Global Theology

One of the holistic personal growth disciplines I practice is Yoga.  The connection of body and breath and the clarity of mind brought on by the stretching of the body bring enormous psychological refreshment, and the flowing movements and stretching itself if of considerable physical benefit.

In the past few months, I have also been studying Yoga philosophy, of which there is a considerable body of work, though it is only now beginning to become widely available and easily accessible in the West.  One neatly packaged summary of both Yoga philosophy and Yoga practice (and many yogis would no doubt balk at that dichotomy) is Yoga for Depression, by Amy Weintraub (Broadway Books, 2004).  Weitraub, a Yoga teacher and fellow at the Kripalu Yoga center literally cured her own depression through Yoga practice.  I have not finished the book, and cannot yet comment on its merits, though so far it seems promising.

However, one comment early in the book caught by attention.  Speaking of Yoga philosophy, Weintraub writes, “There is no original sin in the system of Yoga.  There is only wholeness and separation.”  Weintraub is suggesting that we are separated from our identity, our unity with the rest of the universe, and this is the source of suffering and one of the causes of depression.

I think Weintraub is right.  We do not know who we are as human beings.  We do not recognize the fingerprints of the Divine Creator in us and on us.  We forget what glorious beings we were created to be.  View full article »