What's Up Disney? Zootopia's Yax Yak Oms at Mystic Spa

What's Up Disney?  Zootopia's Hippy Yax Oms at Mystic Spa

Remember characters like Donald and Daisy Duck and Huey, Dewey, and Louie?  Well, things have changed!  Instead Disney's Zootopia, Pixar's latest animation marvel, has a cast of characters that includes "Be the Change Judy Bunny," "Oming Yax the Hippy Yak," and "Nudist Yogi Nangi the Elephant" among other animal prey and predator characters making one query, "What's Up Disney?"

While much has been written about Zootopia this review will zero in on its "middle of the movie moments" which include Judy and Nick's meeting of the zoned out nudist Yax the Yak, who mans the desk of Zootopia's Mystic Oasis Springs Spa; and their introduction to Nangi* the Yogi Elephant and the other animal "nudists" cavorting round the spa's "Pleasure Pond" in provocative positions.
http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Yax  http://zootopia.wikia.com/wiki/Nanga

*Note:  "Nangi" means "naked" in Hindu; and Nangi is voiced by actress Gita Reddy.

Thus, because of the disturbing content of these scenes this back story will give the reader a better understanding of what makes these middle of the movie scenes so troublesome.

Zootopia's Meditation Moment: Yax Yak Oms

Main characters Judy and Nick meet Yax seated behind his candle lit front desk in front of a sacred mandala.  Yax's mouth is opened letting out a continuous stream of that most sacred Hindu sound: OM or AUM!

Now OM is the symbol you'll see resembling a three having a tail with a tusk-like-shape and a diamond over it.  Aliyah Schick in her book: The OM Meditative Color Book: Adult Coloring for Relaxation, Stress Reduction, Meditation, Spiritual Connection, Prayer, Centering, and Coming Into Your Deep True Self  describes OM as the original primordial sound that created the universe.  It is the name of God.  OM is the vibration of God's manifesting into form."  Schick further says, "OM is the most recognized symbol of Hinduism ... widely used in Hindu traditions, by yoga practitioners,
by Buddhist, Janists, and others."  Schick continues, "OM is a whole prayer within itself, and is often used as a repeating chant ....  It attunes us to higher levels of being.  It is said that the vibration ... penetrates all the way to our souls."

Schick says chanting OM will enable one to find their "deep true selves."  But the Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9 that our true selves are "desperately wicked and who can know it?"  And that the only way we can find life and hope is through Jesus Christ, not through chanting OM.
http://www.amazon.com/Meditative-Coloring-Book-relaxation-meditation/dp/098827311X

If you've read my previous blog: "Disney Kids' Pixar Short: 'Sanjay's Super Team' Shocks with Hindu Story" you'll recall how Disney also inserted a meditative scene with  Sanjay's dad "oming" in the short preceding the recent movie: "The Good Dinosaur."  Recall this seven minute short was sprung on the audience without any warning.  And when the short ended the audience had its eye-full of Hindu idols and a Hindu demon.  Disney's insertion of such meditative methods was not part of its past fun-filled films.   However, content has changed, so be alert!

Disney Zootopia: The Essential Guide 

Yax Meditating on the Cover

A look into Dorling Kindersley's Disney Zootopia: The Essential Guide by Victoria Saxon will help give even more incite into Zootopia's mid-movie-encounters.  Just a glance at its cover shows five of its characters; Judy front and center surrounded by Yax, Flash, Nick, and Clawhauser.

And what is Yax doing?  He's meditating in the lotus position with his hooves in a mudra, and mouth opened in the "OM" position.

Yax Meditating in the Center

Just past the midpoint of the book once again we find Yax featured in a two page spread.  Yax, "the naked yak on Mystic Spring Oasis's front desk," is described as a "laid-back dude who doesn't seem to notice anything much."  Around the illustrations in DK fashion there are boxes.  One entitled:
 "A Warm Welcome" tells us Yax lights lots of candles on the front desk.  Yax's "Fact File" box lists  his hobbies as: "chanting and burning incense." 

Yax's "In the Zone" Box shares, "Yax won't let guests interrupt his meditation.  The more they try to bother him, the louder he chants."  Behind Yax you'll note the edges of the large meditation mandala on the spa's wall.  In the movie scenes the background mandala is very noticeable!

Moving over to the full page picture of Yax chanting while sitting with his legs crossed in the lotus pose with labeled arrows pointing out: "flies buzzing round," "shaggy unwashed hair," ""mystic orange beads with green charm," and "meditating in the lotus pose."  A blurb beside him is labeled: "The Body Is a Temple."  It reads: "Yax believes that his body is awesome, and he wants to keep it pure and natural."  (pp. 42-43)

Yax Meditating at the End

Just in case you didn't get enough of the "Yax" who do we find pictured on the "Acknowledgement" page at the very end?  Yes, Yax oming as the flies swarm round his mangy hair.
http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Zootopia-Essential-Guide-DK/dp/1465444289

Mystic Springs Oasis

The Essential Guide has another two page spread describing "this awesome spa" as "the best place in the city to chill out and feel good."  This Mystic Springs box says, "Dudes of all types are seriously welcome here, from business yaks to bear cops.  Visitors can relax with meditation, yoga, hot springs, and lots of warm mud." 

Around the two pages, boxes highlight various parts of the springs.  The far left box "Top 3... Yoga Positions" are given as "Downward dog, Half moon, and Tree Pose."  The next box "Pleasure Pool" says the spa's pool is an "outdoor haven" where animals splash and snooze.  The "Take a Break" box tells that upon entering the spa all mammals are to encouraged to breathe in the goodness of incenses...."  It continues, "The rooms are kept dark and quiet to provide a soothing environment."

The last box "The Naturalist Life" shares this 'amazing tidbit':  "The fact that guests exercise in the nude also keeps them cool--the spa is a naturalist's club, which means all the animals are naked."
(pp. 40-41)  And this is a children's book? movie? 

Disney/Subway Kids' Meal Decals

Along with Subway's kids' meals for six weeks this winter, children could collect large Zootopia wall decals that kids could peel, stick, and reuse.  Just who was featured on the very first pack?  Why, Yax in his lotus pose, Nick the Fox, and a Zootopia cityscape.  I would love Disney/Subway to tell us why this blissed-out Yax was a good character kids should stick on their toys or books?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7MsKlugJ0

Disney Movie Reward Mother's Day "Ohm Card"

View this Mother's Day card titled "Ohm...Ohm...Ooohmmmm..." with the in the zone, Yax in that same hideous--now colored almost all orange-- picture.  One can get this "chill card" with its "enlightened look" complete with a frame inspired by Zootopia.  To many this oming Yax is extra cute because Yax's voice is done by New Age actor Tommy Chong.
http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/rewards/zootopia-yax-moday-cardframe-6796

Zootopia's Not So Nice Nudist Playground

In the movie, just as Judy and Nick go out to meet Nangi the Yogi Elephant at the Oasis' exercise area, Yax brazenly turns round lifting his tail into Judy's face.  With much more on these playground moments Johnny Brayson's "The Zootopia Nudity Scene Makes It Worthy of Its PG Rating" (Bustle) shows movie clips of the next scenes: the naked hippo and giraffe volleyball game, the seductive panther on the velvet couch, and the giraffe's position as it takes a drink.

Brayson writes, "Yes, the most talked about scene in Zootopia involves an animal nudist colony."  Brayson also notes that the idea of animal nudity is so clever for animals are always nude.  Just the way the animals are posed, relates Brayson, is "pretty hilarious."  Brayson mentions also Judy's shock at the risqué images she sees as she strolls through the naturalist club.  And " ... this super funny scene," asserts Brayson, "is one of the many reasons why Zootopia is going to be remembered as one of Disney's best."

The truth is that, contrary to Brayson's opinion, anyone caring about young children would never consider these titillating scenes as hilarious or funny!  The question to Disney would be exactly what was the purpose of these naturalist club scenes in the first place?  If youngsters performed  these actions in their play time they most certainly would be reprimanded, or punished.  This portion of the movie not only is not a part to be remembered, but one to be lamented that Disney has reached a new low!  Parents should be cognizant of the content of all future Disney films.  As one young mom commented in a review she should have done her homework before taking her children to see it!  Amen to that!
http://www.bustle.com/articles/145038-the-zootopia-nudity-scene-makes-it-worthy-of-its-pg-rating
 
Christian Reviews of Zootopia

Several Christian sites review the movie.  One "Christian Spotlight" missed the mark when it rates its moral content as "Average" rather than "Negative."  However, others commenting within the piece had far more discernment than its reviewer Blake Wilson giving its moral content the negative rating it so rightly deserved. A "Plugged In" review by Focus on the Family neglected  to mention anything about Yax's meditation, yoga, or the obvious meditative mandala.   Once more this highlights the fact that many Christian groups, churches, or pastors fail to step up to the plate and address current issues so as to alert their readers, or members!  Would they would awaken, and be serious contenders for the faith as Jude of old!
http://christiananswers.net/spotlight/movies/2016/zootopia2016.html
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/media/plugged-in-entertainment-reviews/movie-zootopia

Pixar's Future Animation Agenda

Does Disney have an agenda incorporating meditation moments with Hindu content, or nudist clubs with cavorting critters?  Does Disney poke fun at family values, or anyone who would appear like a prude or a goody-two-shoes as Judy did in these clips?  The Guardian's "Cannes 2015: Disney Unveils Toy Story 4-and Their First Nude Scene" by Henry Barnes gives a sneak peek into Pixar's animation future plans.

