoga. Highly recommended.
Clooney, Francis X. "Father Amorth’s Yoga and the Devil.” America magazine, 2011.
This article, located on pages 303 to 305 in Learning Interreligiously: in the Text, in the World, is Clooney’s response to the claims of yoga being satanic. In this entry he mentions the father of Christian yoga, Jean-Marie Dechanet.
Clooney, Francis X. Two blog series on the Yoga Sutras: “Jesuit Yoga” and “Yoga and Lent.” America magazine, 2008-2013.
Francis X. Clooney wrote two blog series on the intersections of yoga and Catholicism in America magazine. The initial series “Jesuit Yoga” (2008) explains in four posts his encounter with the yoga sutras as a Jesuit priest and comparative theology scholar. The second series beginning with “The Practice of Yoga and the Practice of Lent” (2013) includes eight posts that expanded on the first series while incorporating the teachings of Lent.
Collier, Winn. “Opinion: Yoga and a Christianity for the Body”, Baptist News Global, March 10, 2013,
A brief but positive reflection on yoga as a practice appropriate for Christians. The author decries notions of Christian prayer and reflection that are merely cerebral, arguing instead that the Word who became flesh continues to be encountered through the physical, both human and non-human. He contends that the Scriptures see the human being -- body, mind, and spirit -- as an integral whole. He encourages Christians to attend to the question of whether Christians are guilty of misappropriating the spiritual and philosophical heritage of another religion without answering it in this short piece.
Davila, Caesar Augustus, The Keys to Thy Kingdom, trans. from the Spanish by Monica Reynoso-Gauta. Quito, Ecuador (?): The Center for Yoga and Christianity.
The late Fr. Davila, a diocesan priest in Quito, established centres for the practice of Christianity and Yoga in a number of Ecuadorian cities under the title of Asociacion-Escuela de Auto-Realizacion. More emphasis on concentration and meditation than on asana.
Davis, Gena, YogaMass, Embodying Christ Consciousness, Balboa Press, 2017
Gena Davis is an Episcopal priest who created an Episcopal liturgy designed to incorporate Hatha yoga and an Episcopal mass (church service). This book is less about the actual Hatha yoga that comes between the liturgies and more about the theology behind the liturgy: the use of the Gospel of St. Thomas, in particular. Davis draws heavily from Yogananda, Cynthia Bourgeault, Richard Rohr, Thomas Keating, and Joan Chittister. Her book is a beautiful blend of contemporary Christian contemplative theology with yoga philosophy.
Déchanet, J.-M., Yoga and God. St Meinrad, Indiana: Abbey Press, 1975.
Proposes yoga as a way of harmonizing all one's human desires--physical, psychic, intellectual, and spiritual--to move forward as a whole human being and become what one is: a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Frenz, Albrecht, Yoga in Christianity. Madras: Christian Literature Society, 1986.
A short pamphlet by a Lutheran pastor. A sympathetic, constructive introduction to complementary insights in Christianity and yoga. Includes a brief review of a number of German mystics, including Eckehart, whose insights are similar to the cosmic spirituality of India.
Hayden, Eric W. Everyday Yoga for Christians. Seven Simple Steps to Victorious Living. Evesham, Worcs.: Arthur James Ltd., 1966.
This is a short, positive appreciation of the benefits of yoga by an English Baptist minister who discovered yoga while recovering from a serious back injury. He touches on a very few of the possible objections to yoga for Christians, commending the work of J-M. Déchanet for a more extended theological treatment. The book includes a few breathing exercises, postures, and relaxation methods. There are many more complete introductions of yoga for Christians. This work is of interest mainly for its being a positive mid-20th century work by an evangelical Christian.
Hoover, Joe. (2019) “What’s the deal with Ignatian yoga? A skeptical Jesuit finds out.” America Magazine. Feb 8, 2019.
A Jesuit priest explores the organization formerly known as Ignatian Yoga. It was founded by two Jesuit priests seeking to integrate the traditional practice of Ignatian meditation with the practice of yoga. Their stance, as Hoover suggests, affirms the practice of yoga as a method to calm and empty the mind in order to meditate and pray more effectively.
Hughes, Louis Body, Mind, and Spirit: to Harmony through Meditation. Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 1991.
Focuses on 8 keys to Christian meditation: rest, breath, body, place, sound, rhythm, simplicity, wholeness. The chapter on body presents yoga postures. Also includes short presentations on breathing methods and chakras.
Kim, Grace Ji-Sun, The Holy Spirit, Chi, and the Other: A Model of Global and Intercultural Pneumatology, Palgrave Macmillan, 2011
This book was reviewed by Kevin Flynn; His book review is provided here. “Kim seeks in this work to enrich Western Christian understandings of the Holy Spirit (i.e., “pneumatology”), which she sees as marred by categories that are overwhelmingly centered in European and androcentric or male-focused categories.”
Mascharenas, B.C.M., Yoga and Christian Thought. Bombay: Society of Saint Paul, 1973?
A good introduction to yoga that locates it within the larger context of Hindu thought and practice. The author, an Indian Catholic with significant theological formation, considers points of convergence and divergence between Christianity and yoga. Less emphasis on asana than on philosophical matters and meditation practice.
