Former Kundalini Yoga Teacher Reveals All (Mike Shreve)

 

Introduction of Mike Shreve and His Credentials

"I wanted to bring someone on who is a Christian now, but an expert in this field."

• Steve introduces Mike Shreve, highlighting his extensive qualifications in yoga, including teaching at four different universities.

• Shreve's journey in yoga began in the 1970s, studying under Yogi Bhajan, and he operated multiple ashrams, demonstrating his deep involvement in the practice.

Shreve's Experience and Transformation

"I was spending 12 hours a day in solitude... to bring a person to the goal of God consciousness."

• Mike describes his rigorous commitment to yogic practices, dedicating considerable time to spiritual endeavors, which he later recognized did not originate from God.

• He shares that he was aiming for enlightenment and oneness with God but found himself spiritually misled until he encountered Jesus, who changed his perspective.

Teaching Yoga in Secular and Christian Institutions

"You were teaching yoga at one of them?"

• Mike addresses the places where he taught yoga, including a surprising connection to the University of South Florida, where he conducted classes in a Christian center.

• He notes the irony and lack of awareness among many at these institutions regarding the incompatibility of yoga with biblical teachings.

The Connection between Yoga and Hinduism

"There is no Hinduism without yoga, and there is no yoga without Hinduism."

• Shreve emphasizes the inextricable link between yoga and Hinduism, countering the belief that one can separate yoga practices from their religious origins.

• He points out that many practitioners overlook the fundamental principles of yoga that are rooted in Hindu beliefs, creating potential conflicts with Christian faith.

The Moment of Conversion to Christianity

"It was absolutely a God-ordained moment where He revealed Himself to me."

• Mike recounts his transformative experience that led him away from yoga and towards Christianity, describing it as divinely orchestrated.

• He shares a pivotal moment when he decided to seek the truth about Jesus, leading to supernatural experiences that affirmed his newfound faith, making it clear that he no longer sees yoga as a path to God.

Personal Encounter with Faith and Decision to Leave Yoga

"Within 15 minutes, I was on my knees praying and asking Jesus to be Lord in my life and come into my heart."

• The individual recounts a pivotal moment when, after being asked if they had experienced Jesus, they quickly responded affirmatively even though they had never done so before. This immediate acceptance led to a heartfelt prayer asking for Jesus to enter their life.

• The experience was so profound that it prompted the individual to immediately tell others about their transformation, especially in their yoga classes. They canceled those classes and expressed their newfound faith openly.

• Struggling with reconciling their yoga practice with their commitment to Christianity, the individual made the decision to exit the yoga world completely. They reported having burned their yoga-related books and closed down their yoga ashram, affirming that they felt it was essential to separate from that lifestyle in favor of serving Jesus Christ.

The Call for Separation from Unclean Practices

"The Bible does say, 'Come out and be a separated people and do not touch the unclean thing.'"

• The individual references biblical directives about keeping faith and practices separate from those deemed unclean or incompatible with Christian beliefs. They cite Deuteronomy 18, which discusses the consequences of mingling with occult practices.

• They assert that, like the Canaanite tribes expelled from the land, contemporary Christians should not intertwine the truths of Christianity with Hindu, or yoga-based beliefs, as it poses a threat to the integrity of their faith.

Addressing Concerns of Yoga Practitioners Seeking Faith

"People who have a background in yoga... think, 'This is my job, this is how I feed my family… how can I give my life to Christ and then just go broke?'"

• The speaker acknowledges how difficult it can be for individuals entrenched in yoga to consider transitioning to a Christian lifestyle without financial repercussions. Many fear losing their livelihood if they abandon their yoga practices.

• They recount a more recent conversation with a yoga teacher trying to mix yoga with Christianity, who experienced distress and supernatural disturbances during a yoga retreat. This person's struggles illustrate the internal conflict many face between their spiritual beliefs and professional practices.

Practical Advice for Transitioning from Yoga to Faith

"Get the word yoga out of everything you do; quit teaching any class associated with yoga."

• The speaker advises individuals in yoga to divest themselves from the spiritual elements of yoga while maintaining their fitness careers. They propose rebranding yoga classes to purely fitness-oriented activities and removing any links to yoga practices.