Barnes shares that topics that will be popping up on the Disney slate in coming years will be "grief, racial profiling, and gender bias" among others.  At the time of this May 2015 article, the Mystic Spring Oasis scene was unfinished.  However, Barnes notes that, Pixar's Chief Creative Officer of Disney John Lasseter said, "This is Disney animation's first nude scene. ...  It's been a long time coming."  And what else, Mr. Lasseter, has already come in "Sanjay's Super Team, " and in "Zootopia?"  And what more will come?  Parents and teachers should stay tuned!
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/20/cannes-2015-disney-unveils-toy-story-4-and-their-first-nude-scene

Pixar's World Trust Collaborator

Apparently with their upcoming agenda in mind Pixar hired a most interesting consultant, World Trust's Dr. Shakti Butler, to give them feedback on Zootopia's content.  Butler, a doctoral graduate of
the School of Transformative Learning and Change out of California's Institute of Integral Studies,
specializes in race relations and social justice.  Featured on the Institute's facebook, with its SriYantra logo, Butler is praised for her role in Zootopia in interrupting biases and stereotypes.
http://world-trust.org/dr-shakti-butler/

In Conclusion

In this upside down world where evil is good, and good is evil a cleverly animated animal film has all sorts of hidden agendas, and topics that behooves one to be ever alert as to what future films will entail.  So be nourished up in scripture, and be able to stand up for truth.  For as I Peter states one should be prepared, with courteousness and respectfulness, to give a logical defense to those who question one's faith!

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Isaiah 5:20

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Disney Kids' Pixar Short: 'Sanjay's Super Team' Shocks with Hindu Story!

Disney Kids' Pixar Short: 'Sanjay's Super Team' Shocks with Hindu Story!

Imagine the shock and confusion recently when a friend went to see the kids' movie The Good Dinosaur,  and was met with the short Sanjay's Super Team.  Without warning, or explanation this wordless seven minute film burst on the screen showing what appeared to be an Indian boy in front of a TV, and his father worshipping before an open shrine.  What was this film all about with its scary idols and an evil monster?  How in the world did this connect with the movie The Good Dinosaur?  None of it made sense!

And none of it would make sense until further research gave the answers.  As many are aware, some Disney movies are preceded by an entertaining animated film done by Pixar.  But this preview short was decidedly different, and had an apparent agenda.  So what was this agenda, and why this short?

For a quick answer one can turn to Wikipedia's Sanjay's Super Team.  This article tells us this mini-film was directed by Pixar animator Sanjay Patel, and produced by Nicole Grindle.  The film was Patel's own story about his conflicts and problems growing up in a Hindu family in which he had to participate in his father's daily Hindu meditations.  To counteract this, Patel, as a boy, chose to imagine the Hindu gods as super heroes.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanjay%27s_Super_Team

To tell his personal story Sanjay and his team used fast moving, even terrifying at times, animation to mesmerize the viewer.  For this seven minute short exposes viewers to Hindu practices at every turn starting with the "motel room meditation." 

West Meets East: Super Hero TV Infatuation VS Hindu Shrine Meditation

Patel's Short Introduction

From the get go we find young Sanjay at his TV watching a "Super Team" cartoon as his dad is at his shrine worshipping his Hindu idols--Vishnu, Durga, and Hanuman.

At the sound of the ghanta bell, Sanjay is forced away from his TV adventure over to his dad's open shrine altar with its trio of idols.  Here the dad anoints each one with a red powder dot on their forehead.  The bell is rung again.  And Sanjay and his dad fold their hands, while the dad begins to chant "Om!"

Patel's Motel Room Description

The article "Pixar Looks East" notes the film unfolds in three locations, each marked by Hindu symbolism.  In the square motel room there's a square TV opposite a square shrine separated by a shaft of light from a window that symbolizes East versus West.  In another piece Patel characterizes the short as an East-West handshake.

Patel's Actual Motel Room Description

At the start of the short the title "A True Story" flashes on the screen, followed by the word "Mostly" so the actual title is "A Mostly True Story."  Thus, in order to unlock the real story one may find additional details in Patel's numerous interviews.

In The Fader's "Sanjay Patel Finds His Super Power," with Anupa Mistry, Sanjay shares more of his boyhood story when the says, "... I'd go out to the Lido Motel parking lot and my dad had marigold plants.  I'd pick about ten ..., wash them ... and bring them to him.  He'd be sitting cross-legged in front of his shrine and there were rows and rows of framed images and statues of deities.  He'd
anoint them with red powder and a marigold petal, and ... ring the bell."  Sanjay then had fifteen minutes to watch TV until the bell rang again.  After he had to sit for twenty minutes while his dad did aatri, and used his mala beads in meditation.  See: Puja (Hinduism) at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puja_(Hinduism)

Patel's Puja Worship Contrasted to Scripture

The Murtis:

Patel mentions his dad worshipped "murtis" or images of deities that are considered divine once consecrated.  However Exodus 20:3-5 warns: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing ... Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them or serve them ...."

In the film one views a square box-like shrine with "an eye hole" opening.  In actuality, as Patel shows in a power point show, a bigger shrine area still exists with its numerous murtis at the motel.

The Cleansing:

In a Huffington Post interview Carol Kuruvilla tells how Patel's dad would daily bathe each idol before expecting Sanjay to pray with him.  In Ezekiel 36:25, 26 the prophet records: "Then I will sprinkle clean water upon you, (Israel) and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: ...."  In sum, it isn't idols that need washing but us.  Psalm 51:7 says: "Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sanjays-super-team-short-preview_us_562130e6e4b069b4e1fbf480

The Food Offerings:

Sanjay, in an art museum power point talk, showed pictures of food placed before his parents' deities, and a Hindu saint picture smeared with food.  In fact, shared Patel, his parents fed their deities before they ever ate themselves.  I Corinthians 8:4 mentions idol offerings like this: "As concerning ... the eating of those things ... offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one."  Deuteronomy 4:28 notes that idols "... neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell."

The Flower Offerings:

Patel tells of anointing the deities with marigold petals.  Acts 14:11-15 gives us the story of Paul being taken for a god, and the people bringing garlands to him.  But Paul told them, "to turn from their vanities unto the living God, which made the heavens and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:"

The Diya Oil Lamp:

In the short, the diya lamp is present which is always used during aarti worship.  II Samuel 22:29 tells us that's its not a diya that gives light in darkness, but as David says, "For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness."  Also see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aarti

The Om Song/The Om Bell:

During aarti worship, mantra songs are chanted using the most sacred sound of Hinduism-- the Om!
The ghanta bell too puts forth vibrations having the Om sound.  Of repetitive chants or sounds done to clear one's mind during meditation Matthew 5:7 warns: "But when you pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen do: for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking."
For info see: "Heart of Hinduism: Hindu Symbols" at: http://iskconeducationalservices.org/HoH/lifestyle/806.htm  
and "Ghanta" at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghanta

Patel's Vedic Temple Description

When Sanjay, in the short, is catapulted from the motel shrine into the dark temple one notices its Hindu yantra in the center of the floor, its three wall idols, as well as the central candle or diya.  Patel relates, " ... we go from a box to a circle that looks like it's an ancient temple.  And in fact, Vedic temples have the same underpinnings in their floor plans."  Patel continues, " ... once the boy lights the diya ... I really wanted to transform what was finite, the circle, to the infinite.  And I wanted to take what was physical and make it more subtle."

Patel in, "Pixar Looks East," references sand mandalas and yantras when he says, "I mean we've all seen sand mandalas and yantras that help one focus and meditate."
http://www.filmjournal.com/features/pixar-looks-east-%E2%80%98sanjay%E2%80%99s-super-team%E2%80%99-studio%E2%80%99s-first-india-themed-short

Patel's Temple Adventure

In the eerie temple Sanjay faces the demon Ravana whirling out of the candle, and throwing the shrieking Sanjay over to the temple door. The shimmering gods come to life battling Ravana.
Vishnu's bell ringing topples the evil demon, while Sanjay's hitting of the central fire dish sends rainbow vibrations causing Ravana to fade away.  After these terrifying encounters the gods bow to the boy, and Vishnu gives back Sanjay his action toy.  Suddenly Sanjay is whisked back to the shrine.  His dad allows more TV time, opens the shuttered window, sits by Sanjay, and smiles as he views his super hero idol drawings.

Of the temple scenario Huffington Post religious editor Carol Kuruvilla enthuses, "... he encounters
a fantastic trio of Hindu gods-the blue god Vishnu, the warrior goddess Durga, and the half-monkey god Hanuman.  The gods accompany Sanjay on a grand adventure and the boy begins to get a glimpse of the cosmic beauty and brilliance of his dad's faith."

Siddnant Adlakha, of Birth.Movies.Death., mentioned the scene this way, "Sanjay is magically transported to another realm, where he's confronted by a demon in an ancient temple, and the Gods in his father's shrine come alive to save him. Adlakha adds, "... their designs ... already stem from an origin that's a cultural hybrid: Goa Trance album covers."  Adlakha also says, "Each character (god) was designated a specific style of classical Indian dance (which the animators ... learned firsthand!) ...."
http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2015/11/02/sanjays-super-team-reconciliation-through-art

Patel's Short Music

Siddnant also noted that Mychael Danna, part of Patel's team, having married a Hindu woman and raising two sons Hindu, understood, "... the significance of each sound and instrument, even making use of the bansuri, a wooden flute associated with Vishnu's seventh incarnation-Lord Krishna."

Patel's Short Dance

Sanjay's team hired an Indian classical dancer, Katherine Kunhiraman, to show them how to have the short's idols perform mudras and dance moves accurately.  A brief look at "Kunhiraman-Indian-Classical-Dance" with host Eva A. Ma gives a close of "Shiva, Lord of the Dance" at 2:30.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCKzt8OTZ0c

Patel's Behind the Scenes Story

Pixar encouraged Sanjay to share his personal story of being a person of color caught between two cultures.  Of course, there's much more to this story than told in the film for prior to  its production Sanjay had already begun his journey to reconnect with his family's Hinduism.  And here's that part of the story.

