What is the Church’s stance on participating in yoga?

Question

Gramps

Tonight I went to a Yoga class for the first time, as I want to learn to deal with stress better and become fitter physically; however, I  came out rather unsettled. I am only a new convert, but there were Buddhist statues and pictures throughout the Center. On doing some reading when I arrived home, I read that ‘Yoga IS Hinduism’. What is the LDS Church’s stance on participating in Yoga?

Rebecca

Answer

Rebecca,

Hinduism is renowned for its rich traditions of yoga, meditation, and contemplation—each aimed at cultivating self-awareness and mastering the mind. The practice of meditation, described as turning inward and learning to distinguish between “the knower” (the true self) and “the field” (mind and body), is foundational for gaining spiritual clarity and strengthening one’s agency. The process of silent awareness, letting thoughts arise and pass without attachment, allows the practitioner to step out of the rushing “river of thoughts” and direct their mind with intention. This strengthening of awareness is seen not only as a means of achieving peace but also of becoming the true agent of one’s actions—an idea central to both disciplines.

For members of The Church, such meditative practices may feel unfamiliar or even foreign. However, the benefits of meditation—scientifically proven to foster well-being, focus, and emotional resilience—fit naturally within the Church’s teachings on agency and spiritual self-mastery. Church doctrine frequently emphasizes becoming conscious of one’s choices and aligning them with divine will. By adopting meditative techniques, believers may find new ways to quiet distractions, become more attuned to the Holy Spirit, and act with greater deliberateness in their spiritual and everyday lives.

This convergence of spiritual technique powerfully illustrates how traditions from different worlds can enrich each other. By welcoming meditation and contemplative practices, members of the Church can amplify their capacity for spiritual growth—mirroring the inward discipline revered in Hinduism.

Both Hindu scripture and the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints repeatedly emphasize the primacy of sincere devotion over the specific form of worship. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna reassures devotees that whatever is offered “in devotion with a pure heart—a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water,” is joyfully accepted. The Divine seeks not the external trappings of worship, but the authenticity and humility of the heart.

Similarly, Church leaders encourage members to offer their best, regardless of personal circumstance or perceived inadequacy. Whether through prayer, service, or daily choices, the attitude of sincere seeking is paramount. This mutual respect for heartfelt offering invites all individuals—regardless of tradition, talent, or background—to participate actively in the spiritual journey.

This teaching not only breaks down barriers between religions but encourages empathy, open-heartedness, and generosity—a recognition that God values the devotion behind the act more than the act itself.

For members of the Church, integrating practices like meditation, honoring the divine in all life, and appreciating the many forms of sincere devotion can only strengthen personal faith. For all seekers, recognizing these shared foundations offers both comfort and challenge: comfort in knowing one is not alone on the path, and challenge to reach across divides with greater love and understanding.

In a world too often divided by religious boundaries, these transcendent connections are a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and spiritual destiny. The challenge, and the invitation, is to seek unity—within ourselves and with each other—wherever our journey leads.

Gramps