Teachers Blog

Are you judgmental????

01/10/2012

Before the transformation of yoga, I was a very judgemental person. I was constantly comparing and judging others and myself both consciously and unconsciously. Through the practice of setting intentions and alignment of thoughts, words and actions, I was able to become totally conscious of my judging and was able to release this activity of the mind. The more I would practice without judgment, the more contentment and joy I experienced on and off the mat. A consistent yoga practice can free you of old patterns and belief structures that can hold you back in life.

If you've ever visited our studio, you may notice some beautiful decor that was given to us by friends and students. We have a few stone Buddha heads in the reception area as well as a beautiful hand carved Buddha head from Bali in the yoga studio. We do not teach religion here and I do not claim to be Buddhist or of any religion. I am not religious, though I practice yoga religiously. There is no dogma or doctrines here. We teach the science of yoga which supports all faiths and spiritual practices. I heard once that religion is for those who fear hell and spirituality is for those who have been there.

I got an email the other day from a husband of a would-be student. Student came to practice and signed up for the beginner series to learn about true yoga and the next day said couldn't come because of the Buddha heads in the studio. Here's what protective husband wrote me via email:

What good does it profit a man to gain the whole world but forfeit his soul? You are lost and worse you are taking lost souls with you. Jesus was no yogi. There is only one source for understanding Christ's teaching. Open his book and read it. The teaching you follow is ant-Christ. Salvation is not found in bronze idols or peace and serenity. It is through forgive, sacrifice and faith in the one True God. I pray for you and your followers. May you find mercy, truth and faith. May the Lord reveal his love in your time of need when you are broken and ready to accept Him with a humble and open heart. You may contact us should you ever need prayer and guidance.

Be careful if you practice yoga at KYC.. I may take your soul to hell with me! Thoughts?

Ricky Tran

Jesus and Buddha were both yogis. Here are the parallel teachings of Jesus and Buddha:

Numerous scholars have made parallels between Buddha and Jesus. According to Jerry Bentley, they "have often considered the possibility that Buddhism influenced the early development of Christianity. They have drawn attention to many parallels concerning the births, lives, doctrines, and deaths of the Buddha and Jesus". Learn more

Revered as two of the greatest spiritual figures in the history of man, Jesus Christ and Buddha forged and articulated the precepts that would form the ideological foundations of the Christian and Buddhist religions. From what were austere beginnings, these visionary doctrines evolved over time into universal forces in their own right. Only a handful of other belief systems have influenced the lives of so vast a number of people throughout the world to the extent that these two great religions have. Learn more

After posting this on Facebook, we got over 100 comments in less than 24 hours! Here are the comments below.

Austin Efurd In the sight of fear.... love love love.January 5 at 9:33pm · Like · 14
Brian G. Knowles The same way that I steal souls with my photography must be the road to damnation. Since we both tell people what we are doing with the instruments given us, I don't believe we are on the road to perdition just yet (or at least for what we do).