• Recommendations include focusing on general fitness classes that do not incorporate traditional yoga postures or spiritual aspects, allowing individuals to retain their professional identity without compromising their Christian beliefs.

Understanding Yoga's Spiritual Components

"The word yoga means literally 'yoke,' implying that you become yoked with Brahman or come into union with Brahman."

• The speaker highlights a crucial distinction in yoga philosophy, noting that the term "yoga" derives from the concept of becoming united with Brahman, the ultimate reality in Hinduism. This reflects an impersonal cosmic force, contrasting sharply with the personal God of Christianity.

• They explain that the practice of yoga often involves symbolic gestures, such as mudras, that can represent a connection with Brahman, which may conflict with Christian doctrines.

Differences Between Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga

"Kundalini Yoga incorporates Hatha yoga into its practices, focusing on awakening a coiled serpent at the base of the spine."

• The speaker outlines significant differences between Hatha yoga, which primarily focuses on physical exercises and breathing techniques, and Kundalini yoga, which aims at awakening inner spiritual energy.

• Kundalini yoga's goal is described as achieving a heightened spiritual experience by activating dormant divinity within individuals, emphasizing the potential dangers of such practices for those with a Christian faith.

The Nature of Kundalini Yoga and its Symbolism

"There’s no such thing as chakras; there’s no such thing as Kundalini."

• The speaker asserts that concepts like chakras and Kundalini, commonly embraced in spiritual teachings, are non-existent. They emphasize that traditional interpretations of these concepts can lead to misleading spiritual experiences.

• The notion of blending with the "Oversoul" and experiencing "God consciousness" is highlighted as a transformative state that liberates one from carnal consciousness, which is often perceived as living merely in a physical existence.

• The focus on Kundalini Yoga is discussed, framing it around the idea of achieving a higher state of consciousness, but the speaker warns of the serpentine symbolism associated with this practice.

Serpent Symbolism and Its Interpretations

"Biblically, a serpent is symbolic of that which is evil."

• The speaker draws a parallel between the serpent in the biblical Garden of Eden and its representation in new-age practices, noting that while many view it as a motif of wisdom, it also has connotations of evil.

• They express concern that practitioners overlook the dangerous implications of seeking spiritual enlightenment through such iconography, which they consider rooted in occult practices.

• The implication is made that the experiences derived from Kundalini awakening should be understood as demonic possession rather than genuine spiritual advancement.

The True Path to God and Biblical Oneness

"You can't come into union with God unless you go through the cross."

• The speaker insists that true union with God can only be achieved through the teachings of Jesus Christ, specifically referencing the cross, resurrection, and the gospel.

• They clarify that biblical oneness does not equate to sharing divine essence with God but rather reflects reconciliation with Him through a unique relationship that maintains distinct natures.

• This concept contrasts starkly with various worldviews—particularly those within Eastern religions—that suggest an individual's divinity and oneness with the universe.

Critique of Eastern Teachings and Their Misinterpretations

"In Hinduism, to become one with God is to come to a conscious realization that you are God."

• The speaker critiques the understanding of oneness in Hinduism, which posits that individual souls are manifestations of the universal Oversoul, or Brahman. They argue that this belief encourages individuals to dismiss the need for seeking God through prayer and traditional worship.

• This contrasts sharply with Christian tenets, where oneness with God emphasizes communion without the loss of individual identity or divine nature.

• A reference to Swami Sri Yukteswar's idea of realizing one's identity as God’s essence highlights a perceived danger in such teachings and their implications on personal spirituality.

Misconceptions about Historical Jesus and Eastern Philosophy

"The claim that Jesus studied under the swamis in India is completely false."

• The speaker debunks claims that Jesus spent significant time learning Eastern philosophies, highlighting contradictions in the narratives shared by proponents of such ideas.

• They reference the Aquarian Gospel and Edgar Cayce as sources supporting the false narrative, questioning the validity of their accounts based on internal inconsistencies.

• The argument includes the absence of evidence from contemporary authority figures who criticized Jesus, emphasizing that his teachings remained distinctively rooted in monotheism and Jewish tradition.

The Mythological Roots of Yoga Postures

"Some yoga postures are named after polytheistic deities, and not all of them are."

• The video discusses the historical connection between yoga postures and Hindu mythology, highlighting that several asanas, such as Virabhadrasana (the Warrior pose), are inspired by deities.

