A Brief History of Yoga

Submitted by Karen_E on Thu, 02/05/2009 - 03:03

Last week we learned about some basics of yoga, and that the purpose of yoga is to transcend the individual self and achieve oneness with the universe. This week we are going to look a little more closely at the roots of yoga. The history of yoga is closely intertwined with the evolution of Hinduism; because of this, people often think that yoga evolved from Hinduism. However, yoga actually existed first, and Hinduism (along with other religions) later incorporated some of the principles of yoga.

The Vedas

The earliest written references to yoga can be found in the Vedas, ancient spiritual texts dating back to 1500-500 B.C. The Vedas are considered the oldest literature of India and the basis for Vedic Brahmanism, a precursor of Hinduism. These early teachings are characterized by ritual and ceremonies, the purpose of which was to unite the visible world with the invisible spiritual world. It is believed that the breathing techniques and concentration principles of yoga were fundamental to these Vedic rituals.

The Upanishads

The term yoga is first used in the Upanishads, a collection of Hindu scriptures written between the first century B.C. and the early modern period. The Upanishads expand upon the teachings of the Vedas, and were instrumental in the development of Hinduism and Indian philosophy. Unlike the Vedas, the Upanishads are more metaphysical in nature, and attempt to explain the ultimate nature of reality, or Brahman. The Upanishads focus on achieving self-realization by achieving oneness with Brahman.

The Bhagavad Gita

The first text devoted entirely to yoga is the Bhagavad Gita, which means "the Lord's song." Written around 500 B.C., the Bhagavad Gita attempts to unify three principles of yoga: Bhakti, devotion to the Divine; Jnana, the pursuit of knowledge; and Karma, the practice of selfless actions.

The Yoga Sutras

The Yoga Sutras, written by Patanjali around the second century, were an attempt to standardize the earlier principles of yoga into an eightfold path known as Raja yoga, or "royal" yoga. Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga are …

Yamas: social restraints, including non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, and non-attachment
Niyamas: personal observances of purity, contentment, discipline, self-study, and surrender to the Divine
Asanas: physical postures intended to prepare the body for long periods of meditation
Pranayama: breath control
Pratyahara: sense withdrawal, or turning the senses inward to the mental, intellectual, and spiritual world
Dharana: concentration
Dhyana: meditation
Samadhi: the superconscious state leading to oneness with the universe, which is the ultimate purpose of yoga

I hope this provides you with a greater understanding of and appreciation for what yoga is (and what it isn't!). Next week we'll look at how to practice the eight limbs, particularly the yamas and niyamas. For more information, visit the tradition and history section at yogajournal.com. Namaste.

Comments

Yoga Is Action on Knowledge

Submitted by abuzz on Fri, 02/06/2009 - 02:21.

Thank you KarmaKay.. very basic and elementary this knowledge is, yet how many believe they know yoga without knowing the very principles of it, (which, to quote you, are "Bhakti, devotion to the Divine; Jnana, the pursuit of knowledge; and Karma, the practice of selfless actions.")

A bhagat of wisdom of any form, (Bhagat = Talib, a seeker and a desirer of knowledge,) no matter the route he studies, will find the wisdom flourishing from within, because that is because that is where the bhakti comes from, as is in essence what the root word says. Bhagvad comes from the same root that Bhagwaan comes from - Godly, or Divine. Yet how many consider the translation of this name to be "Divine Song"? This knowledge is far removed from the actual realization that duty-is-purpose, purpose-is-duty, and we are here to do exactly what we have before us at the moment. Yet how many apply the same even when they know it? These are basics, elementary facts, so what will it take to get readers to pay heed to the importance of knowing and far more importantly, acknowledging and thus acting along the lines of what we know..? That is what is needed, and what - in the final analysis - yoga (as it has become) enables with its practice. I used to say, when I was abbot of the Medicine Buddha monastery, something like "Yoga is like the truth - there is no good in merely knowing it. You have to act along that knowledge, acknowledge it, and profess its' importance."

Perhaps it is time to say it again.

Excellent summary

Submitted by TPWard on Thu, 02/05/2009 - 20:52.

I've also only been exposed to the physical aspects of yoga, and this post was really educational to me. I'm really impressed you were able to give such a useful overview of this millenia-old tradition in so few words. Well done.

depth of yoga

Submitted by danielle on Thu, 02/05/2009 - 15:52.

Such a long and deep history of yoga with such a lot of spiritual aspects that are so less taught in the West.
How did yoga become a form of exercise here and where can we study this deeply spiritual form of yoga?

Danielle Ali Shah

Great questions!

Submitted by Karen_E on Thu, 02/05/2009 - 18:27.

Great questions! When looking for a yoga studio, check out the teachers' credentials and make sure they are trained in classical yoga. Classes at a studio that places an emphasis on all 8 limbs of yoga are going to offer more spiritual benefits than classes offered at a fitness center that treat yoga as just a form of exercise. Many yoga studios incorporate breath work and meditation into their classes. Some offer private lessons with instructors, during which you can receive guidance on more than just asanas. Look for yoga retreats or workshops that focus on the aspects of yoga you want to explore. I once went on a yoga retreat in Sedona where we only practiced asanas once, and briefly — the rest of the time was spent meditating, hiking, talking about the different spiritual components of yoga and how to better practice the yamas and niyamas. Find a knowledgeable teacher or mentor who can help you on your journey. Magazines like Yoga Journal discuss how to incorporate yoga into every aspect of your life, not just the physical, so read everything you can get your hands on!