History of Yoga

Yoga as a Hindu philosophy ("darshana") derives from prehistoric roots and develops out of Ancient Indian ascetic practices (tapas). Several steatite seals discovered at Indus Valley Civilization sites depict figures in a yoga- or meditation-like posture. Lord Shiva is regarded as the first yogic Guru or the Adi Guru of yoga. The seal of Mohenjodaro in the Indus Valley Civilization depicting the yogic posture of Shiva, sitting in a meditative pose, is believed to be the oldest record of existence of Yoga in India.

Yoga is mentioned in the earliest literature, the Vedas. A Rig Vedic cosmogonic myth declares an ascetic with "folded legs, soles turned upwards" as per his name. Yoga is discussed quite frequently in Upanishads which predate Patanjali's Sutras. An early reference to meditation is made in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, which is the earliest Upanishad. However, the actual term "yoga" first occurs in the Katha Upanishad. The main textual sources for the evolving concept of Yoga are the middle Upanishads, the Mahabharata including the Bhagavad Gita, and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Yoga Sutras written by Maharshi Patanjali is the foundational text for Yoga which amidst its antiquity is still regarded as the fundamental text of Yoga. All yoga forms practiced today are based on the Patanjali Yoga Sutras. The Patanjali “Yoga Sutras” is divided into four chapters or padas namely Samadhi pada (on contemplation), Sadhana pada (on practice), Vibhuti pada (on properties and powers) and Kaivalya pada (on emancipation and freedom).There are around 196 sutras in the Patanjali yoga sutras. These sutras are absolutely compact, accurate, reflective and devout in approach. Each sutra of the Patanjali yoga sutra is enlightening and is filled with prosperity of knowledge and wisdom.

During the period 1800 and 1900, the teachers of yoga started traveling to the west to attract followers. In the west, yoga evolved as an exercise-related and posture-related technique that involves gentle stretching, breath control and meditation. Later, various other western and Indian teachers became the pioneers who popularized the Hatha Yoga and gained millions of followers. Now the Hatha Yoga has various different schools or styles, which emphasize the various aspects of the practice. Yoga has also been combined with various other exercise techniques to produce “fusion” classes, for example Yogalates, Body Balancing and Body Conditioning. Today, there are millions of people in the U S and the U K practicing Hatha Yoga and other forms of yoga.


Om Namah Shivaya !
Blessed Be !