Patel's Hindu Heritage Rediscovery

In "'Sanjay's Super Team' Is a Deviation from All Other Pixar Short Films"  Emily Rome relates how Sanjay once again was drawn back to his roots when he experienced "Goa Trance" raves that became popular in his area.  Images of Hindu gods were on CD covers, and Hindu sounds and chanting were everywhere in the mid 1990s.  This then spurred Sanjay to explore the Hindu deities
through a book of Indian miniature paintings, and more.
http://www.hitfix.com/news/sanjays-super-team-is-a-deviation-from-all-other-pixar-short-films

Patel's Hindu Deities Book

Eager to share his new found fascination with others Patel wrote and illustrated The Little Book of Hindu Deities for kids.  In The Fader Patel relates, "The first book ... was self-published ... for my education, it was my homework."  Patel adds, "My first book looks like a hybrid-children's book and it was designed like this because most people know zero about these deities, so you have to start at a child's level."  https://www.thefader.com/2016/02/24/sanjay-patel-sanjays-super-team-pixar

Cute and clever as this little book may be, as Gheehappy.com describes, it's "chock full of monsters, demons, noble warriors, and divine ones."  http://www.gheehappy.com/

Patel's Book About Ramayana

Patel then went on to lavishly illustrate the Indian epic tale he titled Ramayana: Divine Loophole.
Until adulthood Patel had never read this classic tale of the god King Rama, whose wife Sita had been kidnapped by Ravana, and later rescued by Rama and Hanuman. 

After reading this tale Patel realized why a picture of Hanuman standing on a mountain hung on the motel wall over the shrine; why his parents said, "Sita Ram!" when someone sneezed; and why his dad had him repeat the mantra, "Rama, Rama, Rama!" as he counted mala beads during puja.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sanjay-patel/my-graphic-ramayana-adven_b_486279.html

Patel's Ganesha Book

Patel also wrote a captivating kids' book about the elephant god titled Ganesha's Sweet Tooth.  For a look inside watch the You Tube video below.  On another You Tube reading of the book a cute
little gal shared they were reading the story because it was "Ganesha's birthday."  And she added, "He's a god, and he's invincible!"  But this little one does not know the true God who declared, "I am God, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:22)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X7YMBxCDOE and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDwUXc_m_aM

Patel's Museum Exhibitions

Sanjay, in addition to his books and other art work, has done large exhibitions at the Asian Art Museum in California, and the Brooklyn Museum in New York.  These shows were overflowing with all things pagan: Hindu idols, avatars, demons, and more.

In conversation with Quamar Adamjee at the Asian Art Museum, Patel did a power point presentation in which he showed a photo of a "rangoli" he painted for his exhibit.  This rangoli* (related to mandalas and yantras) was a mandala-like sort of mat complete with center foot steps said to invite deities to enter into the room.  Hindu households especially create rangolis outside their door ways during celebrations.
https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/archive/podcast

*Note:  One also can find Rangoli Color Books and Rangoli Coloring Pages and much more on line.

At the Brooklyn Museum art work from Patel's deity book was used on tiny cards attached to strings that youngsters could chose to wear to find particular "Avatars" of Vishnu at the museum.
Most likely Sanjay's site, "Gheehappy.com," was busy after that show with its shop full of gods and goddess books, posters, t-shirts, and free Ganesha Color Kit.

Patel Finds His Religion

In a 2007 interview with David I. Miller "Finding My Religion" done almost nine years before "Sanjay's Super Team" Patel in answer to which god or goddess he particularly liked answered, "I like Vishnu a lot.  He reincarnates himself 10 times in the form of various avatars or reborn gods to right injustices in the world."  And in answer to which god or goddess his family favored Patel related Durga was the mother goddess his dad worshipped.  Patel said, "I really like her ... she is one of my favorites." 

Patel even shares during middle school, a Christian friend invited him to his church.  How sad that Sanjay never found the God that said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)  By the time "Sanjay's Super Team" aired, Patel had made great progress in reconnecting with his Hindu heritage as well as reconciling with his dad.
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/FINDING-MY-RELIGION-A-Pixar-animator-gets-back-2623367.php

Seven Minute Short Hypes Hinduism

As much as this film tugs at one's heart with its depiction of immigrant Sanjay trying to fit into a
Western culture, this short glorifies Hinduism and its deities and opens the doorway wide for
more shorts, and more movies to be made in the name of culture, color, inclusion, and religion ready to influence every age toward acceptance of its meditative practices. 

Therefore, as born again Christian teachers, parents, and grandparents it behooves us to teach our children exactly what is really being presented in this film-not super heroes but pagan idols.  To do this one must teach children Scripture relating to idolatry so they will be able to discern between truth and error.  In addition, we must warn others how movies have radically changed and one must be alert, and informed so as to be able to stand up for truth!

So may you, and I determine as Deuteronomy 5:32 admonishes, "Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left."  And may we be "narrow road" runners in this race!

Learn to Discern Granny Verses: Deuteronomy 6:6-7

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thine children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

For More Information:  Out of India by Caryl Matrisciana

Don't miss Caryl Matrisciana's riveting book Out of India telling how she grew up in India experiencing Hinduism every day.  Here's just a little sample of three paragraph's describing Hindu deities she saw firsthand.  "Every little shop and street vendor's cart we passed was cluttered with photos, paintings, or idols of fierce-looking gods.  These deities were adorned with garlands of marigolds.  Sticks of incense burned in front of them.  Shiva, Vishnu, Kali, and Durga were the ones I immediately recognized because they were most frequently worshiped.

Some of the other gods had bodies of half-animals or trees.  Others had faces of monkeys and elephants.  And there was always the snake.  Sometimes it was entwined around the gods.  Sometimes it covered them in protection.  It always made goose bumps run up my arms.  It looked scary.

Kali stuck her tongue out, blood dripping everywhere.  She wore dozens of skulls around her neck ...  All this frightened me.  These gods looked so threatening!  How I asked myself, could people worship such terrifying deities?"  pp.37-38

Order from:
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LTP&Product_Code=OIA&Category_Code=BKS

Note:  Should you wish to see this short yourself it is possible to purchase The Good Dinosaur movie which contains Sanjay's Super Team on its bonus section. 

Mandala Color Books: Conduits to New Age Meditation

Mandala Color Books: Conduits to New Age Meditation

Adult coloring has recently become a national passion.  Proof of this can be found in any book store where the first thing you'll see upon entering are shelves brimming with every kind of color book imaginable.  And congregated around these shelves you'll find enthusiastic colorists who'll be eager to share how enjoyable this current color fad can be.  And like many others it may not be long until you'll be picking up a book or two just to try it out.

Now, from your first examination of these color books you'll note they aren't like the color books of your youth, for at least half of them are distinctly New Age in look, and content.  And second, you'll note that they almost all purport to help calm, soothe, de-stress, and relax you into a meditative state.  Finally, you'll soon discover some of these intriguing books have tantalizing patterns called "mandalas" that will entice you to look at them over and over.  These mesmerizing "sacred circles"  are designed to visually take you to their centers to discover "Your Higher Self."  And yes they are deceptive, and no they aren't Christian!

So be aware that there are many seductive 'spiritual' color books out there both for adults and children alike.  Thus, should you decide on trying out some coloring, or buying some for others, one should ponder the Biblical warning from Psalm 101:3 that states: "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes; I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." And because "mandalas" have a hidden agenda this article is written to inform colorists, and non colorists exactly what they are, and what they are made for.

Sacred Circle Mandalas: Conduits to Meditation

A mandala means "circle" in Sanskrit--a sacred circle, or container that uses alluring symbols, dazzling colors, and mystical patterns.  Alberta Hutchinson, in the Mystical Mandala Color Book (Dover) defines mandalas this way: "symmetrical geometric designs which are traditionally used for meditative purposes by drawing our eye to the center of the circle."  A Little Mandalas (Dover) color book calls them "mystical motifs which symbolize the universe, wholeness, and eternity."  And a kids' color book: My First Mandalas (Dover) by Anna Pomaska maintains mandalas are a Far Eastern tradition with "intriguing centers and fascinating focal points."  In summary, "Mandala" from "Religionfacts.com" says, "Simply stated, a mandala is a sacred geometric figure that represents the universe.  When completed a mandala becomes a sacred area that serves as a receptacle for deities and a collection point of universal forces. By mentally entering a mandala and proceeding to its center, a person is symbolically guided through the cosmos to the essence of reality."
http://www.relgionfacts.com/mandala

Mandalas are a visual tool to take one into a meditative state just as mantras are a vocal tool to lead one into emptying one's mind.  As one repeatedly gazes, contemplates, looks upon, stares at the mandala while following its hypnotic patterns it can have the effect of relaxing the person into an altered state, or even a trance.

Speaking of a "meditative state" on December 12, 2015 the Orlando Sentinel had this front page article: "Adults Find Meditative State Coloring Away Stresses of Life" by Bethany Rogers.  The accompanying photo showed grandmotherly types coloring "Color Me Calm" pages at the Minneola Schoolhouse Library.  This was but one of four "Color Me Calm"* sessions where ladies gathered sipping tea, coloring, and listening to a flute tune titled "Morning Stillness."

The article noted that of the top twenty selling books on Amazon.com ten of these were adult color books.  It also said these books had page after page of intricately drawn mandalas, animals, inspirational phrases, and woodland scenery.  The article quotes devotee of Zen meditation Gabe Coeli, co-founder of Blue Star Coloring Books, who in the middle of the day often takes a short cut to mindfulness by doing a little coloring. 
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2015/12/13/adult-coloring-books-stress/76916842/

*  The name of a color book: Color Me Calm

Buddhist Sand Mandalas

A must-see mandala You Tube video "Tibetan Buddhist Mandala" (July, 8, 2011) is a good jumping off point into understanding the background, and true meaning of mandalas.  After viewing the short video below, read the accompanying description by Karen H. Sallick.

In her vivid depiction Sallick walks one through the process of how the monks funnel hand-ground precious stones onto a grid to create magnificent mandalas.  Sallick points out that every aspect of a mandala has a meaning.  Its center represents "The Buddha of Compassion" while  the next circle contains four different Buddhas.  After, there's a circle of lotus leaves, and as Sallick says, "The family of Buddhas that are in the center are sitting in a ring of lotus." 

