What does the Bible say about Yoga and is this a form of Buddhism? I'm attending a school that has Yoga as one of my classes. I do not want to participate in something that I don't believe in. Thank you for the information.
Answer
The Bible does not say anything specifically about Yoga. The apostle Paul does say that bodily exercise is of some value (1 Timothy 4:8). Based on statements in his letters, Paul was obviously a fan of athletic events, and may have even engaged in physical training. I know Yoga is a different sort of discipline, but the principle still applies that such training can be good for the body.
The danger comes not to the body, but to the soul. Most teachers of Yoga with which I have been familiar say that the bodily training is worthless without the philosophical training. Since Yoga is a Buddhist discipline, it necessarily involves training in Buddhist beliefs. Many of those beliefs are compatible with the Christian faith. Some are not.
If you are strong enough in your faith to know the difference between Buddhist and Christian teaching, and are able to keep your faith, then the physical advantages of Yoga may outweigh the spiritual dangers. Not everyone will be able to go through Yoga training with their faith intact, but many can do so.
Some of the doctrines to watch out for are: reincarnation, the ability to work your own way to God, and that we are all gods or have the gods within us.