| istory of Yoga is an interesting one indeed. It is not | | | | would put Yoga at around 4000 years old. |
| entirely clear in many respects, but much is well known | | | | Yoga as a discipline of that name can be found in the |
| about the history of Yoga. | | | | Upanishads which gave life to the Bhagavad Gita. This |
| It is thought that the word Yoga is derived from the | | | | is considered to be the original writings on Yoga and |
| Sanskrit word yog meaning union or yoke. This is | | | | sets out clearly the basis for the self realization which |
| thought to refer to the ultimate aim of Yoga, which is a | | | | was Yogas goal. It also sets out the 3 main branches |
| union. That union is supposed to be the union of body | | | | of Yoga known as Karma, Jnana and Bhakti. |
| and mind, reaching a state of higher mental being or | | | | There are now many streams of Yoga. Most are |
| spiritual awareness. | | | | most closely related to Hatha Yoga which is younger |
| Yoga was originally a spiritual undertaking, designed for | | | | than some other forms, thought to go back around |
| the improvement of the spiritual being. It is much more | | | | 700 years. The Swami Swatamarama set out the |
| commonly practiced today for it’s relaxation | | | | major tenets of Hatha Yoga in the Hatha Yoga |
| and health benefits, and because it is a fun pastime, | | | | Pradipika, and this form is followed by millions of Hindus |
| but it was originally a spiritual quest. | | | | as a way of life. |
| It is known for it’s physical exercises which in | | | | It is clear that the history of Yoga is not clear. That |
| turn facilitate with increased flexibility. It can also be | | | | does not though detract from the fact that Yoga, |
| extremely useful to facilitate meditation. Yoga has | | | | particularly as practiced by more western adherents, is |
| been practiced for thousands of years. | | | | a relaxing and enjoyable pastime that has substantial |
| Some Yoga devotees claim that Yoga history starts | | | | health benefits. Whatever the history of Yoga, it is |
| with a carving of a man sitting cross legged with | | | | now practiced by many people in our society and is |
| outstretched arms which as found on a seal which | | | | constantly growing in popularity. |
| itself is thought to be around 8000 years old. | | | | If you’d like to see what Yoga is all about then |
| And some see the beginnings of Yoga to be found in | | | | give it a try. You won’t be disappointed. |
| the old Hindu writings known as Vedic Shastras. This | | | | |