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Yoga Classes at U.S. School Sparks Religious Controversy
By siliconindia
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Thursday, 20 December 2012, 20:15 IST |
11 Comments
Bangalore: A yoga programme for young students at a school in California has resulted in a religious controversy, as some parents are concerned that their kids might start getting attracted to ancient Hindu beliefs, reports PTI.The 30-minute yoga class at Paul Ecke Central Elementary School is supported by a nonprofit organisation, Jois Foundation, which was established in remembrance of Indian yoga teacher Krishna Pattabhi Jois, reports The New York Times.
According to parents and advocacy group the yoga programme represents a violation of the First Amendment, which prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion or impeding the free exercise of religion. The classes became a topic of discussion in local churches and people disapproving the course began an online petition to eliminate it from the school’s curriculum.
Mary Eady, a parent, says the classes have strong base in the deeply religious practice of Ashtanga yoga. She adds, "They're not just teaching physical poses, they're teaching children how to think and how to make decisions."
"They're teaching children how to meditate and how to look within for peace and for comfort. They're using this as a tool for many things beyond just stretching." Dean Broyles, the president and chief counsel of the National Center for Law and Policy, a nonprofit law firm, said, "There is a transparent promotion of Hindu religious beliefs and practices in the public schools through this Ashtanga yoga programme."
Broyles has warned that he will take legal action against the school board if necessary step is not taken on this issue.
