“There are psycho-physical techniques that can help this effort towards harmonization – yoga, for example. None the less, I would discourage you from putting too great an emphasis on yoga techniques (as with true Hatha yoga). First, because these techniques depend on the supervision of an experienced master and the context of a living tradition; otherwise they risk being hurtful, even to health. Secondly, because these techniques are conceived in the light of an understanding of the human person and a spiritual ideal that are different from those of Christianity. Their goal is an interiority closed in on itself, an en-stasis, whereas Christianity is a religion of love that results in an open interiority, an ex-stasis. This is to speak too simplistically of a great tradition, but it is enough to help us realize that the fundamental orientation is different.
At the same time, it seems to me that we can derive great benefit from certain elementary techniques, the type of yoga used to master, stretch and calm the psycho-spiritual organism. What seems to me chiefly necessary in our time for many young people is a certain training in psycho-physical stillness and in the mental concentration so necessary for the life of prayer. It is very humble work, if you like, that seeks to facilitate from a distance, both the active and passive aspects of the theological virtues, faith, hope, and charity.”
pg. 117, The Way of Silent Love, by a Carthusian
Maybe it is me but I am somewhat confused about what this article is saying. Is yoga recommended or not.
Hi Loretta, I think what the Carthusians are saying, and what I agree with, is that it is not so simple. See my previous article for my take on the issue. Anything other than that and I would be putting words in the mouths of the Carthusians.
You say – Their goal is an interiority closed in on itself, an en-stasis, whereas Christianity is a religion of love that results in an open interiority, an ex-stasis. This is to speak too simplistically of a great tradition, but it is enough to help us realize that the fundamental orientation is different.
I beg to disagree – yoga leads to interiority but is not closed in itself. There is lot of love in Hinduism. Christianity does not have monopoly over love.
Basilio, you should also note that in Catholic thought there is a difference between natural love and divine love. Often, what East Asian religions are talking about relates more to natural love. I may be mistaken, but I believe Buddhist mysticism talks about moving beyond love; that the attainment of enlightenment is beyond love. What I have read of the Yoga Gurus (though my knowledge is limited) is that the heights of holiness are not connected with the idea of a receiving of Divine love. Rather, love and compassion are envisioned much more as natural, human qualities. I do not believe there is any notion of grace or divine agency in the yoga spirituality. In that context, love is being used in a very different sense than the Christian idea of the divine love, or agape.
Also, what the Christian calls divine love is beyond the effort or ability of the unaided human being. Humans are only able to share in and experience Divine love through the grace offered in Jesus Christ. You may disagree with that assessment, but that is what the author probably intended.