Take it in, understand the perspective, and let go. Their loss in the end if they cannot be open minded enough to take in the exercise and balance it all out at the end of the day with upholding their own faith.January 5 at 9:35pm · Like · 4
Andy Fang Yoga is not a religion, rather, it helps you to strengthen and connect deeper to your personal beliefs :)January 5 at 9:35pm · Like · 7
Cori Berg it's one thing to belief a certain business isn't a good match, it's a whole other thing to write a nasty letter like this... disturbing, scary,and in the end, quite sadJanuary 5 at 9:37pm · Like · 3
Stephanie M Jackson · 4 mutual friendsI'm game! I'll take peace and serenity over hellfire and brimstone any day.January 5 at 9:38pm · Like · 1
Stephanie Surovik Smith CULT!!January 5 at 9:39pm · Like · 3
Christina M Chairez · 5 mutual friendsFrom Don Miguel Ruiz's book "The Four Agreements", don't take anything personally. People do things because of them, not because of you! I wouldn't suggest you waste any of your beautiful life energy worrying about this guy & his self righteous attitude! Love & light ♥January 5 at 9:40pm · Like · 18
Jessica Jenks Religion is bad...mm Kay? (said in traditional voice of mr. Mackee)....God's word, the one that I believe in, says "judge not, lest ye be judged"....as if you're going to somehow be receptive to that presentation. Jesus had one commandment. To love your neighbor as yourself. It's religious judgement.January 5 at 9:40pm · Like · 3
Mary Oppermann Ricky, keep calm and carry on....and uh welcome to Texas bro! Love & miss you!January 5 at 9:40pm · Like · 2
Amber Kavehkar I'll see you in Hell!January 5 at 9:41pm · Like · 2
Viviana Medel happy there are others yoga studios this woman can use! keep following YOUR bliss ricky! ♥January 5 at 9:42pm · Like · 1
Jessica Jenks Oh, and I visited your page, because I wanted to thank you for being such a great teacher. So...thank you, Ricky.
January 5 at 9:43pm · Like
Shannon Moran There are lots of people living in fear and Avidya "non knowledge" keep doing what you are doing Ricky and do not worry about those that do not understand.January 5 at 9:43pm · Like · 2
Loan Nguyen I am a proud Christian and love yoga! Nemaste....January 5 at 9:43pm · Like · 8
Mark Williams christ said judge not and ye shall not be judged...January 5 at 9:45pm · Like · 8
Mandy Applin “I Would Rather Have A Mind Opened By Wonder Than One Closed By Belief.”January 5 at 9:48pm · Like · 16
Malia Scott live and let live. We all know yoga is NOT a religion. It's a science, a technology and a practice. I read something last night in Carolyn Myss' book that currently we are trapped in a heart chakra culture. Some people are willing to be open, some are not. It's up to us to spread the love. Keep doing what you are doing and shining your light. love from Austin. (and yes, I owe you a phone call:)January 5 at 9:48pm · Like · 8
Valerie Rogers We are all God's children, children of the universe. We are the light of our soul.January 5 at 9:49pm · Like · 3
Bundit Love Tell him you'll replace all the buddha heads for bloody crosses with jesus hanging upon them in agony! Its a good message. Feel like jesus? Try yoga and feel better!January 5 at 9:50pm · Like · 6
Logynn B. Northrhip Wow!January 5 at 9:50pm · Like
Nikki Nichols Engler The Bhagavad Gita pre-dates the Bible and the main teachings are to be compassionate towards all living beings, thus love all living beings. This means don’t be envious or hateful of others. Be friendly to others, be nice to others, be kind to others, be generous to others, be merciful to others, be charitable to the needy. Don’t cheat others, don’t lie, don’t steal, don’t hurt others, don’t drink, don’t take drugs, don’t eat meat, don’t buy leather. sounds a LOT like what The "Christ" taught to his followers????January 5 at 9:50pm · Like · 5
Rudra Das Congrats! Your practice must be good to elicit such an emotional response. If yours was the average studio he wouldn't have had to worry about his wife changing, and would have probably bought a tee-shirt. This is why I love you! What to do about others?January 5 at 9:51pm · Like · 10
Sabrina Abney I think that his email shows his ignorance about Buddhism as a belief system and philosophy, and his inability to open his mind and understand that there are paths to peace other than Christ. Someone already said it, but I would let it go, since he appears to be a religious extremest-you will never be able to change his mind.January 5 at 9:51pm · Like · 1
Sean Michael Murray If it pains you to think of someone, send them love and your pain will cease. -Marianne WilliamsonJanuary 5 at 9:53pm · Like · 3
Bret McNamara Ordering your wife not to do something seems quite "Christian". Tell him there is no "Christian" clause in the yoga contract. If he wants his money back, he should just ask.January 5 at 9:55pm · Like · 4
Reegan Sarah Lessie love love loveJanuary 5 at 9:56pm · Like · 1
Kaja Majewska Let it roll, let it flow. One Love!January 5 at 9:56pm · Like · 1
Laurie McVay Rogers His last statement proves that he truly Does not understand Christ's teachings. He is confused by Religion. I am a Christian...and a Yogi!! I loved every moment I spent in your classroom!! Magnificent!! I pray for him.January 5 at 9:57pm · Like · 7
Waverly Evans I don't think you can make this person understand your position, but you can have compassion for them and let it go with love & peace. This creates space for the person to possibly choose love instead of fear & separation.January 5 at 9:58pm · Like · 2
Kimberly Mount I suggest to this gentleman several books: The Yoga of Jesus and The Second Coming Of Christ. Both by Paramahansa Yogananda. I'm sure great truths will be revealed.January 5 at 9:59pm · Like · 5
Stacey Ristuccia That was too funny- oh well, one less pain in the ass in your class. Religious fervents kill me!January 5 at 9:59pm · Like · 3
Eden Goldman Buy him a copy...I'll pay for it Ricky-ji. O:-) Haha! http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Jesus-Understanding-Teachings-Gospels/dp/0876125569The Yoga of Jesus: Understanding the Hidden Teachings of the Gospelswww.amazon.comIn this remarkable book, Paramahansa Yogananda reveals the hidden yoga of the Go...See MoreJanuary 5 at 10:00pm · Like · 7 ·
Robyn Linn Jesus WAS a yogi! :)January 5 at 10:02pm · Like · 7
Robyn Linn The lost scriptures show that he was in India learning healing and asanas... :)January 5 at 10:03pm · Like · 6
Randi Schwartz Oy vey!!! It is such a shame....the things he could learn without comprimising any of his religious beliefs. Let it roll and let it go...his/her loss.January 5 at 10:05pm · Like · 4
Heather Oakley Arroyo This kind of arrogance makes me so angry. I am a Christian, and a yogi. I cannot understand the myopic perspective of someone like this. They are so overcome by their own dogma, that they cannot understand that yoga is not a "religion". And that just because there may be Buddha statues in a yoga studio, does NOT mean that that studio's yogis are "worshipping" them during practice. This kind on ignorance makes me sad. It makes me sad for them, and sad for the rest of us (Christians) who do not share their perspective. They are the types that give Christians a bad reputation. Bums me out. :-/January 5 at 10:05pm · Like · 6
Suzy Almeida Hi, Ricky. I would like to say first that I admire your work very much, I am also a lover of power yoga, and a Christian for about 3 years now. Personally I run from any and all conflict and try to maintain and make peace wherever I go. I do notice Buddah images at his one yoga joint I go to and I do not like it. The bible says in Exodus 20:3-4 (NIV) "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below." Yoga can be a practice with or without spirituality and I chose it for a time where I connect my body, mind and soul. I do not worship Buddah. I sure appreciate his work.January 5 at 10:07pm · Like
David Dhanvantari Miles Tietje I used to get really pissed at bible thumpers, now I try to let them be. It's very sad that he has no mind/thought/belief of his own, only what he has been taught by his parents and church.