• In particular, the Virabhadrasana sequence is tied to the myth of Shiva and his desire to marry Daksha's daughter, Sati. This narrative unfolds a tale of rejection, anger, and revenge.

• The first two warrior poses mimic an act of creation and action by Shiva—a symbolic representation of the deity cutting off Daksha’s head in an emotional response to the wedding rejection. This act is portrayed through specific body movements in the yoga practice, drawing attention to the underlying violent mythology connected to the poses.

The Chanting of "Om" and Its Significance

"When chanting 'Om,' each consonant represents a different deity in the Hindu pantheon."

• The practice of chanting "Om" is deeply rooted in Hindu belief, with each sound representing one of the main deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The "A" in Om represents Brahma, the creator; the "U" symbolizes Vishnu, the preserver; and the "M" stands for Shiva, the destroyer.

• This chant is an invocation of these deities and aims for their presence to influence one's life and soul, which raises questions about the spiritual implications for practitioners who come from different faith backgrounds, such as Christianity.

• The conversation also touches on the reluctance of some Christians to partake in yoga practices that include chanting, as it can be seen as endorsing a form of idolatry that goes against their beliefs.

The Christian Perspective on Yoga

"Even if a yoga studio appears benign, by participating, you endorse a system that is very dark at its core."

• The speaker argues that even in yoga sessions lacking overt spiritual practices, attending a yoga studio implies endorsement of the polytheistic elements that underpin its roots, which are viewed as incompatible with Christian beliefs.

• The video references biblical texts, particularly from Corinthians, noting the distinction between consuming food offered to idols from participating in the rituals themselves. Engaging in yoga is framed as an act of participation in a ritual aligned with Hindu deities, contrary to the values of Christianity.

• The potential for harm to a fellow believer, particularly those with weaker faith, is emphasized, arguing that seeing a stronger Christian participate in yoga could lead them to falsely justify their own involvement in such practices.

The Varying Degrees of Sin and Spiritual Danger

"All sin is worthy of how Allston requires the blood of Jesus to be forgiven, but not all sin is equal in the eyes of God."

• The discussion centers around the theological perspective that while all sin separates humanity from God, there are different degrees of sinfulness and their corresponding consequences. For example, more egregious sins, such as contemplating serious harm to others, hold a significantly greater weight compared to minor infractions like using inappropriate language in a moment of frustration.

• The speaker emphasizes that while all sins require forgiveness, the spiritual implications and dangers associated with them vary greatly, highlighting a distinction in moral gravity.

The Spirit of God and Practices that Grieve Him

"There are some things that grieve the Spirit of God and can threaten our walk with Him... even full-on demonic oppression."

• Engaging in practices that are not inherently demonic but can negatively impact one's relationship with God is discussed. For instance, certain forms of yoga may introduce elements that could weaken faith or disturb a Christian worldview, therefore exposing individuals to potential spiritual danger.

• The repeated influence of non-Christian ideologies, such as those found in Hinduism, is cautioned against as they may disrupt a believer’s moral framework and journey with God.

The Ineffectiveness of Chanting and Mantras

"Chanting mantras is an insult to the intelligence of God."

• Chanting and the repetitive nature of mantras are critiqued as ineffective means to communicate with a personal God. The argument posits that God desires a genuine and sincere relationship with His followers, rather than a mechanical recitation of phrases.

• The comparison is made to ordinary human interaction, where meaningful conversation is preferred over repetition, underscoring the importance of engaging with God in sincerity and depth.

Transitioning Away from Yoga and Spiritual Practices

"There are stretches that a person can do that don't necessarily identify with yoga, but subliminally, they still connect with what they formerly practiced."

• For individuals seeking to distance themselves from yoga and its spiritual implications, it's proposed that they avoid any related practices that may evoke prior associations. This includes both mind and body practices that could unintentionally link them to former ways.

• A practical approach suggested is to seek alternative forms of physical activity, such as gym workouts, while consciously refraining from yoga poses to maintain a clear separation from previous spiritual influences.

Neuroplasticity and its Risks

"Your brain has called neuroplasticity where it creates certain neural pathways conditioned around an event or experience."

• Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections in response to learning and experiences. This means that repetitive exposure to certain stimuli can condition the brain to respond in specific ways.