Outside those circles comes a protection ring keeping one from negative thoughts; and finally, comes a fire ring helping one burn through ignorance into enlightenment.  No sooner do the monks complete their mandala masterpiece, than all its deities are swept away into an offering vase.  This deity offering is then dumped into flowing water to spread its blessings back to earth.  Buddhists believe all who have watched the construction, and destruction of the sand mandala can gain merit, and take on the Buddha nature.  Recall Biblical deities were dumped into water too, not as offerings but because they were idolatrous-the work of man's hands!
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/?p=4423

Shakti Color Book's Goddesses and Mandalas

A look at Ekabhumi C. Ellik's color book should be an awakening to any who are considering mandala coloring. To view this color book with Bhuvaneshvari, the goddess of spaciousness, regent of manifest creation, and universal earth mother on its cover go to Amazon.com or on Facebook under: The Shakti Color Book.

On its Facebook page you'll see pictures from the book colored by people who post them to the site.
One very disturbing post showed a child posing as a goddess while her mom told how obsessed with the goddesses her child was.  Ellik's reply to this mother was, "I'm so happy to contribute to helping girls recognize their inner divinity."  A comment below read, "Beautiful little goddess, keep that feeling."  Another post photo showed a young girl proudly holding up a goddess in a mandala she'd colored.

YogaDork's article: "Grab Your Crayon's and Say Om: Coloring Art as a Meditative Practice" has an excerpt from Ellik's book.  In it Ellik speaks of the goddesses depicted in the book by saying, "The goddesses who appear in the The Shakti Color Book encompass the entire spectrum of cosmic phenomena, mirroring our most expansive Self. ... Their mystic diagrams--their mandalas and yantras --have a powerful influence on our awareness when we mediate upon them and visualize them internally.  Our energy body is repatterned ... helping us to recognize behaviors that our of alignment with our most expansive nature, which is the Goddess herself."
http://yogadork.com

Ellik has also begun a "Shiva Color Book."  And Ellik asks readers: "What images ... forms of Shiva ... related deities ... mandalas or yantras ... should be included?"  Ellik also invites all to join him at an "Embrace Your Shakti: A Yoga Coloring Workshop" where they can begin their New Year with some goddess power.

In an August 2015 comment Ellik sums up the purpose of his color book when he says, "it's an opportunity to introduce sacred art as an intrinsic part of YOGIC practice to a HUGE number of people who may think it's only stretching and feeling calm."  He also notes,  "... to have readers introduced to this book is a great way to help shift public opinion away from yoga-is-exercise-to-look-and-feel-good-and-back-toward, well YOGA."  Ellik gives us a truth many undiscerning Christians are not acknowledging about yoga and mandalas!  Think about it!
http://www.facebook.com/shakticoloringbook

Carl Jung's Mandalas

It was Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung who helped bring "mandala making and mandala meditation" to the West.  His classic mandala work Mandala Symbolism is named as a resource by the Mandala Project.  Here's an article "Psychology of the Mandala" from Creatingmandalas.com that tells how Jung used mandalas himself, and how he used them with his clients.  This is the same Carl Jung who had a life-time spirit guide named "Philemon."  For more about Jung's life from a Christian vantage point read the transcript from the John Ankerburg Show: "The Seduction of Christianity Part I" by Johanna Michaelson and Dave Hunt done in 1985.
http://creatingmandalas.com/psychology-of-the-mandala
https://www.jashow.org/articles/general/the-seduction-of-christianity-program-1/


Color Book Mandalas: Conduits to Meditation for Kids of All Ages

Children's Mandala Color Books and More:

Joy Mandalas
"Mandalas of Joy for Children" offers thirty free color pages that will free the child's mind to think out of the box, for they say there's is no right or wrong way to color.
http://mandalacoloringmeditation.com/mandala-coloring/free-children-coloring-pages/
 
Crayola Crayon Mandalas 
Crayola offers a school plan to enable kids to work in groups of four to create a large mandala just as the monks used to do.  Make that "just as the monks do today!"
http://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/school-mandala-lesson-plan/

Preschool Printable Mandalas 
Preschool mandalas are available from Education.com. so even the youngest colorists will become familiar with the term "mandala." http://www.education.com/worksheets/preschool/mandalas/

Meditation Mandalas
Do You Yoga tells kids their whole body is a "mandala" with its center being their "belly button."  Kids, in a "child's pose," color mandalas with quiet background music.  The site advises when a mandala is finished hang it up, and use it for meditation.  It suggests one breathe deeply, gaze at the center of the Mandala, and let thoughts and emotions come without following them.  Then, "slowly dive deeper into the center of the Mandala and into the harmony and love it represents."  And Do You Yoga says kids from five and up can participate.
http://www.doyouyoga.com/mandala-coloring-meditation-for-kids-96460/

Rainbow Mandalas
Rainbow Crystal Connection describes how kids can make a "Rainbow Mandala."  The author says "When I explain Mandalas to kids I tell them they are a reflection of 'you'-of how you are feeling and how complex and beautiful you are."
http://www.rainbowcrystalconnection.com/2011/11/05/mandalas-with-kids-part-1/

Activity Book Mandalas
Everyday Mandala for Children is a series of activity books designed for ages four and up based on "The Shichida Method" that uses mandalas with youngsters that requires them to capture the image of a Mandala within seconds, and apply the colors onto an uncolored Mandala.  The method boasts even a child of two can do it.  Its method includes holding a Mandala against a plain wall, asking a child to stare at the Mandala focusing on its center, and then visualizing it in their mind.  Children are told to hold that image there as long as possible.  And suggests the article you as an adult should also join in.
http://www.homeeducation.sg/

Guided Meditation Mandalas
A teacher taught mandala art and meditation to a group of first-third graders "which took to mandalas very easily."  Her simple guided meditation had the kids drawing their inner flower, their inner sun, inner light, and peace.
http://www.michelefaia.com/classes/class-schedule/class-photos-art/childrens-mandalas/

Dream Music Mandalas
"Pure Relaxation for Children" produces a You Tube video of mesmerizing music with vibrant mandalas shown in kaleidoscopic fashion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv97d5l9SHg

Kids' Magical Mandalas
German author Arena Verlag has created a color book Kids' Magical Mandalas found on Amazon.com.  A "Look Inside" note reads, "When kids start to color ... magic happens.  Suddenly they quiet down, become deeply drawn into the image ....  The reason: all the patterns are evenly distributed around a center ... of balance and harmony that no youngster can resist."
http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Magical-Mandalas-Arena-Verlag/dp/1402717210

My First Mandalas
Anna Pomaska's color book My First Mandalas says this book is an invitation for little artists to experience mandalas.  Its "Note" inside states mandalas were once used for healing and offerings but now they are "just for fun."  False, for as this paper proves they are very definitely made for other than fun!
http://www.amazon.com/First-Mandalas-Coloring-Dover-Books/dp/048646556X

Kids' Mandalas
Arena Verlag has a second Kids' Mandalas color book which brags, "This isn't a color book--it's a calming book with beautiful patterns and inviting images that help kids concentrate."  Ah, there is that bait again this will help youngsters calm down, de-stress, and chill out so they will surely focus better.  Don't buy it.

Mindfulness Mandalas
Here's a piece from Kids' Yoga Resource that tells how middle schoolers form a circle with mats to create a "sacred space."  Into this they quietly create a mandala from found objects as stones, shells and so on as soft music is played in the background.  They dismiss with a savasana or "corpse pose," and a "Namaste" or "I bow to the god in you, and you bow to the god in me."
http://www.thekidsyogaresource.com/2010/04/experiencing-mindfulness-through-mandalas-a-meditative-activity-for-children.html

Easy Mandalas
Free for the printing a site offers easy mandala coloring pages for kids, and even adults with various styles and themes. http://www.free-mandalas.net/niveaux-de-difficulte/easy-children/

Active Meditation Mandalas
An article From Kids Growing Up Psychic Series by psychic Melissa Leath details how she uses "active meditation" or anything that keeps kids focused and calm as e.g. making mandalas.  Afterward kids softly stare at their mandala while trying not to blink.  As they breathe in and out, Leath explains, "a shift" comes while colors in the mandala seem to change and move.  At this point, says Leath, kids will feel energy flowing from the mandala.  They are then to close their eyes to see an inner vision, and to feel more energy.  And so Leath a medium, mentor, and author leads kids into her psychic world. http://shaheenmiroinsights.com/2015/03/30/active-meditation-for-kids-creating-your-own-mandala-by-melissa-leath/

Momma 'N Manila's Meditation Mandalas
In "Meditating With Children" a yoga teacher uses many meditative methods such as meditation with a felt heart during  chakra lessons, and meditation with mandalas they have created.
http://www.mommanmanila.com/meditating-with-children/

Everyone's Mandalas
Psychotherapist Monique Mandali has written a series Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book: Vol.1-3 created for all ages 4-104.  About one someone wrote, "Finally a coloring book for kids and adults.  I bought one for my grandson and my 85-year-old mother ... they both love it!"   Of mandala meditation Mandali said, "The act of coloring the mandala is all about connecting with it as a calmer, peaceful, more balanced version of yourself ... (so) take a deep meditative breath and step into the circle."  http://www.mandali.com/  and http://www.mandali.com/uses/

A Billion Peace Mandalas
Mandali has also created a Peace Mandala Coloring Book with twenty-five mandalas with the help of kids ages 6-15 from around the world.  This book, maintains Mandali, will help spread the seed of harmony for the next 1000 years!  An inner city school teacher shares how her entire school is now making peace mandalas crediting Mandali with saying "it may take a billion peace mandalas to bring tranquility to human kind."  And a pediatric neurologist testifies, "My doctor's office is full of Monique's colored mandalas."  How clever to create "mandalas" under the guise of peace.  As Christians we know that there will be no peace until The Prince of Peace returns!

