My primay agenda—I do have an agenda for this site—is, quite simply, to further the knowledge of, acceptance of and practice of Yoga as a spiritual practice.  Failing that, I do have a secondary agenda which is to further the knowledge of, acceptance of and practice of yoga as a system of physical exercise and well being.  If you read my entry from a week ago Monday, Yoga, Religion and Reality, then you already know the difference between Yoga and yoga.  If you haven’t read that entry, then I suggest you do so now as it will give some background to the rest of this entry.

Students from a different community, Hopedale 8^th graders to be exact, are coming to the aid of the Milford Elementary yoga class.

We are currently studying the United States Constitution and would like to share our opinion on Ms. Carlin’s argument. Although we feel Ms. Carlin is entitled to her own opinion, it seems as though she misunderstood the purpose of students practicing Yoga as an exercise in gym class.

. . . .

Yoga is known in modern society for its exercise benefits. In a world where obesity is common, exercise has become accepted and promoted as a stress reliever. Yoga is being taught as an exercise program just like Tae Bo, martial arts, Tai Chi, etc.

We must ask ourselves if the intent of the framers of the U.S. Constitution written in 1787 was to isolate Americans. Wasn’t America colonized by people searching for religious freedom? If that is the case, then, we are being contradictory of principles this country was built upon.

As Americans, we must understand the difference between the teaching of religion in school and the celebration of different customs, cultures and the exposure to different exercise opportunities.

I must say that I am encouraged to see these students thinking in such a clear fashion.  I am guessing that they were presented Ms. Carlin’s letter by their teacher and told to apply their studies of the Constitution to it.  Now, before simply dismissing the letter of these children, remember these words:

15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

The priests and scribes were quite upset at this; after all, no one likes to hear a truth that they don’t want to hear and especially not from those who are supposed to be inferior to themselves in some way.  Do not discount the wisdom of youth simply because it is young.

Namasté