The History of Yoga & Its Origin
~ 5,000 Years Ago
Yoga is Born
India Yoga Alliance takes a sneak peek into the formative phases of Yoga, its growth, contributors, and how the practice gained the momentum to transform lives and enable an eternal connection within in the contemporary world.
यमनियमासनप्राणायामप्रत्याहारधारणाध्यानसमाधयोऽष्टावङ्गानि॥
अहिंसाप्रतिष्ठायां तत्सन्निधौ वैरत्यागः॥
सत्यप्रतिष्ठायां क्रियाफलाश्रयत्वम्॥
अस्तेयप्रतिष्ठायां सर्वरत्नोपस्थानम्॥
सत्त्वशुद्धिसौमनस्यैकाग्र्येन्द्रियजयात्मदर्शनयोग्यत्वानि च॥
India Yoga Alliance brings the world’s most ancient practice into perspective to showcase the efforts and contributions of great legends. However, this information is not promoting any religion because we believe there’s only one religion – Yoga.
While Yoga is commonly believed to be a combination of asanas and pranayama for promoting good health and vitality, there’s more to this ancient art, science, and philosophy of life that harmonizes the mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is a word derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” which means “to join” or “to unite.” Apart from striving to create a union between the mind, body, and spirit, Yoga also helps unite the individual self with the universe, evolve spiritually, and experience unbound liberation.
The Origin
Yoga is primarily a spiritual practise that focuses on achieving harmony between the body and mind. It is based on a very delicate science. It is a science and an art of healthy living. The Sanskrit word “Yoga” is derived from the root “Yuj,” which means “to join,” “to yoke,” or “to unify.” According to yogic texts, practicing yoga causes one’s awareness to become one with the Universal Consciousness, signifying complete harmony between the mind and body, as well as between man and nature. Modern physicists believe that the universe is nothing more than a manifestation of the same quantum space.
A person who has acquired the state of freedom known as Mukti, nirvana, or moksha is said to be practicing yoga and is referred to as a yogi. Thus, the goal of yoga is to achieve Self-realization and to end all forms of suffering in order to achieve “the state of liberation” (Moksha), also known as “freedom” (Kaivalya).
Understanding Yoga
Learning about the eight limbs of Yoga is proven to help understand Yoga more fully. The focus here is to specifically understand the Yamas and Niyamas, called ethical principles for living well with meaningful practice, both on and off the mat.
We take a closer look at Hatha Yoga that is considered as the leading type of mind-body exercise in the Western world. Its popularity is supported by its effectiveness in clinical and athletic uses that offers innumerable health and fitness benefits beyond merely the physical capacity. It’s considered a type of complementary and alternative medicine that provides in-depth health benefits inside out.
The focus here is to incorporate the physical postures of Hatha Yoga combined with a focus on breath to establish mental focus and sync the mind, body, and spirit into a powerful union.
It’s important to understand that the physical practice of Yoga is only one side of a Yogic lifestyle that includes eight limbs or Sutras. Among these Sutras, incorporating the Yamas and Niyamas provide ethical principles to live and experience a complete Yogic life. Hatha Yoga has now become a mainstream practice to intensify the effectiveness of asanas and reap the benefits by combining it with other limbs of Yoga.
Patanjali Yoga Sutra
The philosophical text of the father of Yoga is widely accepted by numerous Yoga schools to impart the practice in a more comprehensible way. The ancient text describes Yoga as ‘ChittaVritti Nirodha’ which translates as the cessation of the mind from its functions. ChittaVrittis comprise of Pramana, Viparyaya, Vikalpa, Nidra, and Smrithi that enable an individual to achieve the highest level of existence and accomplishment in the path of Yoga.
Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga takes you on a deeper journey, empowering you with comprehensible knowledge to put the right technique of Yoga into practice. Yama and Niyama are the fundamental and ethical rules of Yoga that double up as preconditions to attain optimum level in Yoga and eventually achieve Samadhi.
The Onset of Yoga
Since yoga is so old, no one is certain of its actual beginning. However, it started far earlier when humans started attempting to comprehend what life was all about. We can only infer the history of yoga from a legend.
Shiva was said to have been the first yogi. Shiva attained enlightenment on a mountain named Mount Kailash thousands of years ago. According to the legend, he had seven followers who later came to be known as the seven rishis. Most spiritual traditions around the world are credited to them as their founders.
The Development of Yoga
Surya Namaskara
ॐ सूर्याय नमः ।
Yoga was being practiced at the time under the direct supervision of the Guru, and its spiritual worth was being given particular emphasis. It was a component of Upasana, and their rituals included yoga sadhana. During the Vedic era, the sun was accorded the highest priority. It’s possible that this impact is what led to the later invention of the “Surya Namaskara” practise. Pranayama was used in daily rituals and when making offerings to the supreme power.