Monkeymind and Mandalas
The Toronto District Schools features "Meet the Self" for kids K-6 that includes "Monkeymind" an excitable puppet who has trouble with self-regulation.  In hour long sessions kids do mindfulness, breathing, regulation methods, and meditation.  To end the course kids make a whole-group mandala.
http://meettheself.com/classes/monkeymind-and-me-a-mindfulness-course-for-children/

Mandala Project Mandalas
The Mandala Project dedicates itself to promoting peace through art and education.  If one clicks onto its intertwining mandala logo you can learn of: "About the Project," "What Is a Mandala," "Links and Resources," "Education," "What's New," "The Labyrinth Project," and "Mandalas."  The Mandala Project also hosts: "Circling the Curriculum: Mandala Workshop" for teachers on how to insert the mandala into every aspect of the curriculum.  All sorts of lesson plans are offered as "Mandala Storymap" using mandalas as a tool for reading, or "Middle School Mandalas" using mandalas in math and history.  Its links/ resources provide such New Spirituality materials as e.g. Judith Cornell's "Mandala Healing Kit" with a workbook and guided CD of Cornell's meditations.  All of this is at the fingertips of  teachers ready to be used with innocent children to introduce them to a variety of New Age practices!  Be on the alert!  http://www.mandalaproject.org/Index.html

There are even more children's mandala materials that can't be listed here; but the bottom line is that the mandala coloring craze is not just an adult coloring book problem, it is being used  with children and teens.  Be watchful!  Teach your children what these seducing circles really are about!


Adult Mandala Color Books and More

Coloring Mandalas
Susanne F. Fincher, founder of Creatingmandalas.com., Presbyterian, Jungian psychotherapist, counselor, art therapist, author mandala books, and mandala intensives has led thousands to the spiritual, psychological and health enhancing dimensions of creating mandalas.  Author of four Coloring Mandalas books by Shambhala Publishing Fincher's first book, Coloring Mandalas 1: For Healing and Self-Expression, says that as a symbol of Self, the mandala connects us to our innermost being.  These mandalas are organized according to the "Great Round of the Mandala"-- a scheme of twelve archetypal stages of human growth.  http://creatingmandalas.com/susanne-f-fincher

Coloring Mandalas 3: Circles of the Sacred Feminine is totally pagan beginning with "Prayer to the Earth Mother."  Inside notes tell the colorist to consider these sacred images holy, and to set aside a sacred space to work on them.  Doing this will allow their "harmonious designs" to kick in just as their ancient chants will resonate within one in calming and revitalizing ways.  And says an "introductory description" of this idolatrous book: "Coloring the circular designs ... is a relaxing, meditative activity enjoyed by adults and children alike.  ...  The mandalas in this book are ... designed to provide a creative encounter with the Divine as a feminine presence."

Three-D Mandalas
Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, of the UK , is an author of a number of mandala books including the Mindful Mandala Colouring Book that contains seventy-eight meditative mandalas each containing an "elaborate explanation" and a "guided meditation."  A reviewer, "Colour with Claire" declares "it (colour book) does feel like a bible for mandala lovers." 

Besides the colour books, Tenzin-Dolma has also put together a 3D multimedia mandala kit for lovers of sacred patterns as well as meditators where one can put on 3D specs, drop in a CD, and follow a step-by-step guide into mandala contemplation.
http://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Mandala-Coloring-Book-Contemplation/dp/1780289197

Color Me Calm Mandalas
A Zen Coloring Book, Color Me Calm by Lacy Mucklow, author and art therapist, has 100 coloring templates for meditation and relaxation.  It has seven therapeutically themed chapters beginning with "Mandalas" and ending with "Spirituality."  Of this very popular color book it is said, Color Me Calm is a guided color book for harried adults."
http://www.amazon.com/Color-Calm-Templates-Meditation-Relaxation/dp/1937994775

Reading Session Mandalas
The Mandala Lady, Maureen Frank, is a mandala artist and intuitive reader, who does channeled visualization "Mandala Reading Sessions" for customers via Skype or telephone.  Maureen relates that during a Reiki session she was told she wasn't into the creative side of her brain, and she should get herself a color book.  Maureen did.  Later, at a New Age book store she came upon mandalas.  First she colored them, but soon she began to create them.  And then it was on to meditating on them, and soon she had "mandala messages" for others.  Now, she creates daily, week, monthly, and yearly mandalas as well as a whole line of "color your own" cards, prints, and color books.
http://themandalalady.com/bio/

I Love Mandalas
Jim Gogarty, of iheartmandalas.com (I Love Mandalas) calls himself "Mandala Jim."  Gogarty began drawing mandalas in 2005 after a spiritual awakening during meditation.  This meditative moment catapulted Jim into the mandala making business with its "About Mandalas," "Simple/Advanced Mandalas," "Mandala Tutorials," "Mandala Clothing," (Kids too!), and "Mandala Prints and Merchandise." 

Jim is the author of The Mandala Coloring Book with its 100 mandala coloring pages.  "This book," asserts Gogarty, "encourages you to use your imagination to create vibrant patterns that bring you closer to your true self."  Its "Introduction" attests, "By mentally 'entering' the mandala and moving toward its center, one is guided through the cosmic process of disintegration."  Its intro ends with this tidbit, "A clear mind and healthy body are just a meditation away, so pick up your pencil."
http://www.iheartmandalas.com/

In Love with Mandalas
Christina, a mandala mom, records she came across mandalas by accident when buying a mandala color book for her son.  Instantly drawn to it she next went out and bought a mandala one for herself, and now is in love with it!  She recommends you too try out this amazing mandala coloring by sampling pages from Alberta Hutchinson's Mystical Mandala Coloring Book --the one with the dazzling sun mandala on its cover.  An inside "Note" contends, "These exotic mandalas hold a special significance and provide a focal point for meditation."
http://www.amazon.com/Mystical-Mandala-Coloring-Dover-Design/dp/0486456943

Sacred Art Mandalas
Michal Beaucaire and Paul Heussenstamm's The Art of Mandala Meditation unlock what mandalas are made for--meditation.  A "Look Inside" this book reveals its true New Age colors.  Its back cover reveals Paul has been a spiritual artist for years now traveling with the Deepak Chopra Center.  One glance at Paul's web page, "Mandalas.com" will set off alarm bells signaling this is a site full of "sacred art" ready to seduce and entice any naïve colorist. http://www.mandalas.com/

One of the mandalas Paul creates, is the Hindu Sri Yantra a type of mandala with a Bindu center, of which he writes, "This pattern is considered the 'Mother' of all mandalas ..." 

Michal wrote that when she selected Paul as her artist she visited his site "Mandalas.com" and found 2,000 mandalas to pick from in just the right colors and shapes for each meditation in the book.  Michal shares, "The colors of each mandala bear the right energetic frequency of the meditation ....  For example, all inner strength meditations are in yellow ....  Yellow is the color of the Solar Plexus Chakra, and the essence of 'I' is connected to this chakra."
http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Mandala-Meditation-Designs/dp/1440541140

Healing Mandalas
A Steven Vrancken in "Your Introduction of the Healing Powers of Mandala Color Pages" spells out the powers behind the mandala in this quote that says, "I awaken to the power of the mandala, A sacred circle of light and energy, A pathway to center--to my center and to the Universal All, A channel for healing body, mind, and spirit." 
https://mandalacoloringmeditation.com/mandala-coloring/mandala-articles/about-mandala-coloring-healing/

Meditative Mandalas
David Fontana has written Meditating with Mandalas: 52 New Mandalas to Help You Grow in Peace and Awareness.  Fontana maintains that the mandala is like a mirror that helps to do discover who we are. ... Like a mirror it accepts all that it sees."  Every mandala like others mentioned is accompanied by a guided meditation.  Speaking of a mirror, it is the Word of God that is like a mirror which reveals our true nature as a sinner falling short of the glory of God.
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/books/reviews/view/9635


Prayer Circle Mandalas: Conduits to Prayer for Contemplatives

Sunday School Mandalas
Baptist Global News Asst. Editor Jeff Brumley wrote a piece: "Adult Coloring Books Emerging as Popular Spiritual Practice."  How so?  Brumbley says, "Using crayons ... to focus the mind while praying or to contemplate Scripture can be as beneficial as walking a prayer labyrinth or creating an icon, say ministers of spiritual formation."

Brumley goes on to say that Blake Burleson, his co-editor and senior lecturer in religion at Baylor University, who with spiritual formation minister at Freemason St. Baptist Church, Norfolk, Virginia Michael Sciretti Jr., wrote Entemplating: Baptist Wisdom for Contemplative Prayer, teaches that praying while coloring puts the mind on hold while elevating the role of the heart in prayer.  Burleson also states, "Every religion uses art to express itself--whether it's an icon, a mandala, calligraphy, or a cave painting."  Maybe, Burleson should turn to Ezekiel 8 to see what the Lord had
to say about idolatrous wall art in the temple!

Burleson confides he uses various contemplative practice while teaching Sunday school.  He writes, "I'll bring in a mandala ... read Scripture ... and (we) color the mandala."  Burleson says such practices especially appeal to young adults, for in our spiritual lives certain forms become boring.  Note; A Carl Jung mandala reproduced by Burleson accompanies this Baptist article.
https://baptistnews.com/culture/item/30471-adult-coloring-books-emerging-as-popular-spiritual-practice

Hands-on-Mandalas 
How about a "Pray-date" with hands-on mandala prayers?  Rev. Sharon Garner, a United Methodist pastor and Ignatian Spiritual Director, suggests this.  Garner also conducts "Praying Mandala Sessions" with one to be at a Jesuit Retreat House as well as a United Church of Christ location.  To further her mandala cause she's written: Praying with Mandalas: Contemplative Coloring for Contemporary Christians.  Here the mandala becomes a "tool" to enter a contemplative state, and to do contemplative prayer!
http://www.bellyofthewhaleministries.net/directors-welcome/



Faith Circle Mandalas
Bro. Michael O'Neill McGrath, OSFS in "Faith Circles" in America Magazine in October 2012 wrote of the mystic St. Hildegard of Bingen, a Benedictine spiritual guide, who chanted meditative melodies and painted circle mandalas.  This mandala making, says McGrath, will allow one to paint, and pray at the same time.  McGrath reflects, "The process leads the painter to deeper levels of self-awareness and to the presence of God within."

