KOCHI: A debate was held on ‘Is Yoga a Religious Practice’ at the Ernakulam Public Library here.
Inaugurating the debate, Malankara Orthodox Church Bishop Thomas Mar Athanasius said yoga and meditation, which transcend the barriers of religion, would help the practitioner in his/her journey towards spirituality.
“It is not right to consider yoga as a religious practise,” the Bishop said, adding that 50 years of yoga practice had prepared his body and mind for the spiritual journey,” a press release from the organisers quoted the bishop as saying.
On a cautious note, Thomas Mar Athanasius said the authorities should show discretion every matter they take up, and should desist from supporting moves that would create rift among the public.
“At the same time, those who criticise the celebration of the International Yoga Day on religious grounds should show more wisdom,” he added.
The debate, organised jointly by the Gandhi Peace Foundation, Janarogya Prasthanam and Nature Life International, was presided over by Justice P K Shamsudheen. Dr M P Mathai, Dr Rajeev Kumar, Dr Jacob Vadakkanchery and K Njanadevan also spoke.
