A brief history of yoga's journey across the ages
In India, yoga is an age-old practice that combines a variety of exercises, asanas, pranayama, and meditation. Every year on June 21, International Yoga Day is celebrated worldwide to promote its benefits. Since 2015, this special day has been observed to create awareness about this holistic discipline. Let's uncover the history behind this ancient practice that continues to inspire and uplift millions of lives.
Pre-vedic and vedic period
The word 'yoga' was first mentioned in the Rig Veda, a text from around 1500 BC. In the Atharva Veda, which dates back to 1200-1000 BC, the importance of controlling breath was highlighted. Even before that, during the Indus Valley civilization around 2700 BC, artifacts and seals depicting people practicing yoga were discovered. This shows that yoga has been practiced for thousands of years.
Pre-classical period
During that time, the Upanishads emerged. They explored the mind and spirit through personal teachings, emphasizing meditation and reciting mantras to achieve enlightenment. As per the Art of Living, among the 108 Upanishads, there were 20 dedicated to yoga. These Upanishads discussed various yogic techniques, such as breathing exercises (pranayama), withdrawing the senses (pratyahara), using sound, and practicing meditation.
Classical period
Yoga has a long history, but it was around 2,000 years ago that a wise sage named Patanjali organized and documented the practice. His work, known as the Yoga Sutras, became the foundation of traditional yoga. The Sutras provide valuable guidance on finding inner peace and attaining fulfillment. Patanjali's teachings have been cherished as a precious guidebook for yogis throughout the ages.
Post-classical period
During this era, sages and philosophers like Adi Shankaracharya made remarkable contributions to Raja yoga and Jnana yoga, expanding upon the principles and practices of yoga. Through the teachings of Shankaracharya, one could attain nirvana or liberation. Meditation was also considered important to help clear the mind. Hatha Yoga too was popularized in this period. Tulsidasa and Purandaradasa further enriched the science of yoga.
What is Raja yoga?
Raja yoga, known as the royal path of meditation, teaches us to gain mastery over our own minds, just as a king maintains control over his kingdom. In Raja yoga, we use our mental powers to realize the Atman, our true self.
What is Jnana yoga?
Jnana yoga is one of the four classical schools of yoga, alongside Bhakti (devotion), Karma (action), and Raja (meditation), each offering a path to moksha (spiritual liberation). Jnana yoga involves studying scriptures and self-reflection, seen as a direct but challenging way to grow spiritually.
Modern period
Swami Vivekananda played a pivotal role in introducing yoga to the Western world, emphasizing its physical benefits. Tirumalai Krishnamacharya is seen as one of the most important gurus of modern yoga and is often called the father of modern yoga. Other influential figures like Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna Paramahansa, BKS Iyengar, K Pattabhi Jois, and Paramhansa Yogananda further expanded the reach of yoga.
Yoga, today, has taken on a new form
Our understanding of yoga is mainly centered around yoga asanas these days. Yoga, as we practice today in studios, gyms, and homes worldwide, is based on Hatha yoga. It has always been changing and evolving. Considering the evolution in the past 5,000 years, it is safe to say that yoga will continue to evolve in the future too.
What is Hatha yoga?
Hatha yoga involves a set of postures and breathing techniques. These are typically practiced more slowly and with more static posture holds. Almost all hatha yoga texts belong to the Nath Siddhas. Early works teach yoga based on raising kuṇḍalinī through energy channels and chakras.