In addition, McGrath notes, "The time spent creating a mandala is a mini-retreat that teaches me to be still and listen to the quiet voice within.  As Teresa of Avila used to say, 'God cannot rest in an unquiet heart.'"  http://americamagazine.org/issue/5155/art/faith-circles

UK Kids' Mandalas 
This UK Hallem Diocese admires Hildegard's sacred circular drawings too. The article then mentions that a number of schools are now using Mandalas as part of their spiritual curriculum, where a whole school "stills" and "calms down" while listening to meditative music as they make mandala booklets.
http://hallam-diocese.com/

Devonzine Magazine Mandalas
In "Color Yourself Closer to God" Robin Pippin from the Upper Room's Devonzine shares that while working with a child's spirituality program, "The Way of the Child" by Wynn McGregor that she discovered mandalas.  Pippin contends, "The purpose of coloring mandalas is spiritual ... designed to bring me closer to God and to get in touch with my heart."  Yes, in touch with one's Higher Self as New Agers call it!  See Ray Yungen's book For Many Shall Come in My Name chapter one for an explanation of what "The Higher Self" entails!
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LTP&Category_Code=NA

Pippin points out that prayer circles focus our attention on one thing thus producing relaxation. In a "Dig Deeper" section Pippen suggests teens try out coloring a mandala.  She directs: get a Bible, light a candle, and color a mandala.  If more mandalas are needed she tells the reader to click on a place labeled "Patterns."  This will bring one to June Moon's "Free Visionary Art"   "This art," says June, "is my gift to you."  And what a New Age pagan gift that is: Mandalas, Kitchen Kali, Wave of Bliss, Ganesha 01, Sri Yantra, Shiva Yantra, Fractal Heart, and more.  Imagine a teen, or teacher coming upon this art site while using this magazine!
http://devozine.upperroom.org/spiritual-practices/color-yourself-closer-to-god/

As a Side Note: "The Way of the Child" teaches contemplative techniques to young children in quiet peaceful rooms lit with a candle.  The children go to reflection stations such as "gazing" or "contemplation at the sand table."  At the sound of a chime the kids move on to a circle for discussion ending in a calm, peaceful exit.  At every step these lessons reflect New Age overtones.



Prayer Space Mandalas 
In "Upper Room Ministries Current News, Stories, and Insights" an article "Creating Prayer Spaces"
lists twelve sacred spaces where one can renew the soul in times of busyness, and as you guessed "Mandala-God at the Center" was one.  There was also "The Blessing Bowl," "Audio Lectio," and "Drumbeat of Mercy" among others.  http://voices.upperroom.org/prayerspaces/

A Monstrance Mandala
Kathryn Costa, mandala artist, designed "Mandala Inspired by Monstrance" that she found at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Manchester, NH. An article "Prayer, Adoration, and Mandalas" from a Heart to Heart Column (November 2015) tells of Costa's art, and names different ways to pray which "also incorporates from the Eastern traditions of creating a mandala as an expression of contemplative and intercessory prayer."  It also notes that just creating a mandala can be a meditation to help one maintain order and balance.  The article ends with a sample presentation as to how to project the mandala image, listen to relaxing music, color and pray with the mandala monstrance page, and finally, practice Eucharistic Adoration.   Read about Costa, and her book: The Mandala  Guidebook: How to Draw, Paint, and Color Mandala Art at  www.100mandalas.com .

Contemplative Cottage Mandalas
The author who works with theology grad students writes this, "When I began doing 'Sabbath Space' with the ... students I filled the air with yummy candle scents and had quiet corners set aside for peaceful reflection. ... But people need a little guidance ... so I went looking for something like a coloring book for adults.  Instead, I found hundreds of mandalas on the internet ... intricate geometric shapes just begging to be colored."  http://contemplativecottage.com/tag/mandalas/

New Way to Pray Mandalas
In "Coloring IS a Spiritual Practice" the Rev. Dr. L. Roger Owens contends during his spiritual formation retreats he'd notice a few people "will be bent over their desks with intricate mandalas in front of them ... listening to me ...." as they color.  Now does Owens feel these "poor souls" are being duped by falling for this new color fad?  Does Owens feel they should be "engaging in a real spiritual practice like praying or reading Scripture?"  "No," says Rev. Dr. Owens, "I give thanks that they are discovering a way of prayer their churches never taught them, but that is helping them listen to God and be present to others.  And when I enter Barnes and Nobles ... I only hope that more Christians might discover this practice and deepen their lives with God."

Now Owens, after thinking of the Biblical Martha's distractibility, reflected:  "Do you know what Martha needs?  A color book."  A coloring book, avows Owens, is just a form of "mindfulness practice."  However, mindfulness is a practice based on Zen Buddhism.  Read more here:
"Mindfulness: No-Mind Over Matter" from Stand Up for Truth. http://standupforthetruth.com/2012/02/mindfulness-no-mind-over-matter/ 
http://www.pts.edu/blog/coloring-books-spiritual-practice/

Color Me Discerning, or Color Me Deceived: Which Will It Be?

We're in the midst of  "a meditation invasion via color books" --and specifically through mandala
color books and like New Age books as I've shown in this article.  My question is if you've already bought into this color book craze under the guise of finding relaxation, and calm will you continue as a deceived colorist, or will you become a discerning one?  Will you understand that although coloring is not evil in and of itself, if it leads one into idolatrous sacred circles or like images then one must be very careful not to get entangled in this color book web.  May we, as the Lord warned in the Old Testament, "... Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols;  turn away your faces from all your abominations."  Ezekiel 14:6.  And may we strive to become discerning, rather than deceived.

Mandala circles will not give one true rest, or peace, or hope for this can only be found through the Lord Jesus who said,  "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28   May our desire be to do as the old hymn admonishes: "Turn your eyes unto Jesus, Look full in his wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace."        

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Psalm 119:37
"Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way."

For More Information:

Light House Trails Books: For Many Shall Come in My Name  by Ray Yungen.
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LTP&Category_Code=NA

Light  House Trails: "Question to the Editor: Any Information on Adult Coloring Books?"
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=18387s

"The Connection between Mantras, Mandalas, and Spiritism" by Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon (c.1999)
https://www.jashow.org/articles/new-age/the-connection-between-mantras-mandalas-and-spiritism/






 







         

Mudras, Chakras, Mantras: Deceptive Meditative Techniques

Mudras, Chakras, Mantras: Deceptive Meditative Techniques

A recent Facebook Post captioned: "Help Your Child Achieve Calmness!" showed a picture of a little girl sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, hands out, and with her fingers fixed in a mudra position.  What finger position is that?  To be precise, it is the "Gyan Mudra" or "Chin Mudra" finger position in which the index finger touches the thumb tip to form as perfect a circle as possible with the other fingers extending upward.

Why do people do this?  Yoga aficionado Gertud Hirschi, in her book Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands,  tells us why: "We can effectively engage and influence our body and our mind by bending, crossing, extending, or touching the fingers with other fingers."  Hirschi goes on to pinpoint just what this finger position really means: "The thumb is symbolic of cosmic (divine) and the index finger is symbolic of individual (human) consciousness.  The ultimate goal ... is oneness of humanity with cosmic consciousness."
http://www.amazon.com/Mudras-Yoga-Hands-Gertrud-Hirschi/dp/1578631394

Now, the purpose of this article is to inform teachers, parents, and grandparents that when either a child or adult uses mudra gestures, along with mantras, one is setting himself up to open up body areas designated as chakras.  So, readers beware, each mudra gesture has far more wrapped up in in it than you might imagine; and it is not just an innocent finger technique to get one into a calmed state.  To find out more--more on mudras, chakras, and mantras read on.

Mudra Information:

Mudra Definition: (muh-drah)  A mudra is a symbolic or ritual gesture in Hinduism and Buddhism.  It is a spiritual gesture and an energetic seal of authenticity employed in the iconography and spiritual practice of Indian religions. (Wikipedia)  Right up front, these gestures are spiritual, but most definitely not Christian!  For nowhere in Scripture do we read of various ways to fix our fingers; as a matter of fact Scripture does not even tell us to fold our hands!  However, it does tell us that we can stretch out our hands toward heaven, and call to the Lord who will hear our prayer.

Another Mudra Definition:  One of the symbolic hand gestures used in religious ceremonies and dances in India and in yoga. (Merriam-Webster) 

Mudra Introduction: 

The Eclectic Energies web page states, "Mudras have been in use in the East for thousands of years, particularly in Buddhism.  Buddha statues often have the hands in certain hand positions.  They have been used as a spiritual practice ... as a way on the path to enlightenment."
http://www.eclecticenergies.com/mudras/mudra.php?num=1

Buddha Mudras:

There are a number of sites where one can glimpse close up photos focusing in on the mudra gestures of the Buddha.  One such site reads: "Mudras of the Great Buddha: Symbolic Gestures and Postures" while another says: "Hand Gestures of the Buddha (Mudras) and Buddha Iconography."  Looking at these Buddha hands brings to mind the verses from Psalm 115:4-8 where it says: "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not; noses have they, but they smell not: they have hands, but they handle not; feet have they, but they walk not; neither speak they through their throat.  They that make them are like them; so is every one that trusteth in them."  Truly sad, that the hands of precious children, along with undiscerning adults, are being taught to form Buddhist mudras.
http://www.exoticindiaart.com/mudras.htm  and
http://www.buddha-images.com/hand-gestures.asp

Children's Mudras:

Speaking of children's hands, the book title: Yoga for Busy Little Hands: Mudras for Children          
by Marsha Therese Danzig says it all.  Under its title it suggests this book is "great for kids with ADD, ADHD, Autism, and in the Classroom."  And its back cover reads, "Yoga Educator and Founder of  'Color Me Yoga for Children' Marsha Therese Danzig, Ed. M. Harvard, Registered Yoga Teacher 500 Hours, illustrates the wonderful world of mudras, or sacred hand gestures."  (Reiki Master too.)*

It continues, "Mudras are ancient healing techniques relevant to children in modern times.  The hand has a series of meridians or rivers of energy that link the body, mind, and spirit.  Mudras teach child-ren self-empowerment, allowing them to access and send energy where it needs to go for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.  Yoga for Busy Little Hands, first in Color Me Yoga's Educational Yoga Series for children, "satisfies the linguistic learner with foreign language skills, (Make that Sanskrit.)* ... the music learner with the rhythm of affirmation and mantra, ... the intrapersonal learner with meditative practices, and the spiritual learner with expanded conscious awareness."
*Note: I have highlighted some words, and added inserts.
 
