Religion Watch Archives

Monitoring Trends in Religion - From February 1990 to January 2016

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archives
    • By Issue
    • By Article
    • By PDF (2008-14)
    • By PDF (1985-97)
    • All Articles
  • Sections
    • Current Research
    • Findings & Footnotes
    • On/File
  • Google Search
You are here: Home / Archive / Yoga gains access to schools

Yoga gains access to schools

June 1, 2003 by Richard Cimino

Print-friendly

The growing popularity of Yoga now includes children, with an increasing number of schools offering courses on the spiritual and physical discipline.

Voice of America (May 20) reports that both private and public schools offer yoga classes, although these courses tend to stress the “relaxing” effect of the technique more than its Hindu content. The introduction of yoga into the public schools has generated some controversy, as parents concerned with the Eastern religious identity of yoga charge that it infringes on the separation of church and state.

Gretchen Maisch, who has helped introduce yoga in Washington, D.C. area schools says that while traditional yoga may involve Hindu spiritual principles, the classes combine exercise with storytelling based on messages about love or honesty or courage. She adds that yoga is a healthy way for children to deal with fear and uncertainty in the world.

Maisch leads students to chant for peace (using the Hindu word “shanti”) in the world and their own lives.

Print-friendly

Filed Under: Archive

Also in this issue

  • Postmodernism, theism driving evangelical theology rifts
  • On/File: June 2003
  • Findings & Footnotes: June 2003
  • Christian party glut in New Zealand?
  • Progressive Catholics protest Vatican’s UN status
  • Freemasonry’s hidden and open impact on Islam
  • Current Research: June 2003
  • Christian comedy seeking Christian, secular audience
  • International Churches of Christ dissolving?
  • ‘Judeo-Christian’ nation challenged by American Muslims
  • Despite scandals, Catholic political voice still has impact

Search the Site

Download the first issue of RELIGION WATCH (1980)

Download the first issue of RELIGION WATCH (1980)

Click on the image for downloading

© 2016-2020 Richard Cimino / Religioscope
·News Pro Theme · Genesis Framework by StudioPress · WordPress