The History of Yoga

When most people hear the word yoga they think of postures that tone and stretch the body. However, yoga’s rich history encompasses a much broader scope of practice and philosophy.

The practice of yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago and has been refined and developed by yogis over the centuries. These sages documented their practices and beliefs in the Upanishads, a series of Hindu philosophical-religious scriptures.

Origins

The word yoga is derived from two Sanskrit roots, which mean to “yoke” or to “unite.” The practice aims to create union between the mind, body and spirit. When you experience this union, you can become more mindful and aware of the connection with all living things and the universe.

It is believed that Yoga originated in the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in northern India 5,000 years ago. It was recorded in ancient sacred texts such as Rig Veda and Upanishads. It was later refined and developed by Brahmans (Vedic priests) and Rishis.

Swami Vivekananda is often credited with introducing Yoga to the West. He first presented Yoga at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and later taught in the US, Europe and India. His students went on to form a plethora of schools focusing on the physical forms of yoga known as Hatha Yoga.

Principles

Yoga is an ancient spiritual science, it balances, harmonises and strengthens body, mind and soul. It brings perfect health and inner peace with self, the world, nature and god.

Yogic practice was passed from Teacher to Disciple orally for centuries, and then consolidated into a systematic presentation by Patanjali in the second century B.C. His Yoga-Sutras describe the path of RAJA YOGA, the eight limbs of yoga that lead to the state of Samadhi or enlightenment.

In the 19th century yoga masters like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda toured Europe and America spreading the message of Yoga as a spiritual science and path to Self-Realization. Yoga was then introduced to the West as a physical discipline by teachers such as Krishnamacharya and Sivananda, who wrote many books on yoga and established ashrams and yoga centers internationally. Yoga does not follow any religion, belief system or community but is an extremely subtle science that can be practiced by anyone who desires inner peace and harmony.

Benefits

Yoga is a practice that integrates breath and movement, exercise, meditation and self-reflection. Its many health benefits include increased physical strength, improved mental/emotional wellbeing, and better posture. It is a gentle form of exercise that can help to relieve the stress and anxiety that often accompanies life-threatening illnesses.

The word yoga is first mentioned in the oldest of India’s sacred texts, the Rig Veda (dated 1500-1000 BCE). Over time, Brahmans and Rishis refined and developed yoga, which was documented in scriptures called the Upanishads, including the famous Bhagavad Gita.

It was the sage Patanjali who codified yoga into its eight components or limbs, namely yamas (restraints) and niyamas (observances), pranayama, dharana and pratyahara (practices that train the mind to withdraw the senses), dhyana and samadhi. Today, there is a growing body of medical and scientific evidence that supports the many health benefits of yoga. The course is designed for self-study, so upon enrollment you will have access to all six modules and can move through them at your own pace.

Practice

Yoga is a practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation. It has a rich history and has been taught for thousands of years. Today, yoga is used as an exercise regime for both strength and flexibility, and a philosophy that prioritizes balance and harmony.

Yoga was developed in the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in northern India 5000 years ago. The Rishis, or mystic seers, developed a ritual and set of practices to attain spiritual freedom. They also documented their teachings in the Vedas, or scriptures.

In the 1800s, yogis traveled to Europe and America to teach yoga. They lectured on the benefits of Yoga and published a variety of texts. The practice of yoga experienced a decline during the colonial period but saw a resurgence in the late 19th century, led by figures such as Swami Vivekananda. During this time, a number of yoga associations and federations were established. Yoga’s popularity continues to grow around the world.