There are historical records of yoga dating back to the pre-Vedic era (2700 B.C.) and continuing up until Patanjali’s time. The Vedas (four), Upanishads (108), Smritis, teachings of Buddhism, Jainism, Panini, Epics (2), and Puranas (18) are the primary sources from which we learn about yoga practices and the literature associated with them throughout this time.
Due to the word-of-mouth transmission of sacred texts and the secrecy of its teachings, much of yoga’s history is obscure and ambiguous. The first texts on yoga were written on flimsy palm leaves that were easily lost, destroyed, or damaged. Although some researchers believe that yoga may be up to 10,000 years old, the development of the practise may be dated back to more than 5,000 years ago. Four major periods of innovation, practise, and evolution may be identified in the long and rich history of Yoga.
Clearing the Misconceptions
The creator of the yoga practise known as “Iyengar Yoga,” B.K.S. Iyengar, is regarded as one of the top yoga instructors in the world. For many people, only Hatha Yoga and Asanas are acceptable forms of yoga (postures). However, only three of the Yoga Sutras specifically mention asanas. Fundamentally, Hatha Yoga is a process that gets the body ready to handle more energy. The body is the first step in the process, followed by the breath, the mind, and the inner self. Yoga is also frequently perceived as a form of therapy or an exercise program for fitness and wellness. Although yoga’s benefits for body and mental wellness are natural, its main objective is way broader. “Yoga is all about harmonizing oneself with the universe. It is the technology of aligning individual geometry with the cosmic, to achieve the highest level of perception and harmony.”
Guru Shishya Parampara
Yoga has always been viewed as a method for inner health; it does not follow any certain religion, belief system, or group. Regardless of one’s religion, nationality, or culture, everyone who practices yoga diligently may benefit from it. Different Traditional Schools of Yoga have emerged as a result of the various Philosophies, Traditions, lineages, and Guru-shishya paramparas of yoga, including Jnana-yoga, Bhakti-yoga, Karma-yoga, Dhyana-yoga, Patanjali-yoga, Kundalini-yoga, Hatha-yoga, Mantra-yoga, Laya-yoga, Raja-yoga, Jain-yoga, Each school of yoga has its own guiding ideas and methods that lead to the ultimate goals and objectives of the discipline.
Svasa – Prasvasa
Pranayama is becoming conscious of one’s breathing, followed by consciously controlling it as the basis for one’s life. It aids in establishing control over the mind and aids in the development of mental awareness. This is accomplished initially by becoming conscious of the “flow of in-breath and out-breath” (Svasa-Prasvasa) through the mouth, nose, and other bodily openings, as well as of its internal and exterior courses and destinations.
Later, this phenomenon is altered by controlled, monitored, and regulated inhaling (svasa), which causes awareness of the bodily space(s) filling (puraka), remaining filled (kumbhaka), and emptying (rechaka) during controlled, monitored, and regulated expiration (prasvasa).
Dhyana Meditation
Pratyahara indicates dissociation of one’s consciousness (withdrawal) from the sense organs which helps one to remain connected with the external objects. Dharana indicates broad based field of attention (inside the body and mind) which is usually understood as concentration. Dhyana (Meditation) is contemplation (focused attention inside the body and mind) and Samadhi – integration. Bandhas and Mudras are practices associated with pranayama. They are viewed as (the) higher Yogic practices mainly consisting on adopting certain body (psycho-physical) patterns along with (s well as) control over respiration. This further facilitates control over mind and paves way for higher yogic attainment.
Shat-karmas are de-toxification procedures, help to remove the toxins accumulated in the body and are clinical in nature. Yuktahara (Right Food and other inputs) advocates appropriate food and food habits for healthy living. However, practice of Dhyana (Meditation) helping in self-realization leading to transcendence is considered as the essence of Yoga Sadhana (The Practice of Yoga).
The Pre-Vedic and Vedic Period (2700 BC)
The ancient Indian text, Rig Veda first mentions Yoga that dates back to 1500 BC. It’s again mentioned in the Atharva Veda, dating back to 1200-1000 BC where there’s a special mention of the importance of breath control.
However, the Indus-Saraswati Civilization dating back to 2700 BC shows numerous fossils were discovered, featuring figures performing Yoga Sadhana. It’s a strong indication that Yoga was practiced even during the earliest stages of civilization.
