The Most Absurd Statement I’ve Heard

When I was about 21 years old, in the living room of my then-girlfriend, I heard one of the most absurd statements of my life. Her family was very religious, even part of a local church’s management. That night, we were talking about a new yoga studio that had opened around the corner. I didn't practice yoga at all during that time. I hadn't even read any Yogi philosophy yet. I was still exploring all the different theories, religions, and philosophies of life in search of what made sense to me.

She told me that her mom believed that people who practiced yoga were worshiping the devil, that the yoga postures themselves were created to worship the devil. I had to hold back my laughter, swallow it, and remained silent. Because it seemed she also believed it. And we were still getting to know each other, so I didn’t want to ruin that.

Fortunately, that relationship didn’t work out. But that statement, wow! How ridiculous does that sound? Worshipping the devil? Common. First of all, what devil? And how can someone as educated and well travelled could believe such nonsense? That’s pure religious fanaticism.