Brief introduction to origin, history and development of Yoga.

The word Yoga has derived from Sanskrit word “yuj” which means “to join ”. This unity or joining is
described in spiritual term as union of individual consciousness (Jeevatma) with universal consciousness
(Paramatma).

According to mythical tradition Lord Shiva is founder of Yoga and is called Adiyogi; Parvaati his first
disciple.

Historical evidence of Yoga exist more than 10,000 years ago. Archaeological excavation made in Indus
valley at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro ( this civilization starting evidence is approximately 5500 BCE, pre-
vedic period) give glimpse of yoga evidence.

The main sources from where we get the information about Yoga practise and its related literature are
from Vedas , Upanishads, Puranas, Smirtis, teaching of Buddhisim and Jainism, Panini etc.

Yoga's rich history can be divided into four main periods of innovation, practise and development. These
are;

1.. Pre-Vedic Period

2.. Vedic Period

3.. Classical Yoga Period:

4.. Post-Classical Yoga Period.

1.. Pre-Vedic Period:

The Indus Valley Civilization was an ancient civilization located on the fertile flood plain of the Indus
River and its surrounding. Evidence of religious practices in this area date back approximately to 5500
BCE. This civilization reveals the trace of yoga in form of statues found in various asanas and meditative
posture which resembles deities like Lord Shiva (Pashupati) and Parvati.

2.. Vedic Period:

This period is marked with emergence of Vedas. There are 4 Vedas, 108 main Upanishads. Upanishad
expound the teaching of Vedas and the concept of yoga are widely available in Upanishads.

Different hymns found in Vedas are still used in yagnas, rituals, chantings and kirtanas for promoting the
well being of individuals, society and for potential spiritual benefits. Gayatri Mantra from Rig Veda is a
classic example.

3.. Classical Yoga Period:

The Classical Period is marked by the " Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali" written by Sage Patanjali somewhere
between 3rd and 6th century BC. It's a collection of 196 sutras ((some renditions divide the Yoga Sutras
into 194-200 sutras) and is known to be the first set of systematic presentations of yoga. This text
describe the path of Ashtanga Yoga, often called Classical Yoga. Patanjali organized practise of yoga into
"eight-limbed path" having steps towards obtaining "Samadhi" or enlightment.

These eight folds are: -- eta chaile nao likhte paro, tomar iccha, likhle bhalo aarki.

Yama: social control or ethical values;

Niyama: personal acknowledgement of purity, tolerance, and study;

Asanas: physical posture;

Pranayama: breathing regulations to control life force;

Pratyahara: sense of withdrawal in preparation for Meditation;

Dharana: concentration;

Dhyana: Meditation;

Samadhi: ecstasy.

4.. Post-Classical Yoga Period:

A few centuries after Patanjali, a number of yoga masters created a system of practise to rejuvenate the
body and prolong life. Tantra yoga was developed during this phase which sees the body as a vehicle to
liberation. Exploration of physical - spiritual connection and body centered practise led to the creation
of system what we called Hatha Yoga ; it claimed to be an offshoot of Tantra Yoga. Sage Matsyendranath
is considered to be the founders of Hatha Yoga. Few classical text of Hatha Yoga are Hatha Yoga
Pradipika by Sage Swatmarama, Gheranda Samhita by Sage Gheranda, Shiva Samhita (author unknown)
Goraksha Samhita by Sage Gorakshanath (disciple of Sage Matsyendranath).

Evolution of Yoga in modern time:

Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa’s disciple, Swami Vivekananda's remarkable lecture in Parliament of

Religion held in Chicago and in western countries mark the expansion of yoga in modern times.
Subsequently yoga and it's tradition received strong inspiration due to pioneering effort of several
legends in India. To name a few, Swami Kuvalayananda ( Kaivalyadhama Health and Research Institute) ,
T. Krishnamachari (Ashtanga Yoga) , Swami Shivananda Saraswati ( Divine Life Society) , B.K.S Iyengar (
Iyengar Yoga) , Swami Ramdev ( Patanjali Yogpeeth ) , Shri Yogendra ( The Yoga Institute), Swami
Satyananda Saraswati ( Bihar School of Yoga) , Sri Ravi Shankar ( The Art of Living ) , Swami Jaggi Vasudev
( Isha Yoga Center) , Dr. Nagendra H R (SVYASA) and so on.

Aim and Objective::

The science of yoga begins to work on the outermost aspect of the personality, the physical body, which
for most people is
a practical and familiar starting point but the ultimate aim of yoga is to get an equilibrium between
body, mind and emotion. Practicing yoga in a right way should give balance on all aspects of an
individual: the physical, vital, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual beside in greater harmony with
nature and surrounding.