The Vedic Period was primarily characterized by the sacred books of Brahmanism, known as the Vedas. Here are some quick facts regarding yoga at this period of history:
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Hindu men typically performed yoga
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The Vedic people looked to the Hindu saints known as rishis for guidance to live in harmony with the divine
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The many different types of yoga performed now may have their roots in the bodily postures and concentration techniques used by early Vedic monks
There is evidence that yoga existed in ancient India in the form of seals, Indus Valley civilization fossils, and figures engaged in yoga sadhana. The mother goddess seals and phallic symbols are suggestive of Tantra Yoga.
The presence of yoga is offered in:
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Folk traditions
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Ancient Indus Valley culture
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Upanishad and Vedic roots
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Jain and Buddhist traditions
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Darshanas
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Ramayana and Mahabharata epics
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Theistic traditions of Shaivas, Vaishnavas, and Tantric lineages
Pre-Classical Period
The first types of yoga were developed by the Indus-Sarasvati culture in Northern India around 5,000 years ago. The word “yoga” first appears in the Rig Veda, one of the first holy texts. The Vedas, which included hymns, mantras, and rites, were a collection of literature used by Brahmans, the Vedic priests. The Upanishads, a vast collection of more than 200 writings, were continuously refined and enhanced by the Brahmans and Rishis (mystic seers), who recorded their practices and concepts.
The Bhagavad Gita, which was written in 500 B.C.E., is the most famous of the Yogic scriptures. The Vedas introduced the concept of ritual sacrifice; the Upanishads adopted it and taught ego sacrifice through self-knowledge, action (karma yoga), and wisdom (jnana yoga).
In this era, the Upanishads took birth and gave a detailed explanation of the functioning of the mind and spirit hidden in the Vedas. They focused on meditation and mantra recitation to achieve enlightenment. There are 20 Yoga Upanishads from the total of 108, and each Upanishad elaborates different Yogic techniques like pranayama (breathing exercise) and pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) among breathing exercises, and meditation.
Classical period (500 BC – 800 AD)
The period from 500 BC to 800 A.D saw an exponential growth in awareness about Yoga, and Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha were chiefly responsible for laying the basis for Yoga Sadhana. While Lord Mahavira spoke of achieving salvation through meditation, Lord Buddha focused on specific postures with meditation to achieve enlightenment.
In other words, this period is also thought to have been the most productive and significant time in the history and advancement of Yoga. Vyasa’s commentary on the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and other texts appeared at this time.
The Bhagavad Gita also come into existence, and it showcases the dialogue and conversation between Krishna (universal consciousness) and Prince Arjuna (human consciousness). It’s here that Lord Krishna explains the concepts of Dharma, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.
“Samatvam Yoga Uchyate” is Krishna’s famous saying that means equanimity in the mind is the symbol of Yoga. He explains that remaining centered and calm in adverse situations is the purpose of Yoga that transports us to a joyous and harmonious nature.
There are verses in the Mahabharata dating back to 300-200 BC that mention the terms of Sage Patanjali like Vichara (reflection), and Viveka (discrimination). His teachings focus on separating the self from matter to find Brahman everywhere, enter into the Brahman state to unite the atman with the universal Brahman.
Maharshi Patanjali is considered the father of Yoga, and he was instrumental in systematizing the practice of Yoga. He founded the Yoga Sutras and spread the meaning and knowledge it offers. He was chiefly responsible for formulating the eight limbs of Yoga that include:
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Yama (ethical disciplines)
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Niyama (self-observation)
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Asana (physical postures)
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Pranayama (breath control/breathing techniques)
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Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
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Dharana (concentration)
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Dhyana (absorption or meditation)
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Samadhi (enlightenment or bliss)
These Sutras (limbs) form a critical part of the foundational aspects of the Indian Yogic tradition.
The idea of the Pancha Mahavrata (also known as the Five Great Vows) by Mahavir and the Ashta Magga (also known as the Eightfold Path) by Buddha can both be considered to be the origins of yoga sadhana. In Bhagavad Gita, which has eloquently explained the concept of Gyan yoga, Bhakti yoga, and Karma Yoga, we find its more detailed explanation.
During this time, the importance of the mental component was recognized, and it was made obvious through yoga sadhana. Mind and body can be brought under control to achieve equanimity.
Post-Classical Period (800 AD - 1700 AD)
This is the period where several sages and philosophers contributed richly to the ancient practice, continuing to enrich the developments of Raja Yoga and Jnana yoga. Adi Shankaracharya brought a new perspective to Yoga with teachings like the practice of Jnana Yoga to achieve Nirvana or liberation.
Up until this time, the fundamental goal of yoga was to disengage from reality. The practice of yoga shifted during the Postclassical Period in its development toward embracing life and staying in the present. During this period, hatha yoga, tantra, and many of the positions we use today were all established.