Ricky, you take me to Hell almost every class and by Savasana time I'm back in Heaven!January 5 at 10:08pm · Like · 9
Sean Michael Murray There's no reasoning with dualistic religious extremists such as this who believe that yoga practice has anything to do with any organized religion. I wouldn't waste any of my energy on this one. The best thing to do with people like this is to just send them love.January 5 at 10:09pm · Like · 6
Randi Schwartz Agreed Sean!January 5 at 10:09pm · Like · 1
Ella Fazilah Look at the positive words. The pray he intended for you :) He is just confused with everything. I am sure he wants the good things happen to us all, but don't know how or what is the best. I am a Muslim, and yoga was banned in my country Malaysia. My father is the Bilal at the mosque; his job is to call out for prayer 5 times a day. He loves me dearly, he practice yoga asanas and breathing technique with Bismillah...January 5 at 10:12pm · Like · 3
Zoe Mantarakis i've gotten the same feedback from confused yogi-haters. all we can do is hold One Big Love in our hearts with steadfastness. peace is with you, seeker friendJanuary 5 at 10:13pm · Like · 4
Annmarie Lanesey Thank you for sharing what I can imagine was a very unsettling experience. Worth noting, I've seen yoga bring folks to Christianity. My favorite quote comes to mind: keep calm and carry on.January 5 at 10:13pm · Like · 3
Rodney Steman I think the best thing you can do is realize that however myopic his views are, they are his path. You do not have to agree, but if you practice love, you have to honor his right to his path. As to him expressing it in the way he did, that is dishonoring your path.January 5 at 10:21pm · Like · 3
Christina Frosolono Sell nice to know someone is praying for you though, huh?January 5 at 10:22pm · Like · 6
Lily Ruiz I wouldn't judge this couple for their bad judgement on this particular matter & at this particular time. As I wouldn't judge a yogi if they went off their path at any particular moment or time. More importantly don't judge or think you know or understand Gods Word because of an individual who went of their path. I will fail at following Gods Word but that should not undermine His Word. I've never met a perfect human being who is Christian or a yogi.January 5 at 10:23pm · Like
Heather Frampton · 21 mutual friendsThe Asana practice is not religious, but any reference to a "God" or having Buddhist references, (your Buddha) is certainly religious. I do believe you can see, the guy, not in angst, but in his personal genuine concern wanted to share with you His beliefs as he feels perhaps, your yoga practice does to his wife.January 5 at 10:35pm · Like · 1
Yoga Mike Lol! Like a bronze head is any different than a wooden cross :)January 5 at 10:38pm · Like · 5
Sabra Hanson WOW !January 5 at 10:40pm · Like · 1
Karla Meyer I have never seen any bronze idols @ KYC but plenty of peace and serenity!!!January 5 at 10:40pm · Like · 2
Sabra Hanson Love & support always ;)January 5 at 10:41pm · Like · 2
Eric Pechacek I understand him.January 5 at 10:42pm · Like · 1
Ekaterina Bazyka yoga practice is a tool, not a religion cc Andi FangJanuary 5 at 10:42pm · Like · 4
Nikki Hawwah It it terrific...can you SEE your beautiful reflection..send a thank you card ;)January 5 at 10:42pm · Like · 2
Sean Michael Murray ‎"We are all beads strung together on the same thread of love." -AmmaJanuary 5 at 10:45pm · Like · 5
Joshua Hodnett May this man awaken. May he be liberated. May he know the universal truth both Jesus and Buddha are pointing to.January 5 at 10:45pm · Like · 6
Johnnie Cop cops?January 5 at 10:46pm · Like
Jay Gibson Wow..lol Speechless. Thank you Ricky for this post, I had a tremendous chuckle! Namaste...January 5 at 10:46pm · Like · 2
Tatiana Romero Take my soul!January 5 at 10:46pm · Like · 2
Jeannette Ann Janson · 113 mutual friendsI have personally read at least one book written for Christians; this book ties together specific ASANAS with BIBLE verses to used as MANTRAS during each asana!! -- Search and ye shall find it and with love and support bridge the gap with our terrified, brainwashed fundamentalist neighbors.January 5 at 10:49pm · Like · 2
Holly Meyers Let it go. And, use David T's comment as testimony on your website: "Ricky, you take me to Hell almost every class and by Savasana time I'm back in Heaven!" ;-)January 5 at 10:50pm · Like · 3