• The speaker warns about the risks of remaining attached to objects (like crystals) that could lead to spiritual influences contrary to their faith. Despite an individual's intention to renounce previous beliefs, their mind and emotions are still conditioned to react in familiar ways, potentially opening the door to negative influences.

Spiritual Influence of Yoga

"The spiritual foundation of yoga involves the idea of pantheism, which is the belief that the universe is the embodiment of God."

• The discussion highlights the spiritual underpinnings of yoga, emphasizing that its roots are deeply intertwined with pantheistic beliefs, suggesting everything in the universe possesses a divine essence.

• Seven reasons against practicing yoga from a Christian perspective emphasize spiritual dangers such as spiritual deception, transfer, and compromise, which can dilute or endanger one's faith.

The Danger of Spiritual Atmospheres

"You may be surrounded with people that are of the same mindset, and so you are in an atmosphere that is not pervaded with the Holy Spirit."

• When participating in yoga classes, especially those led by teachers who embrace alternative spiritualities, individuals may be entering an environment filled with energies that conflict with their beliefs.

• The speaker warns about the possibility of spiritual transfers occurring in such settings, which could weaken one's faith over time.

Discerning Genuine Spirituality

"There is a legitimate expression of the Holy Spirit, but we also see moves where there was a lot of weird strange twitching and jerking."

• The speaker discusses the fine line between genuine moves of the Holy Spirit and instances where individuals may misconstrue their experiences due to misleading spiritual influences.

• This indicates the importance of discerning biblically aligned practices and being cautious about spiritual experiences that deviate from foundational Christian teachings.

The Disconnect Between Emotion and Scripture

"If a person is preaching on a serious subject, and the Holy Spirit is out there in the audience engendering all kinds of wild, crazy laughter, then that's both from the same sources—the Word of God and the Spirit of God—but the Spirit of God is not in sync with the Word of God."

• The speaker discusses a past experience where he attended a church that embraced the "laughing movement," a phenomenon where congregants would laugh uncontrollably during preaching.

• He highlights the contradiction between the serious nature of the sermon and the emotional response from the congregation, suggesting this indicates a disconnect and perhaps a lack of sanity in the spiritual experience.

• By comparing this situation to how a serious personal tragedy should evoke sorrow rather than laughter, he argues that this dissonance is concerning and not reflective of true spiritual movement.

Balancing the Charismatic Movement

"Many of these charismatic mega trends have taken the true move of the power of God that happens... There's been a tendency of carrying it to the extreme that goes beyond the boundaries of what is right and true."

• The speaker expresses concern that the modern charismatic movement sometimes veers into extremes, overshadowing genuine supernatural occurrences and movements of God.

• He mentions witnessing undeniable miracles, such as the deaf hearing and the blind regaining their sight, affirming that while God can work miracles, the manifestation of these gifts should remain grounded and balanced.

• Emphasizing the need for a balanced approach within the body of Christ, he believes that this will lead to healthier spiritual experiences among believers.

Understanding Spiritual Gifts and Their Misuse

"Christians are really good at obeying the eleventh commandment: 'You shall not do at all what other people do poorly.'"

• Acknowledging that the misuse of spiritual gifts can lead to skepticism, the speaker argues that one's judgment should differentiate between genuine moves of God and abuses that happen within the charismatic community.

• He asserts that biblical instances of the Holy Spirit's power should inform believers rather than deter them from experiencing a deep relationship with the supernatural aspects of faith.

• By advising the testing of spiritual experiences through personal discernment, he emphasizes an engaged, prayerful approach to navigating spiritual phenomena.

The Value of Acknowledging the Holy Spirit's Power

"Just because people abuse the prophetic or the supernatural, that doesn't mean that people can't fall under the power of God."

• The speaker insists that the existence of counterfeits does not negate the real manifestations of the Holy Spirit's power.

• Reminding the audience of biblical times when God's presence caused profound physical responses (like priests falling during worship), he encourages believers to be open to authentic spiritual experiences.

• They advocate discerning the authenticity of spiritual manifestations through personal witness and alignment with scriptural teachings, rather than dismissing them outright.

The Gifts of the Spirit and Counterfeits

"There's no such thing as real tongues or real prophecy just because Satan is mimicking something."

