Ask a Yogi – What is the History of Yoga

Yoga, as we think of it today, and Yoga, as an ancient practice, are vastly different things. When we talk about the history of Yoga, we have to log back thousands of years to a practice that came about as a way to reach enlightenment oYogaiss.

Today, Yoga is a physical practice that has many goals, including enlightenment. However, the emphasis on the physicaYogapect of the training has increased. Understanding the history behind Yoga can help you put things into perspective and develop a deeper connection with the roots of Yoga. This will wilYogapefully inspire you to make your yoga practice more than just a form of exercise.

Between 20YogaCE and 500 BCE

Most of what we understand about ancient Yoga is derived from the scriptures or, at least, what has survived over 5,000 years ago. In the Indus Valley, 2000 BCE, Yoga was first mentioned in textual sources.

The Vedas were written between 2000 BCE and 500 BCE. These SanskrYogaexts, rooted in Hinduism, spoke of breath-control and devotional mantras.

700-100 BCE

It is the most breath control in the scriptures. The Bhagavad Gita outlines the ethical principles of Yoga, including the sacrifice of ego, karma, and wisdom.

100-500 BCE

Patanjali was an Indian sage who developed Yoga Yoga Sutras or the philosophy of Yoga that we know today between 100 and 500 BCE.

In his Sutras, he outlines the Eight Limbs of Yoga. These removals are the cornerstone of modern yoga teachings. These limbs cover physical practice and meditation, as well as how to treat yourself and others.

1750-1800 CE

Physical Yoga is a practice that can be used to cleanse and rejuvenate the body and even extend your life. Hatha yoga Yogaborn at this time.

The Year 1900

Yoga is gaining popularity in the West.

1893 Swami Vivekanand, the yoga master, shared his teachings with the Parliament of Religions of Chicago.

1931, T. Krishnamacharya was invited to teach Yoga at the Sanskrit College, Mysore.

1930s- Krishnamacharya teaches his Hatha Yoga to three students. IyengarYogaK.V. Desikachar and Pattabhi Jois are the two people who are credited for spreading Hatha Yoga in its modern form throughout the world.

In 1947, Indra Devi opened her Hollywood yoga studio.

Yoga spread quickly throughout the West. There are now hundreds of different types of Yoga derived from the Hatha tradition, including Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and many others. Many teachers have trademarked the Bikram, Forrest Yoga, and Yogar versions. Power yoga, Hot Yoga, and Yogalates are all offered in modern gyms and studios. Yoga is for everyone: for children, for seniors, for couples, for yoga lovers.

The yoga market saturation is a wonderful thing because it makes the practice available to everyone who wants to try it. The downside of its popularity is that it has not always acknowledged the history of Yoga.

Although I wouldn’t discredit the many physical benefits of new forms of Yoga, it’s the deeply rooted hiYogay of spiritual Yoga that allows students to tap into something deeper.

Yoga was used to achieve ultimate bliss. ToYogaso, it is important to stick to the ancient principles.