This book description describes what mudras are all about showing these finger actions are not akin to nursery rhyme movements, or action rhyme movements used by teachers of young children.  The book also paints mudras as something very educational--yes, educating one into deceptive meditative techniques!

A look at the book contents reveals even more of its spiritual agenda.  Here are some of its "Mudra Categories" such as "Energy" as Live (Prana); "Nature" as Flow (Varuna); "Confidence" as Focus (Hakai); "Healing" as Surrender (Suchi); "Calm" as Quiet (Dhyana); and "Spirit" as Om (Shunya).

In addition, Danzig designed an hour webnar: "You've Got the Whole World in Your Hands: Mudras for Children."  (No!  He's Got the Whole World in His Hands!) to "illuminate the many ways specific, purposeful hand movements can increase positive energy ...."  "Mudra means seal," explains Danzig, "so in practicing a mudra, it is like sealing the body, mind, and spirit together."  Just simple hand movements?  No, one hundred percent no!  These are hand movements taking one straight into a New Age spirituality!
http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Busy-Little-Hands-Childrens/dp/1495380858
https://kidsyogaacademy.net/faculty/marsha-therese-danzig/

More Mudra Materials for Kids:

The Global Family Yoga publishes a downloadable eBook Mudras for Children with an introduction to mudras, how and why to practice mudras, and instructions for ten simple mudras suitable for children.  Of mudras they write, "They are like mini yoga poses for your hands and are one of the many techniques used for self-regulation and to develop awareness.  Mudras tune us into the subtle energies of the body."  Of mudras and meditation they observe, "Meditation is one of the best ways to give the mind a rest and mudras are a wonderful way to facilitate the one-pointed concentration that leads to meditation."  http://globalfamilyyoga.com/mudras_for_children/

An enticing book, Evyatar's Mudras or Magical Hand Gestures by Alex Man, and Elizabeth Futerman, pictures a very young child meeting the morning by doing mudras in his bed.  This book includes nine basic mudras, and how to practice them on one hand or two.
http://www.amazon.com/childrens-books-Evyatars-Attention-collection-ebook/dp/B00RCIMTUM

Another tool is Lori Lite's mudra poster entitled "The Feelings in You Are the Feelings in Me" which shows mudra hand positions demonstrated by eleven children photographed listening to Indigo Dreams CD/Audio and book.  These mudra gestures include: heart, vision, peace, color, imagine, universal, truth, love, create, intuition, happy, and breathe.  Below the poster it says, "Yoga mudras have new meanings when children explore hand positions that empower them to be active participants in their own healthy, heart driven lives."  Notice the kids' poster photos as they sit cross-legged listening to mesmerizing stories, and music all the while doing sacred mudras.  Awaken!  This is not what one would desire for any child, or student!
http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Yoga-Posters-Mudras-Feelings/dp/0970863381

Don't Do Mudras!

Be warned when one allows a child to do mudras to calm down, they're being set up to go deeper into meditative techniques that will teach them to affirm their own goodness, and their own divinity.
They will also be taught that they can control their bodies, and that they can use these mudras to learn to open up their "chakras."  All the hype about de-stressing, relaxing, calming, and breathing will have that child, at some point, ready to be a full blown meditator falling into very dangerous habits.  Instead of being "from a child knowing the Holy Scriptures" they will be hooked on mudras and
mantras, and the pagan worldviews associated with them.  And instead of trusting Jesus as Savior, and protector they will be looking within themselves as divine.

Chakra Information:

Chakra Definition:  Chakras are centers of energy, says Eclectic Energies, are located on the midline of the body.  There are seven of them, and they govern  psychological properties.  The chakras located on the lower side of the body are the instinctual side, while the highest ones are the mental side.  http://www.eclecticenergies.com/chakras/introduction.php

Chakra Description:  The Sanskrit word chakra literally translates to wheel or disk.  In yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda this term refers to wheels of energy throughout the body.  There are seven main chakras which align the spine beginning from the base of the spine right up to the crown of the head.  One can visualize a chakra as a swirling wheel of energy where matter and consciousness meet.  This invisible energy, called prana is a vital life force, keeps one vibrant, healthy, and alive.

Chakra Chants:

In "Opening the Chakras" from Eclectic Energies it explains in detail how to use chakra chants that use mudras to open the chakras.  The mudras, says the article, have the power to send more energy to particular chakras.  Basically the mudra method involves fixing your hands in a designated arrangement, concentrating on a particular chakra, and chanting sounds to awaken it.
http://www.eclecticenergies.com/chakras/open.php
 
"How to Open Your Seven Chakras-As Explained in a Children's Show":

Aired on October 18, 2013 on Nick TV a chilling kids' show, "The Last Airbender," now a You Tube video, vividly described how a young boy was taught by his guru to open his chakras.  The video,
labled Y7 FV, demonstrated step by step how this cartoon character opened up all his chakras--from the earth chakra right up to the crown chakra.  Adults should watch this ten minute video to get an eye-opening glimpse into some of the mind-blowing teachings on this kids' cartoon.  Watch here:  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02FkMr21xOA

Check Out These Children's Chakra Materials:

Chakra Webnar:

Marsha Danzig has recently developed a new webnar "Little Spinning Wheels: Chakras for Children." In it she says one can fine tune children's sensitivities to the chakras--those related to specific glands and earth qualities as roots, water, fire, air, ether, sound, light, and space which will make them better beings on the planet! 

While looking at this site click on the colorful butterfly to see it up close, to notice the wing colors beginning with the red (root chakra) color and the bottom all the way to the violet (crown chakra) at the top.  Notice, too, its black body with the colored chakra energy balls from the bottom right up through the top.  Clever!  Deceptive! https://kidsyogaacademy.net/faculty/marsha-therese-danzig/

Chakra Book:

A 2015 book titled: The Rainbow Tower: Understanding Chakras, Auras, and Reiki Energy for Kids can be viewed on Amazon.com books.  Click onto the book photo "to look inside" and what a tale you'll find there.  Its author, Kytka Hilmar-Jezek, has spun a story even the youngest child can understand all about the Chakra Tower with its colorful chakra lotuses.

Hilmar-Jezek wrote a parental letter saying in part: "Have you always wondered how to explain chakras, auras, and reiki to your children in a way they would understand?  Maybe you are a beginner looking for answers about auras, chakras, reiki, and healing energy or life force."  We all, asserts Hilmar-Jezek, have this Universal Life Force with an energy field made up of aura which shows itself in seven colorful layers and the chakra system.

Note: While indoctrinating children, these books go after parents too.  So, take heed!

Then in giant print Hilmar-Jezek emphasizes, "Even the youngest kids can learn the most about the seven chakras through the color story in the book."  Later, the author again uses oversized print to add, "This book helps children easily begin to understand their body as energy cen-
ters." http://www.amazon.com/The-Rainbow-Tower-Understanding-Chakras-ebook/dp/B00YYUJJ40 

Chakra Poster:

A Lori Lite Stress Free Kids' "Chakras Color Our World" Poster (March 2005) from Indigo Dreams renamed the chakras this way: earth (red); creativity (orange); feelings (yellow); love (green); voice (blue); knowing (indigo) and angel (purple).  These seven, says the poster, will empower kids to be active participants in creating their own healthy, heart driven, peaceful lives.  Marketed as a great tool for teaching chakras to children of any age this poster boasts that kids of any nationality may look different on the outside, but inside we all share the same inner colors.  However, Isaiah 53:6 says that inside we're all sinners who have gone astray, turning everyone to his own way, and that because of this we need a Savior.
http://healing.about.com/od/chakraimages/ig/Chakra-Posters/Chakra-10.htm

Kids' Chakra Affirmations:

Affirmation Book/CDs:

Lori Lite wrote Affirmation Weaver: A Believe in Yourself Story.  In this innocent sounding tale about sea creatures, Lite uses the oft repeated reason one needs such a book for children who are stressed out, and need calming, that she, Lite, has the book for you--a book that will boost your child's belief in himself through the repeating of positive sounding affirmations.  Now, an affirmation, according to Lite, is a compliment that you give to yourself.  Here's a Lite quote, "I love myself the way I am.  I can do anything I believe I can."
http://www.amazon.com/Affirmation-Weaver-Yourself-Self-esteem-Decreasing/dp/0983625697

Discerning reader, stop here, recall that this view is so opposite of what the Word teaches.  For it clearly says in Proverbs 20:11: "Even a child is known by his doing whether his work be pure, and whether it be right."  Jeremiah 17:9 sums it up like this, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked and who can know it?"

As Christians we want our children to trust the Lord Jesus as personal Savior.  However, no amount of positive affirming meditative mantras are going to prepare a child to know the Lord; rather they are going to prepare him to focus in on himself speaking to his chakras and saying things to his "root chakra" as "I am divine being of light, and I am peaceful, protected, and secure."  But, only the Lord is divine!  He is the Light of the World wanting to rescue us from the darkness of sin.  Flee from these techniques, open up your Bible, and teach from it!  Check out chakra affirmations and know where Ms. Lite is leading you in such "relaxation" books filled to the brim with mudras, mantras, and more.