• This segment introduces the concept that many manifestations attributed to spiritual gifts may not stem from divine sources but rather act as counterfeits orchestrated by malevolent forces. It highlights the idea that Satan, often referred to as an angel of light, can only mimic true spiritual phenomena, thereby creating a false narrative around supernatural gifts and prophecies.

Testimony of Healing in India

"I believe I would probably be dead had I not gone in that night."

• The speaker recounts a personal testimony from their time in India, emphasizing the significant impact that the gifts of the Spirit had on their life during a ministry event. The speaker describes their experience preaching in a city rife with idolatry, where they faced intense spiritual opposition while delivering their message to a large crowd for the first time.

The Word of Knowledge and Healing

"God dropped a word of knowledge in my spirit."

• In a moment of desperation during the sermon, the speaker receives a supernatural word of knowledge, instructing them to invite deaf individuals to the stage, assuring that if their preaching is true, they will be healed. This bold call is indicated to be a pivotal moment, showcasing how divine insight can lead to miraculous outcomes.

The Radical Hindus and Miracles

"At the same time, the young man I was praying for jerked out of my hands and started screaming, 'I can hear! I can hear!'"

• A miraculous event occurs when the deaf man begins to hear, coinciding with the arrival of a group of radical Hindus who intended to attack the speaker. The healing not only astonishes the audience but also causes the attackers to reconsider their intentions, validating the speaker's message and demonstrating the power of God to transform lives in the face of hostility.

The Impact on the Audience

"Hundreds of Hindu people came forward and gave their lives to the Lord."

• Following the miraculous healings, a significant response from the audience takes place, with hundreds choosing to accept the faith. The speaker reflects on the importance of genuine signs and wonders as confirmations of the gospel, suggesting that while many people may chase after sensational signs, the true miracles of healing have profound, tangible effects on people's belief in God.

A Life Transformed: A Story of Hope

"He said, 'Don't need these anymore. If I have to live on the street the rest of my life and beg for food every day, I can do it with joy in my heart because now I know God.'"

• The narrative unfolds with a poignant backdrop of despair as a once-prominent businessman finds himself bankrupt and homeless, living on the streets alongside his mother. Heartbreakingly, he had planned to commit suicide, believing life had become too degrading.

• On the opening night of a crusade in Kumbakonam, he encounters a transformative event. As he wanders past the meeting, he is captivated by the healing and the palpable manifestation of divine power, prompting him to reconsider his dire outlook.

• During the crusade, he embraces faith, resulting in a profound shift in his perspective. The next day, he presents two packs of poison—intended for suicide—to the speaker of the event, signifying his new-found hope and joy in life despite his circumstances.

• This moment exemplifies divine intervention, inspiring the speaker with the belief that such life-changing transformations can happen through faith in God.

Power of Prayer and Surrender

"It's not the prayer but the root motive behind the prayer that is most powerful."

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of genuine surrender to God over mere ritualistic prayer. He invites individuals, particularly those from alternative spiritual backgrounds, to pray from their hearts.

• A heartfelt prayer is shared, encouraging listeners to acknowledge Jesus as Savior, repent of their sins, and surrender their lives to Him, highlighting that true belief leads to spiritual salvation.

• Following the prayer, the speaker prays for those who participated, asking for the presence of the Holy Spirit to bring about personal encounters with God. There is an emphasis on God as a personal being who desires to touch lives deeply and meaningfully.

• The focus is shifted toward asking God to reveal and eliminate any remnants of former beliefs or practices that may hinder one's relationship with Him, suggesting a process of spiritual cleansing and renewal.

Invitation to Connect and Resources Available

"We have quite a few testimonies of people that have come out of various religions, especially Eastern religions and New Age spirituality, who have found the Lord."

• The speaker encourages viewers to visit the website dedicated to sharing testimonies of individuals who have transitioned from various religious paths to faith in God, emphasizing the transformative potential of these experiences.

• Resourceful materials, such as podcasts and e-books, are highlighted as tools for understanding and exploring faith further, with mention of specific titles available for those seeking deeper insights and teachings.

• This section serves to extend an invitation to the audience for further engagement and support in their spiritual journeys, ensuring they don't feel alone in their explorations of faith.

Summary from youtubesummarized.com