Matus, Thomas, Yoga and the Jesus Prayer Tradition. An Experiment in Faith. Preface by Bede Griffiths. Ramsey, N.J.: Paulist Press, 1984.
Matus, a Camaldolese Monk, examines the relation between hesychasm and tantric yoga by comparing the experiences and writings of St. Symeon the New Theologian and Abhinavagupta, two roughly contemporary mystics of the 11th century. A remarkable blend of scholarship and personal experience.
Matus, Thomas. (1977) The Christian Use of Yoga: A Theoretical Study Based on a Comparison of the Mystical Experience of Symeon the New Theologian with Some Tantric Sources. PhD diss. Fordham University.
Same priest who wrote Yoga and the Jesus Prayer.
O’Brien, Justin. Christianity and Yoga. A Meeting of Mystical Paths. London & New York: Penguin Books, Arkana, 1989.
Many fine insights into connections between the yoga tradition(s) and Christianity, including a chapter on the Beatitudes. His musings on gnostic Christianity and his rather adoptionist Christology will mitigate the book’s value to more traditional Christians.
Paul, Russill. Jesus in the Lotus. The Mystical Doorway between Christianity and Yogic Spirituality. Novato, California: New World Library, 2009.
Paul was born and raised in India. He was a member of Bede Griffiths’ community at Shantivanam ashram where his exploration into the connections between his Christian faith and Indian spiritual tradition was encouraged and deepened. As with much of Bede Griffiths’ writings, Paul calls here for a renewal of fundamental Christian experience of the divine that goes beyond assent to propositional doctrines. He sees yoga, with its emphasis on practice, as a privileged way to such renewal. This is an accessible work which combines personal testimony, theological reflection, and pointers to engagement in interspiritual dialogue.
Puthenpura, Cherian. Yoga Spirituality. A Christian Pastoral Understanding. Bangalore: Chameleon Publications, 1997.
This is the publication of the doctoral thesis of the author, an Indian Catholic. After a detailed history of yoga, its varieties, and Samkhya-yoga metaphysics, Puthenpura attempts a Christian spirituality informed by yoga. He relates yoga to classic Christian understandings of the spiritual journey: purification, illumination, union. Finally, he proposes this Christian yoga spirituality as a means of pastoral care for the sick, insisting that yoga has value both for the care-giver and for the patient. Readers without a background in both yoga philosophy and Christian theology may find this a challenging book.
Ryan, Thomas, ed. Reclaiming the Body in Christian Spirituality. New Jersey: Paulist Press, 2004.
Continues the work of Prayer of Heart and Body with contributions by a number of other Christian practitioners of yoga. Wide-ranging discussion of the implications of an embodied spirituality.
Ryan, Father Thomas. Yoga Prayer: An Embodied Christian Spiritual Practice.
Explains the offering of yoga prayers as embodied Christian spiritual practice by one of the Guiding Lights of the Christians practicing yoga movement (and founder of this website). This article is partial - the rest is in paper magazine form and can be ordered from Integral Yoga.
St. Romain, Philip, Kundalini Energy and Christian Spirituality Originally published by Crossroad Publishing Co., NYC, 1991. Wichita, KS: Contemplative Ministries, Inc. 2004.
The author writes out of his experience of the rise of kundalini energy over the course of several years while deeply engaged in Christian prayer and worship. Provides a good orientation for Christians, including some reference to the prayer experiences of some Christian saints, to this experience which is widely known and discussed in a number of Yoga traditions but not so in Christianity.
St. Romain, Philip, The Kundalini Process, A Christian Perspective, Contemplative Ministries, Inc. 2017
A follow up book to help Christians better understand the phenomenon of kundalini and its place in spiritual life. He Includes a Christian philosophical explanation of kundalini, explores from several points of view including St. Thomas’ (Thomism) view of human nature, chakra system, Biblical and Holy Spirit connections to energy. Over 900 people contacted him after the first book was published in 1991, and he ends with some of their letters and stories.
An interview about his experience https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMgOHodxKSU
Tennant, Agnieszka. “Yes to Yoga.” Christianity Today Magazine. 19 May 2005.
A lovely first-person account of how yoga deepens Tennant’s faith, which she wrote after Holly Vincente Robaina wrote “The Truth About Yoga” 2005. Robaina rebutled Tennant in “Take a Pass on Yoga” 17 Jan 2007.
Vineeth, V.F. Yoga of Spirituality. Christian Initiation into Indian Spiritual Traditions. Bangalore: Vidya Vanam Publications,1995.
Attempts a synthesis between Christian spiritual traditions, both Western and Eastern, and Indian traditions. A rich reflection on points of convergence and divergence between Christianity and yoga. Each chapter includes material drawn from Fr. Vineeth’s retreats and conferences which can be used as a guide for meditation. The section on asana could not be recommended as sufficient for beginners owing to lack of detail and illustration. The text is unfortunately marred by typos.
Zezima, Katie. “Religion Journal; In New Yoga Classes, Poses, and Prayer.” The New York Times. 17 Sept 2005.
A newspaper profile featuring Cathy Chadwick, one of the teachers in the CPY community.