Yoga started to gain popularity in the early 19th century and eventually entered Western culture. Maharishi Mahesh created Transcendental Meditation in the middle of the 20th century; it is a well-liked kind of mantra meditation that still has a large following of devoted practitioners.
Tulsidasa and Purandaradasa also contributed richly to the science of Yoga, and Hatha Yoga came into existence that include most of the asanas practiced today.
During this time, the teachings of the renowned Acharyatrayas Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, and Madhav Acharya were widely practiced. During this time, the teachings of Suradasa, Tulsidasa, Purandaradasa, and Mirabai made a significant contribution.
The following Yoga Gurus contributed richly to Yoga during this period:
The Five Principles of Yoga were created by Swami Sivananda to impart his wisdom to Americans and Europeans. The guiding concepts combined breathing exercises, relaxation, healthy food, and optimistic thinking.
A Russian yoga instructor named Indra Devi introduced asana yoga to Hollywood. She earned the title of “First Lady of Yoga” and popularized yoga’s health advantages through her teachings.
In 1961, American yoga instructor Richard Hittleman produced the first yoga television program. The Twenty-Eight-Day Yoga Plan, his best-selling book, and the TV show all helped yoga become more well-liked in America.
Modern Period (1700 AD to 1900 AD)
Today, there’s a proliferation of literature and the practice of Yoga, and the post-classical period focuses on being in the present. Unlike the previous three periods that focused on liberating an individual from reality, this period guides one to accept it and live the moment.
Maharishi Mahesh popularized Transcendental Meditation while the renowned Yoga Guru Swami Sivananda founded the following five principles of Yoga:
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Shavasana (proper relaxation)
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Asanas (proper exercise)
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Pranayama (proper breathing)
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Proper diet
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Dhyana (positive thinking and Meditation)
In the mid-nineteenth century, Swami Vivekananda introduced Yoga to the West. Raja Yoga was conceived by prominent personalities like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Paramahansa Yogananda, Ramana Maharshi, and K Pattabhi Jois.
Yoga has improved the quality of life for millions of people and not merely withstood the test of time. So even if we may not be able to determine whether yoga has been practiced for 5,000 years or not, we can still use yoga history to guide our current yoga practice and perhaps apply some of these principles outside of the yoga studio.
Yoga will probably continue to evolve, but one thing will probably never change: yoga will still help you become stronger, more in tune with your body, and more present. Yoga has the potential to change your life, which you already know if you practice it.
Yoga and the East
The first yoga teachings date back about 5000 years. It is somewhat challenging to pinpoint the lineage during these early times because yoga was transmitted verbally from teacher to student. However, according to Hindu philosophy, the Seven Sages received the teachings of yoga from Lord Shiva, who created it.
The Vedic writings identify these Seven Sages as the original practitioners of yoga who spread the practice’s knowledge throughout the world.
The Seven Sages travelled across South America, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. One of the Seven Sages, Maha Rsi Agastya, made a notable journey to Indonesia to promote the teachings. Although the yoga principles have remained a fundamental component of Indonesian religion, the country didn’t start adopting the yoga practice until the 1990s.
Buddha lived a large portion of his early years in luxury after being born in the Himalayas around 500 BC. But he saw human pain, ageing, disease, and death while he was travelling.
Buddha left his family to learn the practice of meditation from lra Klma and Uddaka Rmaputta in an effort to find the way to Nirvana (enlightenment). The Buddha eventually found Nirvana after intense dedication to his quest. He made the decision to share his 45-year journey and meditation skills after learning it while traversing North East India on foot.
The Silk Road brought Buddhism to China, but the discipline of yoga wasn’t introduced there until Indra Devi founded her school in Shanghai in 1939.
Regarding other East Asian nations, Bikram Choudhury built Japan’s first yoga studio in the 1970s, which marked the beginning of the discipline in that nation. Having said that, Okido’s development only led to a slight increase in popularity about 20 years ago. Asanas, meditation, and chanting are all included in this practise.
व्यायामात् लभते स्वास्थ्यं दीर्घायुष्यं बलं सुखं। आरोग्यं परमं भाग्यं स्वास्थ्यं सर्वार्थसाधनम् ॥
श्रमक्लमपिपासोष्णशीतादीनां सहिष्णुता । आरोग्यं चापि परमं व्यायामदुपजायते ॥
व्यायामं कुर्वतो नित्यं विरुद्धमपि भोजनम् । विदग्धमविदग्धं वा निर्दोषं परिपच्यते ॥
न चास्ति सदृशं तेन किंचित्स्थौल्यापकर्षणम् । न च व्यायामिनं मर्त्यमर्दयन्त्यरयो भयात् ॥
शरीरोपचयः कान्तिर्गात्राणां सुविभक्तता । दीप्ताग्नित्वमनालस्यं स्थिरत्वं लाघवं मृजा ॥
समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातुमलक्रियः । प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनाः स्वस्थ इत्यभिधीयते ॥
न चैनं सहसाक्रम्य जरा समधिरोहति । स्थिरीभवति मांसं च व्यायामाभिरतस्य च ॥
International Yoga Day & it’s Prominence in the Modern Yoga World
Renowned Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar initially proposed the idea of an international day for Yoga. His honorable gesture was promoted by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014.