Yoga Mike Ricky is the only teacher I know personally who has a thorough knowledge of the philosophy of the first two limbs of yoga, Yama and Niyama. I consider these teachings to be the 'yogic equivalent' of the 10 commandments. I know for a fact that Ricky is not preaching any religion... He is teaching the science of Ashtanga Yoga. This practice will complement any religion or no religion at all. This is a method of direct connection with the source... No Priest or Rabbi, etc required... Just your body, mind, and breath in union. Namaste. Amen.January 5 at 10:54pm · Like · 22
Joshua Hodnett Beautifully stated Yoga MikeJanuary 5 at 10:56pm · Like · 3
Jeff Clardy I just got a great batch of Darjeeling tea:)January 5 at 11:14pm · Like
David Rosenblad Welcome to 2012- this type of thought pattern shall pass too.
Truth passes through 3 stages :
1. It is ridiculed
2. It is violently opposed
3. It is accepted as being self-evident
(Schopenhauer)
I joyfully practice yoga, chant mantra, and play music in a Christian church, that internal light stays on for me through it all!January 5 at 11:17pm · Like · 7
Patrick Erin I am a Christian and can say that I "know" that now because of the resources yoga has given me to realize my true self and not just a fragile belief system someone told me was right. My faith is my path but that does not take away from another persons path. That is the very thought that wars are made of. Jesus said that He came to heal the sick. Who am I to say that a Buddhist is sick. “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40)~~~♥ॐ♥ Nowhere in those two commandments does He say ANYTHING about worshiping Him. The main goal of yoga is not to turn you into an incense burning, meditating mystic. The goal of yoga is to bring one to true self-realization; a union with one's self to produce someone who knows who they are and why they are that person. In my life, the so called "dangers" of yoga are what brought me back to my faith - standing firmer than ever in it. For instance, creating a strong meditation practice has helped me to be quiet and listen to what God has to say to me in every aspect of my life instead of saying mindless prayers asking for things continuously and never just being still and giving God time to answer. Though there has been many things that have changed for me in my personal beliefs, the foundation is more concrete than ever. If anyone would like to discuss these changes, feel free to message me. Don't get me wrong... there are many outlets, teachings and paths to God available to utilize in yoga. These teachings and writings have been around much longer than the Bible and need to be held as great teachings - regardless of whether you put faith in or worship them. For the people who are scared of yoga shaking their faith and drawing them away from the beliefs that they hold dear to their hearts, maybe their faith needs to be shaken up. If a yoga practice can change your beliefs and faith, you probably never truly knew what you believed in the first place.January 5 at 11:22pm · Like · 14
Suzy Almeida Yoga Mike: I'd choose the cross over anything firstJanuary 5 at 11:23pm · Like
Brent Coleman I would suggest "Jesus and Buddha as Brothers" by Thich Nhat Hanh. I read it years before I ever started Yoga. Guess I was lucky. Wait...of course I was lucky. No Question. Great open minded and critically thinking parents are a rarity in my experience.January 5 at 11:24pm · Like · 3
Billy Morgan it may be better to leave God/Christ/Buddha out of this, and just discuss ourselves/people/human nature instead. please observe the vast difference between faith/Divinity/the sacred - and our own perception of those... just my 2 cents :)January 5 at 11:30pm · Like · 1
Jessy Parfait Someone so closed minded doesn't understand God at all. You keep doin what you do Ricky! Much love!January 5 at 11:34pm · Like · 1
