Ancient & Modern History of Yoga

 

Hello friends,

And Happy International Yoga Day! As we celebrate this special occasion, I wanted to take a moment to share some insights about what yoga truly is. So, when you hear the word "yoga," what immediately comes to your mind? Meditation, exercise, or perhaps even religion? 

I know yoga is often perceived as a physical exercise, but its significance extends far beyond the mat. Join me on a journey to delve into the philosophy and history that underlie this remarkable ancient tradition. 

Ancient & Modern History of Yoga 

I'm sure most of you already know that yoga has its roots in India. But when did it occur first exactly? The earliest known mention of yoga as a discipline can be found in the Rigveda, an ancient collection of religious hymns. Remarkably, this sacred text, dating back to around 1500 BCE, briefly references yoga a mere three times in its vast compilation of 10,600 verses. While there are three additional Vedas apart from the Rigveda, it is within this oldest Veda that we find the earliest mention of yoga, which took place 5000 years ago! In this ancient context, yoga was predominantly seen as a spiritual practice rather than a physical one, though its exact definition remains elusive. 

Then comes the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, a revered ancient text renowned for its profound yogic scriptures. Dating back to the period between 200 and 500 BCE, this captivating work introduces us to its central characters: the valiant King Arjuna and the divine presence of Lord Krishna.

Within the pages of the Bhagavad Gita, a remarkable dialogue unfolds, offering invaluable guidance on the path of yoga. Their exchange illuminates the importance of faith and devotion, revealing profound insights on how to transcend the burdens of everyday existence. It is therefore clear that the concept of yoga presented in the Bhagavad Gita holds a transformative power, guiding us to harmoniously coexist with nature and the vastness of the universe. It is a practice that extends far beyond our physical bodies, inviting us to establish a deep connection with our higher selves. Moreover, the Bhagavad Gita imparts fundamental principles of yoga philosophy, exploring profound concepts such as karma, dharma, and the eternal cycle of reincarnation.

Now, let's jump ahead more than five hundred years to the fascinating work of Patanjali, the one you've probably heard about! In 400 CE, Patanjali presented us with his insightful sutras, or threads, of wisdom on the subject of yoga. Talk about being ahead of his time!

He holds the distinction of being the first person to introduce a systematic approach to yoga. His sutras kick off with an enlightening description of what yoga truly is. From there, he delves into the captivating exploration of the eight limbs of yoga, where we discover that the physical asana practice is just one stepping stone on this transformative journey.

Patanjali shares profound insights on how to cultivate a mind that's free from suffering, offering guidance that is both practical and impactful. Unlike the previous texts we've encountered, Patanjali's sutras take on a more direct and instructional tone, designed explicitly to teach us how to embrace yoga in our everyday lives. One can uncover a wealth of knowledge about the benefits of yoga within these sutras. 

Now, let's shift our focus closer to the modern age and explore some individuals who played pivotal roles in introducing yoga to the Western world. One prominent figure is Swami Vivekananda, who lived between 1863 and 1902 and brought the transformative power of yoga to his audience. In 1893, Swami Vivekananda delivered a groundbreaking speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago. This was the first time yoga and Vedantic philosophy were presented on a global platform, capturing the attention of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Moving on with his studies, he shared the essence of yoga through four distinct paths: Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga, Raja yoga, and Jnana yoga. His teachings spread far and wide, resonating with countless seekers across the globe.

Following in his footsteps, we encounter the remarkable Paramahansa Yogananda, the well-known author of the iconic book, Autobiography of a Yogi. Through his book and also organization, Self-Realization Fellowship, Yogananda reached millions of individuals, particularly in the Western world. His teachings touched the hearts and minds of countless seekers, illuminating the transformative potential of yoga.

Another luminary in the realm of yoga is Jiddu Krishnamurti, a philosopher, speaker, and writer who brought a more contemporary approach to the practice. In my humble opinion, his perspectives resonated deeply with modern audiences. Krishnamurti often emphasized the numerous benefits that yoga, as we understand it today, can offer. He recognized that nurturing our physical well-being lays a foundation for a vibrant and agile mind. 

While there are numerous other names, including many Westerners who contributed to a better understanding and popularity of yoga, this brief history provides a glimpse into its origins.