The 177-member states endorsed his suggestion, and the first International Day of Yoga was observed worldwide June 21, 2015.
Why Celebrate Yoga Day?
During his speech at the UNGA, Prime Minister Modi stated the following:
Yoga is an invaluable gift of Indian tradition that embodies the unity of mind with body, thought with action, restraint with fulfilment, harmony between man & nature, and a holistic approach to achieve optimum health and well-being. It’s not about exercise but to realize the sense of oneness with ourselves, the world, and nature. By transforming our lifestyle and creating consciousness, Yoga can help in achieving overall well-being. For these reasons, let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.
The Theme of Yoga Day
Each year, Yoga Day is centered around a specific theme to promote the practice of different asanas and movements to achieve a desired objective.
June 21st is the summer solstice making it the longest day of the year. Hence, International Yoga Day is celebrated on this day. The International Yoga Day is a universal movement to take the ancient practice forwards and continue inspiring people and communities to adopt the practice as a way of life.
Prominent Contributors to Yoga
How Lord Shiva contributed to Yoga:
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan
Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat ||
Meaning of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
I worship the “three-lotus-eyed” lord of the Universe. The enhancer of life, fragrance, and nourishment. May the Lord liberate me from the death and bandages of life, easily, just like a ripened cucumber fruit taken away from the branches. May the Lord move me towards a fuller life and immortality.
Yoga is one of the oldest sciences in the world that originated in India, and according to mythology, Lord Shiva was the first to impart the knowledge of Yoga. In the Yogic culture, Shiva is not considered a God but the first guru or Adi Guru who holds paramount significance in shaping the human consciousness. He is considered a Yogeshwar who rules over all the aspects of Yoga that cover the mind, body, and consciousness.
Shiva is the lord of asana practice, and it’s believed that 84 lakh asanas have derived from his movements. He is famously known as Nataraja, the lord of dance, where even his dance and myriad gestures reflect a series of Yoga postures.
Dating back to 2,700 BC, Yoga has its source in the Indus Valley Civilization and seeks to promote both material and spiritual wellbeing. The core of Yoga consists of all human values that work in tandem to nurture and promote the overall well-being of humanity.
Contribution of Lord Hanuman to Yoga:
ॐ श्री वज्रदेहाय रामभक्ताय वायुपुत्राय नमोsस्तुते ।
Om Shree Vajradehaya Ramabhakthaya Vayuputhraya Namosthuthe!
Meaning of Anjaneya Swamy mantra
This is a powerful mantra to acquire new jobs and taste success across all walks of life. Chanting this mantra daily will remove obstacles in your current job and will also help you get a new one in your domain. Even those expecting promotions for a long time, and students preparing for exams can benefit significantly by chanting the mantra.
The monkey God plays a key role in the Ramayana, and has millions of devotees across India. In mythology, it’s believed that Lord Hanuman is an avatar of Lord Shiva, and while Shiva is considered the Adi Yogi, Hanuman is also a Yogi. It’s also believed that he is the inventor of the Surya Namaskar (Sun salutation) that is a sequence of 12 powerful poses. The invention was his contribution as Guru Dakshina for his Guru, Surya, the Sun god, who taught him the scriptures. Apparently, Lord Hanuman is also known as the first to teach Pranayama to mankind. Vayu, the wind god taught Pranayama to Hanuman, and Yoga Anjaneya is the yogic representation of Hanuman. Hence, in Yoga, there’s a pose called the Hanuman Asana or the monkey pose.
Contribution of Bhagavad Gita to Yoga:
Lord Krishna gives a definition about Yoga in Bhagavad Gita –
समत्वं योग उच्यते
Samatvam Yoga Uchyate (Samatva means “balanced state” and Uchyate means “said to be”)
Meaning of this mantra
Yoga is a balanced state of the mind and body. Yoga is also the balanced state of emotions, behavior, thoughts, and intellect. Very often, we become excited during a situation of pleasure and positivity but become sad in an unfavorable or negative situation. Yoga is an ancient practice that helps maintain an equilibrium of mind and emotions in any situation. Achieving the equanimity of mind, emotions, and behavior is the ultimate objective of Yoga.