Kia Baker Gary Life is too short & we have all dwelled too long on this myopic negativity. I am a devoted Christian with a Chinese linguist for a father. Therefore, there are many pieces of asian art, including images of other religions throughout my home. These images are not utilized as idols but as lovely and tranquil examples of the beauty that can be found in this world. When I gaze on the face at the front of your studio it is to assist me in finding that same expression of tranquility for my face:) I know my belief system and path is not the same as yours, but know this Ricky, I have been praying for you for a long time and not in the way this poor soul defiles the concept. I have been in a hopeless place for quite sometime due to my failing health with only my faith getting me through each day. I prayed for healing from conditions conventional medicine had forsaken, not for myself but so I could care for my loved ones as they deserved, I prayed for peace and hope. God answered and I realized I had been praying for you even though I didn't know you yet. I do not believe this man meant well as manifested in the tone he used, which is why he defiled the concept of prayer through his expression to you. His words were an intentional attack at you and so understandable that it stirred such emotions. Those that love you that wrote their thoughts before me have already said what was correct, let it go. Sadly, he will not read any of these comments and even if he did, I agree with the others who have already stated in so many words that his heart is too closed to understand. I just hope his wife didn't need your help as I do, the thought anyone would be kept from the joy of Yoga and your gift in particular when it was accessible to her/him saddens me more than anything. Okay, I'm shaking it off and moving on. I truly pray my friend that you can as well. Love, love, love...January 5 at 11:34pm · Like · 4
Patrick Erin ♥ॐ♥~~~ www.jesuslovesyogainaction.weebly.com ~~~♥ॐ♥Jesus Loves Yoga jesuslovesyogainaction.weebly.com Jesus Loves Yoga January 5 at 11:35pm · Like ·
Mona Therese Winston ‎Eden Goldman and Brent Coleman two wonderful books suggestions. Ignorance is great on this planet, unfortunately. I ones had two catholic women stopping me outside the yoga studio telling me, I was the course that people went to hell and then they said "The Pope had said in a speech, that yoga is very very bad for the soul."January 5 at 11:38pm · Like · 1
Michael Nate Simple, delete e-mail, focus on present not past.January 5 at 11:39pm · Like · 2
Tierney Bishop-Bowman This is sad. I wish people could open their minds and hearts to accept others beliefs even if it doesn't coincide with what they believe. I would ask them how many different religions they have studied and how they know that this one is right for them or you in that matter.January 5 at 11:40pm · Like · 3
Shandhi Jones he sure gives you a lot of powerJanuary 5 at 11:41pm · Like · 2
Robyn Linn ♥ youJanuary 5 at 11:51pm · Like
Monica Blossom So cool! You have 'followers'. Is that what Twitter means? Yeah, & we'll have none of that peace & serenity nonsense either, pal. Bliss pusher! There's a hot seat in hell saved for you!January 5 at 11:54pm · Like · 1
Andrew Strassner Jesus Christ.January 5 at 11:54pm · Like · 4
Monica Blossom Oh, & be sure to patch me in 3 way when you make the salvation call to Bubba, okay? Love you!January 5 at 11:56pm · Like
Tallie Wood-Miller This is sad. I am not a christain and can not tell you how many times I have had prayers for me, my sou,l my salvation. But the threat of taking you to hell with him!? What a nut! I have many friends with christ based faiths and it is the crazy few that give religion a bad name. "My heart holds within it every form, it contains a pasture for gazelles, a monastery for christian monks. There is a temple for idol-worshipers, a holy shrine for pilgrims. There is a table of the Torah, and the book of the Koran. I follow the religion of love and go which ever way its camel leads me...This is true faith, this is the true religion."
Ibn ArabiJanuary 5 at 11:57pm · Like · 2
Kent Pilkington · Friends with Karla Meyer and 19 othersI grew up in the mindset of this guy and I really do know where he's coming from, but it's a place of fear and entrenchment. In conservative Christianity, we are taught that the world is a spiritual battleground in which there are no truly neutral forces. "If you're not with us, you're against us" and even ignorance of the "true path" renders you as a weapon for evil. It makes me sad now when I encounter this misunderstanding in somebody who so badly wants to do the right thing. They honestly believe they are holding true to God's will, but in holding so tightly it is proportionally distorted and twisted by fear.January 6 at 12:04am · Like · 16
Sara Michelle Hendricks ‎:((January 6 at 12:07am · Like
Sara Michelle Hendricks Religion can be so divisive when such an ego is present.

