by L.G. Marshall, Christian (former yogi, TM student, and follower of “The Maharishi,” now a devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ)
The differences between PraiseMoves and yoga are evident. PraiseMoves is so much more peaceful, positive, and uplifting than yoga. The Word of God used in PraiseMoves always builds people up.
Yoga focuses on the Self, which separates us from others. While purporting to make connections, it actually does the exact opposite. The “good feelings” that come from yoga are a mirage. The closer you look, the more the image disappears into nothingness.
The exact opposite happens in a typical PraiseMoves class. At the end of class, the participants feel connected with fellow Believers. They have had a real encounter with the God of the Bible, through His Word, and His Holy Spirit.
PraiseMoves supports the biblical teachings that God is the Creator, and we, His creation, have been made to worship and obey Him, experience healing, and have an eternal relationship with Him.
Yoga (“Union with Self”) practice comes directly from a main branch of Hindu religion, which teaches that everything is God. There is no distinction between the Creator and Man. “Man is God.” Yoga is the vehicle for the supposed realization that “man is God.”
Yoga is always destined to fail miserably in its fundamental purpose. Yoga practices can be very harmful as well. It's physically, spiritually, and emotionally harmful. Yoga was always meant to be imparted by a teacher who stayed with the student for long periods of time. Constantly monitoring, constantly instructing, constantly observing the student.
The Indian gurus who teach yoga are always in a disciple/devotee relationship with their students. This is because yoga can be a very dangerous practice.
Contrast that with PraiseMoves.
While PraiseMoves is not the Word of God, it will never contradict the Word of God. PraiseMoves always points to the Word of God, which does have the power to save souls, and the power to renew the mind and body.
PraiseMoves is constructive. Yoga is destructive.
PraiseMoves is an alternative to yoga and a way out from Hindu yoga.
Yoga means “Union with Self.” In Hinduism “The Knowing of the Self” is the pinnacle of all possible attainments, which promises freedom from suffering and freedom from reincarnation. Hinduism teaches that ‘Self', in its highest state of consciousness is omnipotent, omniscient, and having all power.
Ancient Hindu teachings can be traced back all the way to the Fall in the Garden of Eden, and are directly related to the false promise that serpent/satan made to Adam & Eve, “You can be like God!”
In the West, we mostly know Yoga as the physical ‘exercise' that is taught at every YMCA, Fitness Studio, and Health Symposium, and is recommended by your doctor, your chiropractor, Dr. Laura, Oprah, and even your Pastor.
Most Americans are unaware that each yoga posture [asana] is a religious act of offering praises to Hindu gods. i.e. Shiva, Suriya, Vishnu, Hanuman & Krishna.
Today, Westerners are ignoring the dangers of Yoga practices and are not taking proper precautions that are recommended by all Yoga Experts and Teachers.
Revered Guru Swami S. Saraswati said that one's own “Personal guru is required for all yoga practice. A guru gives guidance and support for the spiritual experiences of the Yoga Disciple. If this guidance is not obtained, it is very easy to end up in a mental hospital or prison.
"Fantasies and psychotic behavior can occur if the student is undergoing any personal problem.” [Does the average American yoga practitioner have their own personal guru? No!]
How is PraiseMoves Different?
Born-again, faithful, Bible believers avoid any practice that appears to elevate the self, rather than worshiping the Creator, the God of the Bible.
Collage of photos from our 15th Annual PraiseMoves Conference
PraiseMoves is a spiritually healthy fitness practice, in which we pray in humbleness to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob…. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We recite and memorize His Word as found in scriptures from the Bible.
We listen to godly praise music that honors Him. We stretch and move and build core body strength with Scripture-linked postures such as Mt. Zion, The Eagle, The Reed, The Angel, the Prayer Warrior, the Prayer Shawl, Jars of Clay, The Dove, etc.
We learn PraiseMoves Alphabetics (the 22 Hebrew Letter postures). We strengthen our faith, we Rest in Him, and we Meditate on His Word. We pray in thanksgiving.
“Thank You, Jesus, that we can offer Light to any seekers that want to flee from Darkness.”
–L.G. Marshall
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