Christian Yoga

Jean-Marie Déchanet, O.S.B. was born Gabriel-Robert-Vladimir Déchanet in Isches (Vosges), France, on January 18, 1906. In 1924 Déchanet entered Saint-Andrew's abbey as an oblate brother. In his early 40's he was "providentially cured" of his epilepsy and began learning various forms of physical exercises; eventually he discovered hatha yoga, which he subsequently wrote about extensively as well as taught others through group classes over the course of 20-plus years. La Voie du Silence was first published in 1956. The third edition was translated into English in 1960 under the title Christian Yoga, and published that same year. This lovely book is his testament that yoga assisted him not just in his prayer and meditation, but in his whole life as a Christian.