The circular signed by His Eminence Cardinal George Alencherry, Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, discussed the role of Yoga in their faith and has opined that divine experience could not necessarily be obtained through Yoga. According to the Syro-Malabar Church, yoga cannot be seen as a medium to experience God, though it would help physical and mental health.
As reported by dnaindia.com, His Lordship Cardinal Alencherry emphasized that “God is not someone who can be reached through a particular posture.” Further, His Eminence continued, “ It is not quite right to think that the experience of God and the encounter with the Lord is possible through Yoga.” Yoga is to be considered as an exercise to calm the mental and physical health but is given a prior importance in Indian culture.
The circular concluded by asserting that “Each one should take utmost care to avoids getting into those prayer groups and spiritual movements which are against the Catholic faith and do not recognize the official teachings of the Church.”
Source: www.dnaindia.com
