If you follow along here much at all, you know I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to reconstruct rather than deconstruct. What does it look like to rebuild faith on the solid foundation of Christ instead of tearing it all down and walking away? For me, that’s meant asking a lot of questions. Big questions. Messy questions. And realizing that trust in God doesn’t mean having it all figured out, arriving at some kind of perfect knowledge or practice. It means coming honestly, sometimes confused, sometimes uncertain, always dependent. Bringing all the messy questions and trusting He won't turn me away for asking them.

The truth is, we will not fully arrive this side of heaven. We will never have all the right answers to all of our questions. Paul himself said he pressed on toward the goal, not that he had attained it (Phil. 3:12). That means we bring the questions. We bring the wrestling. We accept and believe that God can handle it. We gather with strong believers in solid communities to keep us grounded in truth. We share our struggles and our curiosities with them, out loud. We fellowship and grow together.

When I came across the yogic yamas and niyamas (the ethical “guidelines” that traditionally shape yoga practice) I couldn’t help but wonder how they intersect, or maybe just bump up against, biblical concepts. Not as a one-to-one translation, but as conversation starters. What if some of these ideas echo truths that Scripture already names in a fuller and more eternal way? What if this ancient practice pulls from even more ancient biblical truths?

Here are a few thoughts. And a few questions to consider. And no, I'm not telling all my thoughts on the answers to the questions - for those, you may just have to come to a class with me.

The Yamas (Restraints)

The yamas are traditionally taught as moral restraints; things to avoid or hold back from. They sound almost like the “you shall nots” of the Ten Commandments. But they also raise questions: what does it mean to refrain in love, to restrain for the sake of holiness?

Ahimsa (Nonviolence / Non-harming)

Traditional definition: The practice of avoiding harm in thought, word, or deed toward any living being.

Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount come to mind: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt. 5:44).

Ahimsa isn’t just about not harming; Scripture presses deeper. We’re called not only to avoid hurting but to actively seek the good of others (Phil. 2:3–4).

Food for thought: Is “nonviolence” passive avoidance, or is it Christlike love that leans toward the good of others? Where is the balance of emboldened gospel witness and gentleness? Who gets to define violence?

Satya (Truthfulness)

Traditional definition: The commitment to truth in speech and action, aligning words and deeds with reality.

Paul urges us to “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15).

But how do we discern when truth-telling crosses into harshness, or when “love” without truth becomes compromise?

Question: Am I tempted to bend truth to be liked, or to wield truth without gentleness? How do I decipher where the line between the two really lies? Again, who gets to define truth?

Asteya (Non-stealing)

Traditional definition: Respecting the belongings, time, and energy of others by not taking what is not freely given.

Obvious enough—“You shall not steal” (Ex. 20:15).

But Scripture stretches it further: “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor… so that he may have something to share” (Eph. 4:28). In Christ, it’s not just avoiding theft but becoming generous.

Question: Do I “steal” time, honor, or joy when I live self-centeredly? Can the avoidance of speaking out be stealing opportunities from others to learn? Is it possible to 'steal' from self?

Brahmacharya (Moderation / Control of Desires)

Traditional definition: Originally celibacy for spiritual focus; more broadly, moderation and wise use of energy.

The Bible points us to self-control as a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:23). But it’s never self-made discipline alone, it’s Spirit-enabled holiness.

Question: Am I practicing moderation as a way to look disciplined, or as a response to the Spirit’s work in me? Is fasting something we should consider more seriously / regularly? Am I managing my time and energy well?

Aparigraha (Non-attachment / Non-hoarding)

Traditional definition: Freedom from grasping, greed, or clinging; practicing simplicity and letting go of excess.

Jesus warned, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:19–20).

If I cling too tightly to a season, a job, or a relationship, am I resisting God’s sovereignty over how long those things remain in my life?

Question: Is my tight grip really just fear that Christ won’t be enough if something slips away? Is my attachment to things and people actually grasping for control because I don't trust that God is ultimately in control? How do can we be good stewards with a loose grip?

The Niyamas (Observances)

The niyamas are about what you do, habits to cultivate, and rhythms to pursue. They remind me of Paul’s call in Colossians 3 to not only “put off” the old self but to “put on” compassion, kindness, humility, and patience.

Shaucha (Purity / Cleanliness)

Traditional definition: Cleanliness of body and mind; cultivating purity in thought, speech, and environment.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8).

This concept presses the question: is purity only outward, or is it rooted in heart transformation by Christ?

Question: Do I confuse ritual or appearance of purity with true holiness born from faith? Am I focused on outward 'cleanliness' more than inner purity of heart? Again - who gets to define clean and pure?

Santosha (Contentment)

Traditional definition: Acceptance of what is and contentment with one’s circumstances, regardless of external conditions.

Paul said he had “learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Phil. 4:11).

But biblical contentment is not stoic resignation, it is confidence that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).

Question: Am I content because I’ve numbed myself to desire, or because I trust Christ to provide? How do I discern what needs to be accepted and what needs to be changed? How broadly does this principle apply? If I'm always content, how will I know when I need to learn and grow?

Tapas (Discipline / Effort)

Traditional definition: The inner fire of discipline and perseverance; willingly embracing effort and challenge for growth.

Paul compares the Christian life to an athlete training: “I discipline my body and keep it under control” (1 Cor. 9:27).

Yet discipline apart from grace easily slides into legalism. Our effort should flow from grace, not strive to earn it.

Question: Does my discipline come from fear of failure, or from joy in God’s grace? How do we balance discipline with contentment? When / where does rest and submission come into play?

Svadhyaya (Self-study / Study of sacred texts)

Traditional definition: Ongoing study of the self and of sacred writings to deepen awareness and wisdom.

This is where parallels are tempting. Yoga teachers often frame this as studying oneself or sacred writings.

For Christians, self-reflection matters, but always in light of God’s Word: “All Scripture is breathed out by God… that the man of God may be complete” (2 Tim. 3:16–17).

Question: Am I reading to find myself or to see Christ more clearly? Am I shooting to be my highest self? Or am I seeking to know Christ more fully?

Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to God / Higher Power)

Traditional definition: Letting go of self-will and surrendering devotion to God, the divine, or ultimate reality.

At first glance, this looks like biblical surrender. But for Christians, the object matters infinitely. We surrender not to an abstract higher power but to the Triune God revealed in Christ.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).

Question: Am I surrendering to vague spirituality, or am I laying my life down before the Lord who gave Himself for me? Am I being honest when pressed about Christ and the Gospel or am I allowing generalities to be my platform?

Where Grace Meets Practice

Here’s what struck me as I worked through these parallels: the yamas and niyamas point to effort, to restraint, to cultivating habits. And in a way, they can serve as tools and reminders to slow down, to align our bodies and practices with what we already know in our heads. But they can never replace the gospel.

Because in the end, self-effort will not save us. Yoga says transformation comes from our discipline; Scripture says transformation comes from Christ covering us in His righteousness. The law, whether yogic or biblical, shows us our need, but only grace meets that need.

Maybe these concepts can serve as supports: places where we pause, reflect, and bring questions. What if non-attachment reminds me to trust God’s sovereignty? What if moderation makes me ask where I’m trying to control rather than surrender? What if contentment calls me back to Christ as enough?

Maybe that's the real invitation: to hold these practices lightly, not as replacements for truth but as reminders that God is big enough to use worldly concepts to draw us in closer. Reconstruction doesn’t mean pretending we know everything; it means leaning honestly into the One who already has finished the work.