Be aware too Lite produces CD story sets as "Indigo Dreams," and "Indigo Ocean Dreams" with kids' stories said to reduce stress, anger, and anxiety while increasing kids' centering on self.  Both covers show a child seated in the lotus position, eyes closed, hands fixed in a mudra with the caption that these CDs will one de-stress and relax.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012ARCA8?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
http://www.amazon.com/Indigo-Ocean-Dreams-Self-Esteem-Self-Awareness/dp/0970863365

Think on II Corinthians 6:17: "Wherefore come out from among them (idolaters, unbelievers ...), and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, ...."  We need to leave behind these New Age ideas that purport to help us, but instead lead us and our children far from the Lord.

Mantra Information:

Mantra Definitions:

A mantra is a motivating chant.  A mantra is usually any repeated word or phrase, but it can also refer more specifically to a word repeated in meditation.  Mantra comes from  Sanskrit word meaning a "sacred message," or text, charm, spell, counsel.  (Vocabulary.com)

A mantra is (Originally in Hinduism and Buddhism) a word or sound repeated to aid concentration.
A mantra is also a Vedic hymn. (Oxford Dictionaries)

A mantra is (Hinduism or Buddhism) any sacred word or syllable used as an object of concentration and embodying some aspect of spiritual power. (Dictionary.com)

Mantra Materials for Kids:

Liz Bragdon of "Move with Me" (Yoga Adventures) has written an article entitled: "Affirmations and Mantras for Kids."  In it Liz lays out what a mantra is, and what a mantra will do.  Liz says, "When you think of a mantra ... you will probably think of the recitation of beautiful Sanskrit phrases with a spiritual purpose.  In a nutshell, the idea behind mantras is that the specific words you repeat may become part of you and reveal, over time, truths about yourself and your connection to a deeper source, when recited regularly with faith and feeling."  Liz asserts, "Mantras ... encourage us to tune into our authentic inner voice and tune out the negative, distracting, thoughtlessly repeated messages that divide us from that authentic, wise, and loving voice."

Liz then goes on to list six simple mantras for children that are fun.  "However," she adds, "they are also for grown-ups.  A simple message is sometimes a powerful message."  Liz shares that some of her favorite kids' mantras taken from the performance of well-known chant artist--Snatam Kaur. 

Three of her favorites include: "Sa Ta Na Ma" a mantra that uses finger movements with a lovely song from Snatam's video.  Another: "Peace: Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantih" should be repeated three times: for oneself, for all living things, and for the whole world and the universe.  She also finds lovely: "I am Happy, I am Good" with its "Sat Nam, Sat Nam, Sat Nam ji," and its "Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru, ji" from Snatam's video.  Always these mantras teach children that in ourselves we are good, just the opposite of what our Bible says in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; "
http://move-with-me.com/uncategorized/affirmations-and-mantras-for-kids/

When one views these little tots using mudras, and loudly chanting the "Wahe Guru" mantra one might smile, and think how cute!  However, here's what "Wahe Guru" really means, according to Kunalini Yoga Boot Camp (KYBC): "Wahe (Wha-hay) means 'Wow' or 'Ecstasy'" ... while Guru (goo-roo) means that force which brings one from darkness into light."  KYBC comments, "For example Wahe Guru is another way of expressing the joyous ecstasy that comes from knowing your true essence--call it God, call it soul, call it Self ... whatever."  Sad indeed that Christians today are allowing little kids to learn yogic techniques, and who knows what teacher just might teach your young child to chant mantras declaring they are divine in themselves.  How deceived, and naïve are the parents who think these so called "calming" mantras will help their children.
http://kundaliniyogabootcamp.com/wahe-guru-a-little-meaning/

Another article by Shannon Sexton gives "Six Reasons to Chant with Your Kids."  Sexton says, "There's a new generation of yoga-children out there who calm down and find peace through mantra musical meditations as "Kirtan" which is a form of call-and-response chanting from India.  Sexton lists six reasons why your child should become a yoga kid beginning with it helps kids focus--therefore try "bedtime mantras" which are sure to soothe!  Mantras help diffuse conflict too, says Sexton, so "Let's 'Om' Together!"  Besides, Sexton maintains that Sanskrit mantras are great for teaching yogic values.  Of course, these mantras will help kids quiet their minds, and help kids to know they are "spiritual beings."  "Just imagine," muses Sexton, "if we were all walking around singing, 'I am divine love.'"  Yes, becoming a "chanting junkie" will help one bond.  And finally, suggests Sexton, sing mantras with others, or join a live Kirtan event which will help one connect with community.  Discerning reader, I challenge you to research what is out there to entice parents, grandparents, and teachers to try out these wondrous mantra methods with their little ones.  Beware!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shannon-sexton/6-reasons-to-chant-with-y_b_5439564.html

Like an Angel of Light--Snatam Kaur--Sacred Chant Artist and Kids' Kundalini Yoga Teacher

If ever there was someone who appears quite angelic Snatam Kaur would have to be it.  To watch her beautiful face, and to listen to her melodious voice as she teaches those she calls her "Little Yogis," or "Tomorrow's Teachers" one would think she is a goddess herself.  But, do not be deceived, these chants are sacred mantras to captivate and to lead precious children deep into a New Spirituality.  To open your eyes watch this seductive video here:  http://www.spiritvoyage.com/yoga/Shanti-the-Yogi---Mountain-Adventure-DVD/Snatam-Kaur/DVD-002410.aspx

One of Kaur's DVDs is "Shanti the Yogi"--Mountain Adventure DVD" which is filled with beguiling illustrations as well as alluring musical mantra lyrics.  Composed of eight tracks the words to the lyrics can be found on "Welcome to Shanti the Yogi Dot Com" by clicking on "Lyric Sheets" PDF.  Oh, and there is a Coloring Book PDF as well. http://www.shatitheyogi.com/shanti_frame.html

Just a brief look at the lyrics will quickly let you know that each track song has teachings exactly opposite to Scripture.  Track 1, for example, "Feeling Good Today" teaches the idea that we're feeling good today for God who is in my inside is in you too.  Verse three reads: "God and me, me and God, are one, Sat Nam."  "Sat Nam," the common Kundalini mantra greeting, means "I see your true nature, " or "I recognize the divinity within you."  Similar to "Namaste" it acknowledges we are the same, we are one.  A site named the "Kundalini Way" explains, "Sat Nam is a mantra commonly used in Kundalini Yoga and is repeated three times at the end of a yoga session. ... It has been called the process of naming one's self  'Truth.'"  But in John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me."  For we are not truth, nor are we divine; but we are sinners in need of a Savior!  https://kundaliniway.wordpress.com/sat-nam/

Then there is Track 6, "I Am the Light of My Soul," that teaches the child he again is divine by having him sing, "I am the light, light, light, light of my soul.  I am beautiful, I am bountiful, I am bliss.  Beautiful I am, I am, Bountiful I am, I am.  I am bliss."  No, we are not any of this!  Once again our Bibles tell us Jesus is the Light, and he is the great I Am.  For as Jesus said in John 8:12: "I am the light of the World: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

Track 7, "Sa Ta Na Ma," is one of most common mantras of Kundalini Yoga, which young children learn with ease belting it out while doing mudras.  Bragdon, in her affirmation piece named above, mentions Kaur's video of this mantra by saying, "This mantra incorporates finger movements, or mudras.  For kids they are just fun things to do with your fingers.  Both hands are doing the finger plays (hardly finger plays!!), simultaneously.  Bragdon then details the motions touching pointer finger to thumb for "Sa," and so on.  Below this explanation Bragdon includes this disturbing mantra video from Kaur.  Hear here:  http://move-with-me.com/uncategorized/affirmations-and-mantras-for-kids/  The bottom line is: stay far away from this seductive female Sikh, New Age Indian devotional musician, Kundalini Yoga teacher for kids, and meditation and Kirtan guru--Snatam Kaur, and anyone else endorsing these practices!

"Stand Up for Truth" has an in depth article "Warning: Kundalini Yoga's 'Highest Mantra Meditation'"--the Sa Ta Na Ma-- describing its mudras and mantras in detail.  It says, "You will notice the very same greeting in Kundalini Yoga 'Sat Nam' contains the Sa Ta Na Ma components.  Sat Nam is the seed mantra ... while Sa Ta Na Ma is understood as Existence, Life, Death, and Rebirth.  Kirtan Kriya makes this most important mantra the centerpiece of the meditation."

"Kirtan Kryia," the article explains, "exploits the power of mantras, hand positions (mudras), mind power, naad yoga (yoga of sound) to work its magic ...."  For more of this informative warning read here: http://standupforthetruth.com/2011/12/warning-kundalini-yogas-highest-mantra-meditation/

In Conclusion: We Can Choose!

We can choose to follow the gods of the people around us as did the Children of Israel, or we can choose to follow the Lord.  For as Deuteronomy 5:14 noted, "Ye shall not go after other gods, the gods of the people which are around you."  Or as Joshua 23:7-8 reads, "... neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves to them: But cleave unto the Lord your God ...."

We can choose to form sacred mudras, or we can stretch out our hands to the Lord.  For as Psalm 44:20-21 records: "If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god: Shall not our God search this out? ...."  Or as Psalm 63:3-4 so beautifully describes, "Because  thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.  Thus will I bless thee while I live, I will lift up my hands in thy name."

We can choose to mumble Sanskrit mantras--to multiply sounds and words; or we can choose to exalt the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings!  For as Matthew 6:7 reminds us, "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."  Or as Psalm 8:1 says we can shout out, "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth."

Yes, we have a choice to follow the way that seems right to a man, or the one way of truth--we can allow our children, or even ourselves to follow after pagan techniques touted to calm us, and ground us; or we can choose, as the Psalmist penned in Psalm 19:14, to declare: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in they sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."  We can choose, it is our choice; but as Joshua of old may our choice be to say: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" (Joshua 24:14)

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Matthew 21:16  

"Hosannas, Not Mantras!"

"And they said unto him, Hearest thou what these say?  And Jesus said unto them, Yea, have you not read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise."


More Information:

For Many Shall Come in My Name by Ray Yungen (Lighthouse Trails)

Out of India by Caryl Matrisciana (Lighthouse Trails)