ONE OCEAN, MANY WAVES.

Lokah Samastah Sukhino BhavantuJanuary 6 at 12:14am · Like · 9
Kent Pilkington · Friends with Karla Meyer and 19 othersIf you ever do decide to engage with such a person, you will not gain any ground by offering sources like Thich Nhat Hanh, or by trying to convince somebody that Jesus studied yoga or even went to India. They hold to the canonized Bible as God's complete and definitive word. From their perspective, you are asking them to set the word of a Buddhist or rumors or conspiracy theories ahead of "God's word". It's a non-starter and will more likely cause further polarization - another conservative Christian idea is that seductive and attractive lies are one of the primary methods used by Satan, so even if they sound good, these will be put into that category.January 6 at 12:14am · Like · 2
Jake Law ‎$20 says the "protective husband" is a republican.January 6 at 12:19am · Like · 3
David Lovegasm Benites Just smile and move on. The sage has no time to judge and no space within to hold the opinions of others, positive or negative. peace.January 6 at 12:21am · Like · 10
Kent Pilkington · Friends with Karla Meyer and 19 othersThe best approach concerning statues of The Buddha is to offer that The Buddha never claimed to be God or anything more than any other human - certainly not something to be worshipped. He recognized that the primary source of suffering is t...See MoreJanuary 6 at 12:28am · Like · 2
Keri Acuff Jesus lived in India- check THAT out.January 6 at 12:56am · Like · 2
Rolga Yoga Chikitsa · 62 mutual friendsdogma breaks spirits .. i will pray for this person & dedicate my next yoga practice to the internal growth & opening of ppl like himJanuary 6 at 1:02am · Like · 2
Emily Breslin McClatchey WoW really??? This is unreal. God is in everything and everyone. Just because we choose to worship differently doesn't mean you should go to hell. Sheesh.January 6 at 1:15am · Like · 1
Olice Nikkia Brown As is the SOMETHING that encapsulates NOTHING, ONE God ONE Truth!January 6 at 1:39am · Like
Marcus Julian Felicetti Lol! Hilarious! Hilarious! And some very funny comments too. I liked this: "Ricky, you take me to Hell almost every class and by Savasana time I'm back in Heaven!"

