Most systems of yoga can be divided into four convenient stages, at least for the western mind. The first stage embraces remedial gymnastics, breathing exercises, relaxation exercises, exercises in concentration, contemplation and meditation. It would also include what one sometimes calls auto-genius training. The Lotus position symbolises man’s ‘spiritual evolution’. This position is to aid the flow of ‘prana’ and aid the ‘clearing of the mind in meditation’. What is prana? It is described in most yoga texts as being a ‘vital energy’ which must flow through the body. This ‘vital energy’, more specifically is a demon spirit.

The Cobra position is another common position. By the practice of this posture the serpent goddess (The kundalini force ) awakes.

The second stage involves the control of the subconscious. For example, masters of this second stage can control and govern their nervous systems. Some of these people can do the most astounding feats. They can, simply through concentration, increase or decrease their blood circulation, increase and decrease their heart rate. One man, for example, could induce the crucifixion marks to appear on the palms of his hands, although this is in no way to be considered as a religious miracle. They can stick knives through arms and cheeks. The wounds do not bleed but merely close up again and the knives were withdrawn and the wounds healed within a few hours. Many can walk across hot coals and not feel pain and have no physical damage.

The third stage of yoga goes on to the controlling of the forces of nature. I have heard of Tibetan yogis who through concentration could release enough energy to melt ice. There are others who can make a fire break out without any physical or material aid. Here it seems to be a question of fire-demons.

The fourth stage of yoga is concerned with the master of magic and the cosmic forces. It involves the practice of all spiritistic and magical phenomena. Masters of yoga who have reached the highest level of development can produce materialisations, levitation, telekinesis, states of trance, the excursion of the soul and many other spiritistic phenomena.

What can we say about yoga from the Christian’s point of view? Firstly, although it is not a very happy picture, there is a tendency throughout Christendom for people to adopt and to utilise the philosophy and teachings of yoga. A lot of people are of the opinion that only the later stages of yoga are dangerous for Christians. Is this not correct? Even at this stage, the basic ‘warm-up’ postures are positions of salutation to the sun god (which the Bible calls ‘Baal’). Also at this first stage, the exercises involved can be linked with short Buddhist prayers called Mantra. A Mantra is the rapid repetition of a series of words or sounds. It is used in yoga and transcendental meditation and has two purposes. The first is to produce a mystical state which is actually a trance in which the mind is blanked out. This in turn places the person into direct contact with the spirit world. Secondly, the Mantra is supposed to actually ‘embody’ a spiritual being and as the words are spoken, the being comes into existence and enters the person using the mantra. Mantras are used in the New Age classes of self-improvement and mind control. Christians taking part in such exercises have been made to repeat, in chorus, short Indian phrases by their teacher. On inquiry, it turned out that they were saying things like "Buddha is the enlightened one", or, "Buddha is supreme". One wonders what Christians are letting themselves in for when they are prepared to repeat Buddhist prayers of this nature.