Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Namaskar Shanthi,

Thank you for your perspective. These are trying times for everyone. This is upsetting to many Muslims that extreme powers have tried to restrict Muslims from practicing yoga in Malaysia. It is good that you continue to show the benefits of the physical practice.

As you may have guessed I am a Muslim, but I am confident in my belief of only One God for the whole of mankind. But I can appreciate your right to believe differently. It is a pity that the Fatwa Council of Malaysia wants to restrict Muslims from a practice that can serve as a peaceful bridge between all religions.

The Roman Catholic church has also made strong statements against yoga, but the American Catholics don't listen. They have yoga classes in the basements of Roman Catholic churches. The Americans have many religions peacefully cxisting within one society, because they separate the power of religion from government.

When any religion has government power this is a problem. One additional point, extreme views come from many directions. Yes, there are Muslim extremists and it brings shame to us. But as you know Hindu fundamentalists also stir things up by saying they are converting Muslims to become Hindu with yoga classes. Extreme views of all kinds try to divide all of us from peaceful relationships.

I wish you kind and gentle thoughts.

Hamed