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is the ancient scripture of Hinduism and is a treasure for all Yoga lovers. The holy scripture focuses extensively on the power of detachment and strives to teach living the detached way of life through 700 shlokas which are divided into 18 chapters. Among these, there are three chapters exclusively dedicated to Yoga that give elaborate information and description of different types of Yoga asanas that focus exclusively on enhancing one’s overall health and lifestyle.
This olden religious writing is believed to be written in the second century and is a narrative following the discussion between Arjuna and Lord Krishna. In other words, it’s a narrative where Lord Krishna advises Arjuna, who is in a dilemma, unable to decide whether he should fight his treacherous relatives and learned Gurus or not. The three types of Yoga depicted in the Bhagavad Gita are Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.
Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga is derived from the word “Karma,” which means action, and the Bhagavad Gita tells that one should be selfless in performing their duties without any attachment to the outcome.
The particular scripture advocates that one should not think about whether the result of an action will be positive or negative in any sense of the terms. The action should be performed wholeheartedly, and the result should be left to the Supreme Soul.
The scripture is:
“tasmad asaktah satatam karyam karma samacara asakto hy acaran karma param apnoti purushah”
The holy book also insists that one should not be attached emotionally to the task or the outcome of it. In simple words, it advises that to live a spiritual life, we should simply do our karma (duty) and leave the rest to God.
Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga is considered to be one of the easiest types of Yoga, and Bhakti means worshipping God selflessly. This type of Yoga can be performed in daily life since you don’t have to leave anything or follow a rigorous regime. As per the Bhagavad Gita, Bhakti Yoga is the proven way to attain salvation.
This Yoga advises one to get completely absorbed in the Supreme Soul and encourages us to feel the supreme power in our souls and vice versa. The practice asks us to constantly engage the mind in the supreme lord – Lord Krishna. The entire procedure includes nine types of Bhakti, like:
- Shravana (means listening to the scriptural stories of Krishna and his companions)
- Kirtana (praising Lord by singing songs in praise of Him in a group)
- Smarana (thinking or fixing the mind upon Him)
- Pada-Seva (rendering service unto Him)
- Archana (worshipping an image of Lord)
- Vandana (paying homage)
- Dasya (servitude)
- Sakhya (friendship)
- Atma-Nivedana (surrendering oneself completely unto Him)
A person can use any of these forms of bhakti, combine some types, or perform all the types to attain salvation.
Jnana Yoga
This is the third and the last Yoga in Bhagavad Gita that talks about knowledge through which one can attain salvation. Unlike the previous two forms of Yoga, this one advocates knowing the absolute, the Brahman. One more thing is, unlike the other two types of Yoga, this type doesn’t advise practicing any form of meditation but advocates knowing beyond the name and form of the doer of a particular act and understanding him/her as per their nature.
Jnana Yoga clearly explains that one can know the supreme soul by knowing the nature of two things, namely ‘kshetra’ – the body and ‘kshetrajna’ – the soul. When a person understands the two aspects well and knows their difference, he or she starts understanding the Brahman and begins the journey towards attaining ‘Moksha’ or salvation.
Contribution of the Father of Yoga – Patanjali to Yoga
स्थिरसुखम् आसनम् ॥
sthira-sukham âsanam
Meaning of this mantra
This mantra means perfecting the posture involves relaxing, yielding effort, and allowing your attention to merge effortlessly with the infinite.
Guru Shri Patanjali Maharshi is also known as Gonardiya or Gonikaputra and was a sage in ancient India. However, very little is known about him, and there’s no clarity on exactly where he lived. The Classical period ranging between 1730 and 1820 is defined by Patanjali’s Yoga-Sutras and is considered the first systematic presentation of Yoga.
An analysis of his work reveals that his prominence was between the second century to the fifth century CE. He is believed to be a renowned author and compiler of numerous Sanskrit works. Among them, the greatest are the Yoga Sutras.
It describes the path of Raja Yoga which is referred to as Classical Yoga. Patanjali organized the entire practice of Yoga into eight limbs, namely:
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Yama (abstinences)
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Niyama (observances)
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Asana (yoga postures)
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Pranayama (breath control)
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Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)
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Dharana (concentration)
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Dhyana (meditation)
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Samadhi (absorption)
These Yoga Sutras contain the steps and stages that direct one towards obtaining the ultimate goal called Samadhi or enlightenment. Patanjali is considered the father of Yoga, and his Yoga Sutras continue to strongly influence and guide most forms of modern Yoga till today in the 21st century.
It is the Indian Yoga text that was translated into forty Indian languages in the medieval era.
