Yoga originated in ancient India more than 5,000 years ago as a spiritual and philosophical practice. It was later introduced to the West by figures like Swami Vivekananda and Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya.
These sages organised yoga into an organised spiritual path. This period is known as the Post-Classical Period.
Origins
Yoga is not just about exercise and mindfulness, it has a rich history. It began thousands of years ago, with the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India. The word yoga is first mentioned in the Rig Veda, one of the oldest sacred texts of Brahmanism.
Yoga was developed as a system of self-realization by the ancient Rishis (mystic seers) in order to understand the nature of existence. They compiled their teachings into scriptures known as the Upanishads. Two important beliefs arose, Samsara (the eternal cycle of birth, death and rebirth) and Karma (the principle that all actions bear fruit).
In the 1930s, Krishnamacharya developed a physical style of yoga based on 19th century British gymnastic exercises. He taught his students, who would later become some of the most influential yoga teachers in the Western world, this new form of yoga.
Purpose
Yoga is not just about the physical postures that have gained popularity in recent decades. The ancient science of yoga encompasses the mind, body and spirit, aiming to connect one with universal consciousness.
The practice was codified by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras around 200 BCE, but it had been passed down for generations before that. The yogi who understands the eight limbs of yoga, which include self-study, meditation and devotion to God or a higher power, achieves union with all that is.
When Westerners hear the word “yoga,” they tend to think of asanas or physical poses. But Sadhguru explains that yoga is much more than just stretching or exercising. It is a mechanism and technology to help one evolve into the full potential of life.
Methods
A holistic approach to health, yoga offers the potential for a wide range of therapeutic effects. It combines physical exercises with mental discipline. The goal is to unite the body, mind, and spirit to achieve enlightenment or moksha.
The earliest writings on yoga can be traced back over 5,000-10,000 years. These early texts were transcribed on fragile palm leaves that were easily damaged, destroyed or lost.
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra identifies eight limbs of yoga that include yama (universal moral codes), niyama (inner observances), asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana and samadhi. Postures and breath work, or asana, are the limbs of yoga that are most readily recognized in Western culture. These practices are often advertised and marketed as physical fitness activities. Despite the influx of Western culture, however, most traditional expressions of yoga adhere to all eight limbs.
Variations
Many yoga styles developed over the centuries. They may differ in the emphasis placed on specific poses or the style of movement used, but they all focus on bringing body and mind together.
The sage Patanjali codified yogic principles in The Yoga Sutras, a collection of 195 aphorisms that are the philosophical guidebook for yoga practice. The sutras include the yamas and niyamas, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dhyana and samadhi.
Sadhguru explains that the physical postures, or asanas, are just one aspect of a full psycho-physiological system of disciplined yoga practice. The other aspects are ethical restraints and observances (yamas and niyamas), breath control and retention (pranayama), bodily seals or binds (bandhas), and meditation techniques. In this episode, Sadhguru also explains how yoga can help with the mental and emotional challenges of modern life.
Goals
Yoga is a non-religious practice that can be used by people from all faith traditions, as well as those who are agnostic or atheist. Its universal appeal is its greatest strength, but if improper or distorted yoga practices spread, it could lead to serious health issues.
Traditionally, the yoga goals are Self-realization, to overcome all types of suffering prompting the state of freedom (Mukti, Nirvana or Kaivalya). Living with freedom in every aspect of life and maintaining a healthy body are also the main objectives.
Ultimately, the yoga goals are to unify the body mind and spirit and transcend physical postures and breathwork. These deeper understandings bring compassion wisdom oneness with universal consciousnesses and break free of limited egoism to reveal our interdependence as beings.