I have been a member of Dahn Yoga for more than five years. During that time, I have discovered that through meditation, exercise, and discipline, I could stay the course of my journey of self-discovery.

I have maintained my growth by incorporating my religious beliefs into my practice. Surprisingly, these things have blended easily with or complemented Dahn Yoga principles.

I am often asked, “How can one who believes in an organized religion practice yoga? Don’t you have to give one up in order to embrace the other?” My answer is always: “No.” In fact, there are many similarities and points of connection with my religion.

In the Torah (the Jewish book of laws), we are taught that blood is life. It has its own energy as it circulates through the body. We do not tattoo or cut ourselves so as not to compromise blood, the life force. Likewise, the Dahn Yoga principle “Shim Ki Hyul Jung” teaches about the vital force of blood which can transform the body. The Torah also teaches, “Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot…” Is this not a Tao view of existence?

As a Jewess, I strengthen my connection to G-d* and make conscious choices about my life by following the Ten Commandments, which are the well-known part of a total of 613 in Jewish Law. They very specifically explain how people should treat each other in their daily lives and seem like a good prescription for Hongik living. Some outline how we should establish our relationship with the Supreme Being, while others, similar to teachings of Tao, refer to the “One” and the force of the “One” in all of Creation.  

The number 613 breaks down to 365 negative Commandments and 248 positive ones. Likewise, we know that there are 365 acupressure points in the body—yet another similarity.

Those following the Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) also identify and study 613 energy channels within the human body, and it is thought that doing a “mitzvah” (good deed) gives you the power to energize those channels.

My belief in G-d has enabled me to integrate Dahn Yoga principles, as well as the teachings of Tao and the Chun Bu Kyung, without compromising my religion. The Universe directs all to us and through us if we are accepting of the Cosmic Energy (Chunjikiun). My religion teaches that G-d is one, and all of creation is connected.

The Hebrew phrase “Tikkun Olam,” meaning “Heal the World,” existed long before Michael Jackson. This is close to the Hongik ideal of Dahn Yoga. Both concepts teach us that we have the ability and responsibility to make the world a better place and help others with what we have learned. I believe that is the only hope for humanity and the earth.

— Francie Sabell

In observance of the Commandment not to take “the name of the Lord in vain,” many Jews use “G-d” or “Ha Shem” (the name) to refer to the Supreme Being.