The Yoga Sutra text is composed by Maharishi Patanjali, and as the name suggests, it’s written in the form of Sutras. The Sutra style is a rare and ancient style of India where the subject is presented briefly. It’s divided into four chapters consisting of 196 written Sutras. The sage has also presented the essential ideals and principles of Yoga in a realistic form in this book, and it’s considered as the single most authentic book covering the subject and practice of Yoga. The text has four legs, namely:
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Samadhi pada
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Sadhana pada
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Vibhuti pada
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Kaivalya pada
Their ideas on the structure, grammar, and philosophy of language have significantly influenced great scholars and renowned personalities of other religions like Jainism and Buddhism.
Contribution of The Buddha to Yoga
Buddha, who lived from around 563 BC to 483 BC, attained enlightenment and came up with four noble truths, and preached the same to his disciples. These include:
दुख की सच्चाई.
दुख के कारण की सच्चाई.
दुख के अंत का सच.
दुख के अंत की ओर ले जाने वाले मार्ग का सत्य.
The truth of suffering.
The truth of the cause of suffering.
The truth of the end of suffering.
The truth of the path leading to the end of suffering.
The Buddha is a popular term used to refer to a man named Siddharth Gautama, and its meaning is “the fully awakened one.” The Yoga sutras are among the Granthas that inspired Buddha to take his spiritual journey to the next level.
He practiced meditation and attained enlightenment (Nirvana) which is a place of pristine peace and pure happiness, just like heaven. In both Hinduism and Buddhism, Nirvana is the highest state of existence one can attain. It’s a state of enlightenment where an individual’s selfish desires and suffering go away.
Contribution of Adi Shankaracharya to Yoga
Adi Shankaracharya (788 AD) says:
अमृतं चैव मृत्युश्च द्वयं देहेप्रतिष्ठितम्।
मोहादुत्पद्यते मृत्युः सत्येनोत्पद्यतेऽमृतम्॥
amṛtaṃ caiva mṛtyuśca dvayaṃ dehepratiṣṭhitam।
mohādupadyate mṛtyuḥ satyenopadyate’mṛtam॥
Meaning of this mantra
Immortality and death both reside in the body.
Death comes from temptation and immortality come from the truth.
Adi Shankaracharya traveled with other great thinkers and philosophers during his time to raise awareness about his philosophy through discourses and debates. He invented four Mathas that helped him revive and spread Advaita Vedanta. He asserted that the Atma (soul) exists in Hinduism, but there is no soul or self in Buddhism.
Adi Shankaracharya is believed to be the organizer of the Dashanami monastic order, and he unified the Shanmata tradition of worship. He is also considered the Jagadguru, a title used in Sanatana Dharma, which means the Guru of the Universe.
How Lahiri Mahasaya (1828-1895) contributed to Yoga?
संसार में भी, जो योगी बिना किसी व्यक्तिगत उद्देश्य या लगाव के ईमानदारी से अपने दायित्वों का निर्वहन करता है, वह आत्मज्ञान के निश्चित मार्ग पर चलता है।
Even in the world, the yogi who faithfully discharges his responsibilities without personal motive or attachment, treads the sure path of enlightenment.
Lahiri Mahasaya is the renowned Yogi who brought Kriya Yoga back to life. And, unlike other yogis, he didn’t denounce the material world while searching for the ultimate self-realization but achieved it being a worldly individual. He was a householder and worked as an accountant. He also accepted individuals from social outcasts and people of other faiths as his pupils even though he was a high-caste brahmin belonging to the Orthodox Hindu society.
How Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886) contributed to Yoga?
महिलाएं, वे सभी, शक्ति की वास्तविक छवियां हैं।”
“ज्ञान एकता की ओर ले जाता है, लेकिन अज्ञानता विविधता की ओर ले जाती है।” “भगवान के प्रेमी किसी भी जाति के नहीं होते हैं।”
Women are, all of them, the veritable images of Shakti.”
“Knowledge leads to unity, but Ignorance to diversity.”
“Lovers of God do not belong to any caste.”
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was a legendary mystic and a Bhakti Yogi who experienced spiritual ecstasies from a young age. He was significantly influenced by several religious traditions, and his teachings focused on realizing God as the supreme aim of all beings. He was a priest at the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, and he gained widespread acknowledgment due to his mystical temperament and ecstasies. He is regarded as Paramahamsa, which is a title given to Hindu spiritual teachers who have attained enlightenment.
Contribution of Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) to Yoga
ज्ञान प्राप्त करने का केवल एक ही रास्ता है अनुभव, इसे प्राप्त करने का कोई रास्ता नहीं है।
Knowledge can only be got in one way, the way of experience; there is no other way to know.