Anyway the buddha was against the practice of asanas. After the buddha...See MoreJanuary 6 at 1:48am · Like · 1
Jeanne Cummings I wonder what Jesus would think of that email?!?!January 6 at 1:53am · Like · 4
Steve Waterman We all think we are thinking when we are merely re-arranging our prejudices!January 6 at 2:03am · Like · 1
Reanee Spratt Buy him a coexist T-shirt:) people who are fundalmentalists in extreme ways scare me. They operate from a place of fear and severe closed mindness. This brings them to separate the world and indeed causes harmful wars. All we may do is love them and lead by example. Be the light.January 6 at 2:41am · Like · 3
Reanee Spratt P.S. you are almost up to a hundred comments....wow!January 6 at 2:51am · Like
Chidanandi Sheri Cherokee Christ teachings are Yoga. This man is lost in Avida.January 6 at 4:09am · Like
Yoga Bliss A little nudge from her inner being...one of many to come...hopefully for her she will open up next time and her husband may follow. Spirit gratefully never stops working thru us......January 6 at 4:54am · Like · 2
Mark Heiland Isn't it interesting how many Christians want to tell you everything about their faith but want to hear nothing about yours? I used to think like the husband, but now as a yogi I'm more free and happy and loving than I've ever been. Jesus saves some. Yoga saved me. And if I'm going to hell than I'm going to be in good company. I love you, Ricky. Namaste.January 6 at 5:33am · Like · 3
Dylan Hunt Dallas.January 6 at 5:33am · Like · 2
Bhagat Singh Krsna - Cow Herder and Avatar of Godhead: Xristos - Sheep Herder and Avatar of Godhead - except Krsna predates Jesus by about a 1000 years. All the same stories, just different ears and hearts. It would be wonderful if the majority of Xtian...See MoreJanuary 6 at 5:46am · Like · 3
Bhagat Singh Oh, and Jehovah is a pretty impotent "god" if he's that vunerable to losing worshippers... I mean the petty, spiteful, vengeful 'praise and worship the all loving god or perish and burn in hell forever' bit is bad enough (god created in the image of a pissed-off patriarch; a pretty easily identified character) without him being so clay-footed!January 6 at 5:51am · Like · 1
Sheri Novas After reading "Pathways to Joy" it is clear to me that teachings relative to yogic philosophy do not present conflict at all with any "religion" whose foundation includes Ahimsa..."Believe not because some old manuscripts are quoted; believ...See MoreJanuary 6 at 6:17am · Like · 4
Robben Salyers My Jesus was and is a big ole Yogi... Ricky, you're a soulful soul. Namaste my brother - Namaste.January 6 at 6:50am · Like · 1
Ron Hayes Paraphrasing Ramakrishna: Who do you think created the bronze the statues are made from?January 6 at 8:04am · Like · 1
Kahlee Cole Reminds me of when I was in teacher training and my ex-boyfriend’s mother told me I shouldn't meditate because it is the way for demons to take hold of my soul and she was convinced I was going to be possessed. Small minded people, speaking of things they just don't (and won't) understand.January 6 at 8:06am · Like · 1
Andres Meneses Hahahahaha! That's what happens when people look at religion literally rather than symbolically.January 6 at 8:10am · Like
Ron Hayes Truth is singular. If there is one Truth, than that Truth must also have created the myriad forms of worship.January 6 at 8:10am · Like
Randy Lovett · Friends with Sheryl Braun and 10 othersThe light in me will only shine as bright as I allow it to shine. If I am bound with fear and ego my light wont shine brightly and I will speak from a dark place. If I am free from my desires and fears I will speak love and kindness and the Light in me will magnify the light in you.January 6 at 8:18am · Like · 2
Cindy Watkins I wouldn't call him a protective husband...but a controlling husband.January 6 at 8:20am · Like
Skila Ramirez breaks my heart to see this. Luckily, my heart has softened over the years. My old ego would have said a few four letter words that were not related to y.o.g.a. in any way. my new yoga self sees that this person is scared. Words like this are fear based and come out of a particular belief system that I struggle to understand and be compassionate at the same time.January 6 at 8:27am · Like
Kia Baker Gary Jake, I'm hopeful that labeling of republican was a joke? :)January 6 at 8:30am · Like
