Yoga & Religion | Peaceful Presence

From Andrew Kahn
Owner and Director, Peaceful Presence Yoga Studio and School

This page addresses a question I hear often from my community: can observant individuals — particularly those practicing Judaism — ethically participate in yoga? While my answers here are focused on Judaism, the discussion applies broadly to people of various faith traditions.

Common Questions & Answers

Should observant individuals avoid Eastern practices due to potential idolatrous origins?

Avoiding everything historically connected to different belief systems would mean rejecting numerous scientific and medical contributions from diverse cultures. Consider that Krav Maga — taught to the Israeli military — incorporates Asian martial arts and meditation elements associated with Buddhism and other traditions, yet remains widely accepted. What matters is how a practice is used and understood, not its distant historical associations.

Why does Andrew follow Aharon HaKohein's example?

This commitment stems not from perfection but from choosing actions that promote peace within oneself, one's home, and one's community. Aaron was known for loving people and seeking peace — these are values I aspire to embody through this work.

What Jewish resources exist for meditation?

Aryeh Kaplan's "Jewish Meditation" is essential reading for Jews interested in contemplative practice. It draws deeply on authentic Jewish mystical and philosophical traditions.

Did yoga originate in India with Hindu and Buddhist religions?

While yoga developed in India alongside these religious traditions, archaeological evidence shows yoga forms existed around 3,000 BCE in the Indus Valley — predating the formal codifications of Hinduism. Yoga as physical and contemplative practice has ancient roots that belong to all humanity.

Does Peaceful Presence Yoga trace back to Kripalu?

While Kripalu provided important discipline in my training, my primary teacher was actually my mother, Barbara Kahn, who learned coping skills — stretching, breathing, meditation — in post-WWII environments. I later studied at Kripalu Center (opened 1972) and received extensive formal training there.

Are there idols at Peaceful Presence?

No. There are no idols at the studio. Our focus is entirely on health, vitality, and peace — consistent with Rambam's teachings — without idol worship or religious rituals of any kind.

Do your graduated teachers become "Kripalu" teachers?

No. Graduates are trained and certified as Peaceful Presence yoga teachers.

Why should observant people consider practicing at Peaceful Presence?

The practice here is designed to support rather than conflict with cherished personal values. Health benefits from hatha yoga — improved strength, flexibility, and emotional resilience — are consistent with Torah values of caring for the body. Medical research demonstrates yoga's effectiveness for treating eating disorders, improving student focus, and supporting physical therapy.

Who attends the studio?

We welcome people of all backgrounds, including many observant individuals of high integrity.

Is yoga universally appropriate for observant communities?

Not every yoga teaching approach fosters core Torah values. I recommend consulting your rabbi or religious leader before beginning practice, and choosing a teacher carefully.

How should observant people choose a yoga studio?

Seek your rabbi's recommendation, then personally evaluate the teacher's behavior and words. Visit the studio and look for anything that seems inappropriate. Note any chanting and understand its content. Ensure consistency with your beliefs while remaining open to the genuine health benefits available.

What alternatives exist for stress relief within observant traditions?

Within the tradition itself, there is much available: studying Mussar texts such as Alei Shur and Sifsei Chayim; consulting chassidic leaders about hisbodedus (personal meditation); finding serenity through mitzvos and charitable service; or exploring cognitive meditation recordings by Rav Avigdor Miller.

Rambam on the Body

Maimonides (1135–1204) wrote extensively about the importance of bodily health as a religious obligation. In Mishneh Torah, Chapter Four, he teaches:

"Maintaining a healthy body is among the ways of God, for it is impossible to understand or know anything of the knowledge of the Creator when one is ill."
(Halacha 1)

"Whoever conducts himself in the ways which we have drawn up, I will guarantee that he will not become ill throughout his life, until he reaches advanced age and dies."
(Halacha 20)

These teachings reflect a profoundly integrated view of health and spirituality that aligns closely with the yogic tradition.

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