Swami Vivekananda was the chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, and he introduced the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world. He also initiated and raised interfaith awareness. He was the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission. His famous speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893 began with the words ‘sisters and brothers of America,’ which brought official acknowledgment to Hinduism as one of the major world religions. Swami Vivekananda’s birthday is celebrated as national youth day while he impressed the attendees with his lectures on Yoga and the universality of all religions of the world.
Contribution of Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950) to Yoga
जो आता है उसे आने दो, जो जाता है उसे जाने दो।तुम चिंता क्यों करते हो?
Let what comes come, let what goes go. why do you worry?
Raman Maharshi was a Jivanmukta (liberated while alive), and 63 Nayanars were aroused in him. His close brush with death at the age of 16 made him aware of his divine self. He is best known for the question ‘Who am I?’ type of meditation that inspires self-inquiry to eliminate ignorance and abide in self-awareness. As per his teachings, one’s true self is sat-chit-ananda which means truth-consciousness-bliss. He thus became widely popular in the Western World and is recognized as an enlightened being.
Contribution of Swami Kuvalayananda (1883-1966) to Yoga
प्यार कभी भी पर्याप्त प्रतिक्रिया पाने में विफल नहीं होता है। अगर आप अपने छात्रों को अपना दिल देते हैं। वे तुम्हें अवश्य अपना देंगे। दिल को सीधे दिल से बात करने दो। जो हमेशा एक सफल शिक्षक बनाएगा।
Love never fails to get an adequate response. if you give your heart to your students. they will surely give theirs to you. let the heart speak directly to the heart. that will always make a successful teacher.
Swami Kuvalayananda was a spiritually inclined, idealistic, and stern rationalist who was also a researcher and educator who pioneered the scientific foundation of Yoga via his first scientific journal on Yoga called Yoga Mimamsa, produced in 1924.
Contribution of Swami Sivananda Saraswati (1887-1963) to Yoga
जिंदगी छोटी है। समय क्षणभंगुर है। स्वयं को जाने। हृदय की पवित्रता ईश्वर का प्रवेश द्वार है। महत्वाकांक्षा त्याग और ध्यान। और अच्छा बनो; अच्छा करो। दयालु रहों; उदार बनो। अपने आप से पूछो कि आप कौन हो।
Life is short. Time is fleeting. Go yourself Purity of heart is the gateway to God. Ambition renunciation and meditation. and be good; do well be kind; Be generous Ask yourself who you are.
Swami Sivananda Saraswati studied medicine and served as a physician before renouncing worldly pursuits to take up monasticism. He was an advocate of Yoga and Vedanta, and he founded the Divine Life Society in 1936. He also established Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy in 1948 and authored over 200 books on Yoga, Vedanta, and other subjects.
How Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888-1989) contributed to Yoga?
श्वास लें, और भगवान आपके पास आएं। श्वास को थाम में रखो, और ईश्वर तुम्हारे साथ रहता है। साँस छोड़ो, और तुम भगवान के पास जाओ। साँस छोड़ते हुए पकड़ो, और भगवान को समर्पण करो।
inhale, and god approaches you. hold the inhalation, and god remains with you. exhale, and you approach god. hold the exhalation, and surrender to god.
The father of modern Yoga, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, is the mastermind who re-energized Hatha Yoga and is well-known for developing Vinyasa Krama Yogic style. He placed a special emphasis on “teach what is appropriate for an individual” principle. He was also the architect behind restoring the health and overall well-being of numerous individuals through ayurvedic and Yogic traditions.
He promoted Hatha Yoga extensively throughout India by partnering with Swami Sivananda and other yogis who were practicing Hatha Yoga. He opened the first ever Hatha Yoga school in Mysore in 1924, and subsequently, the Divine Life Society was established on the banks of the holy river Ganges by Swami Sivananda in 1936. Tirumalai Krishnamacharya guided and raised three students to continue his legacy and enhance the popularity of Hatha Yoga. They were B.K.S. Iyengar, T.K.V. Desikachar, and Pattabhi Jois. Additionally, Sivananda was a prolific author who wrote over 200 books on Yoga, and he also established nine ashrams and several Yoga centers around the world.
The importance of Yoga to the West continued at a trickle until Indra Devi established her Yoga studio in Hollywood in 1947. After that, numerous Western and Indian teachers became pioneers who popularized Hatha Yoga and gained millions of followers. Currently, Hatha Yoga has many different schools and styles, emphasizing the different aspects of the practice.
Legacy of yoga journey to be continued…
There are still so many Yoga gurus involved in sharing the profound knowledge who also contributed immensely to enabling Yoga to reach the current heights in the modern world. We’re confident that there’ll be many more Yoga teachers and schools who will put all their efforts under the sun to help everyone live a holistic life through Yoga.