David C. Kyle lol!!!! Dude you live in Texas! What do you expect with all those bible thumpers... Keep the faith! Buddha and Jesus are smiling upon you my friendJanuary 6 at 8:45am · Like · 1
Mischa Kamenar Nothing more I can add, everyone else has spoken so eloquently. Continue to walk your path Ricky. It's the path of truth. It's sad that there are so many lost souls out there who are so misguided by their dogmas.January 6 at 8:47am · Like
Carrie Willhelm Muchaw I have Buddha statues & crosses in my studio. My response is always- they all have wise things to say. You are not there to worship but to open your heart and mind...live the prophesy that resignates with you! And I can promise you that his wife sits right next to Buddha when she gets her pedicure & manicure and thinks nothing of it :)January 6 at 9:02am · Like · 1
Carrie Willhelm Muchaw When I held a full moon meditation...I got the same response from one that thought we were worshiping the moon. This is what happens when people speak without education & are consummed with fear. Continue to educate Ricky...more are understanding than not. This is apparent with your success. We love youJanuary 6 at 9:06am · Like
Randy G Cauley wow...nevermind, RT, carry on ~ it isn't that racism or spiritual violence or bigotry is based in, steeped in, perpetuated in ignorance (eegno-wrans as Charly Pivert would say), but that it is such a willful ignorance . . .January 6 at 9:16am · Like
Randy G Cauley citta vritti on horseback, just like the man Yeshua, riding rough shod over all of the ones who didn't believe rightly....Oh, wait! that was the Pharisees of the day, who stood in the gateway and charged admission...ooopsJanuary 6 at 9:18am · Like
Liz Tucker sutra I:33 comes to mind ~ “the mind becomes purified by cultivating friendships with contented people, by being kind and compassionate to the sad and fearful, be being indifferent to the ill-intentioned, and by being accommodating to the well-meaning.” (translation by kofi busia) {{{♥}}}January 6 at 9:20am · Like · 5
Boris Lantsman Ignorant brainwashed people make me puke. And to top it off they think that they are better than you. Hahaa. That's the funny part! Is it not also taught to these idiots not to judge anyone?!??!!January 6 at 9:21am · Like · 1
Joy Love · Friends with David Swenson and 4 othersI never trust a person that doesn't like chocolate....January 6 at 9:50am · Like
Keli Lalita Why is her husband deciding this for her...January 6 at 10:03am · Like · 1
Jack Westerholt DIdn't your yoga practice help save you from hell right here on earth? Now that's GOD working!January 6 at 10:04am · Like · 1
Keli Lalita there's much more to say but that is important too...and Jesus spent many years in India and had all forms of perfected mystic Sidhhis (powers from yoga) like walking on water. How bout that one...January 6 at 10:04am · Like · 1
Carmen Oo Wow! Ironically we all know Jesus would not have agreed with this man. So your next practice dedicate to him to give him the wisdom to accept and love all people regardless of their religion. Offer him a free yoga session...January 6 at 11:20am · Like
Shayn Almeida Hehe, wow. ;)January 6 at 11:31am · Like
Eufemio Louis Benites · Friends with David Lovegasm BenitesIt's becoming very hard to do anything positive these days without judgement. I say forget, forgive , live and most importantly LOVE .January 6 at 11:47am · Like
Nina Perazic Bizarro!January 6 at 12:03pm · Like
Dawn Harris Much love Ricky :)January 6 at 12:18pm · Like
Clae' Templet Another Judgmental "Christian", apparently he needs to read Bible again.January 6 at 12:46pm · Like
Matt Crawford · 10 mutual friendsNarrow minds will never open and experince life, thats why they give no light. Refuse to open up and to close off the world. That is no way to live life. Love life love who you are Bend ,Breath ,Be.January 6 at 1:11pm · Like
Ginny Chilton Yoga is probably her life raft, Ricky. She probably needs it more than most. I'm sending thoughts of love and open hearts to her and you. Namaste!January 6 at 1:28pm · Like
Cassaundra McHenry Ricky, I would gladly practice in your beautiful studio again with you. You having given me so much knowledge over the past year that has help me heal, get healthy and be happier. Thank youJanuary 6 at 1:34pm · Like
Olga D Abreu If you read this as a threat, may be do something about it...otherwise, there are lots of people who share this guys feelings...it'sJanuary 6 at 1:46pm · Like
Olga D Abreu I meant, it's OK. Good luck!January 6 at 1:47pm · Like