Yoga. This word has almost become synonymous with healthy living and bendy bodies. Perhaps you have an image in your head of someone twisting themselves, contorting in a shape that only a super human could achieve. Maybe your mind drew up a picture of a man sitting in the mountains, half dressed, cross legged with long dreadlocks draping down his back. 

Depending on where you live in the world, you may have different ideas about what yoga is. To start, yoga is not just an exercise it is actually a way of life. It is older than the Bible itself but contains similar teachings to the virtues you might already know; create no harm and do not take what is not yours.

“…yoga is not just an exercise it is actually a way of life.”

Can you remember the first time you heard the word Yoga? The word comes from an ancient language known as Sanskrit and means “to yoke” or “to harness”. Written explanations of Yoga go back as far as 5,000 years with traces of it being practiced even further back - some say as distant as 10,000 years. 

In our modern times, Yoga is a physical practice that can be used to eliminate stress and improve overall health. It is also a spiritual experience that can be used to train the mind and body.  Yoga is an accessible practice for all people, at all ages, all genders, all economical standings, in almost all places everywhere. However, it was not always this way.

Yoga first began as a study that was only directly accessed by the Brahmains (priests) and Rishis (mystics). These teachings first began in the Pre-classical era (1000-500 BCE) and are found in the RigVeda. The Vedas are an ancient set of texts that came out of Northern India. These sacred writings contain hymns, mantras, and rituals. One of the most well-known mantras came from these writings, it is known as the sound of “OM”. “AUM” is the sound that has been claimed as the spark that created the universe. 

“"AUM" is the sound that has been claimed as the spark that created the universe.”

Other well known books like the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita spurred from this era as well. These 2 testaments share wisdom about humanity through stanza-style writing and heroic situations that design the human experience.  They describe; discipline, discernment, ritual sacrifice, self-knowledge, awareness, and karma yoga - the effort of action. 

“The actions of a great man are an inspiration for others. Whatever he does becomes a standard for others to follow” - The Bhagavad Gita

Karma Yoga comes from the story of the Bhagavad Gita (God's Song). In this story the reader learns about the avenues of selfless service and the path of action (Karma), Jnana Yoga (the path of wisdom), and Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion). In this era, yoga was still an art form that was practiced by a few and saved only for the worthy and royal. 

Another well known yoga text is the Yoga Sutras. Written by Patanjali around 200- 500 CE, the Classical-Era introduced the 8 Limbs of Yoga. The representation of yoga was now subdivided into: 

The 8 Limbs of Yoga

1. The Yamas (human restraints)

2. Niyamas (human observances)

3. Asana (physical practice)

4. Pranayama (breathing practices) 

5. Pratyahara (withdrawing from the 5 senses) 

6. Dharana (mind concentration) 

7. Dhyana (single point focus) 

8. Samadhi (realization of the Self). 

“Be happy for those who are happy, be compassionate toward those who are unhappy, be delighted for those who are virtuous, and be indifferent toward the wicked.” -Patañjali, The Yoga Sutras

The 8-limb system represents some of the foundations of Hindu spirituality. They lead to the beginnings of Hatha Yoga which maps the direction towards human enlightenment. From this era many other lineages of yoga began emphasizing similar but slightly different ways to live a spiritual life. Common people are now able to express their devotion to the practice of yoga through study and effort. 

The next era, considered the Post Classical Era in 100-200 AD, brought the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. The Pradipka brought the notion that spiritual enlightenment could be attained through the primary vehicle of the body. The practices of Pranayama (breathing), Mudras (gestures), and Bandhas (inner body locks), became instruments a person could create with their bodies to cleanse and bring the body into its optimal condition. This era is the basis of many modern schools of thought and practice.

The modern era begins in the 1800-1900s where the teachings of the past are translated into other languages such as English. Yoga was introduced in the United States at the end of the 1800s. At this time, yoga begins to be considered a science of the mind. In the later 1900s, yoga was practiced by celebrities and persons seeking alternative approaches to wellness. 

“This world is your best teacher. There is a lesson in everything. There is a lesson in each experience. Learn it and become wise. Every failure is a stepping stone to success. Every difficulty or disappointment is a trial of your faith. Every unpleasant incident or temptation is a test of your inner strength. Therefore nil desperandum. March forward hero!”
― Sivananda

Teachers from this era are Krishnamacharya, Swami Sivanada, B.K.S. Inyengar, Desikachar, and Pattabhi Jois. Indra Devi, a female teacher, opened a studio in Hollywood, really sealing the spotlight for the future of yoga.  Now, an arguably female dominated practice, yoga is found in gyms, and on almost every street corner in big cities. These days hundreds of styles of yoga exist. It seems like a new yoga trend is rising weekly and it is now an industry within itself. 

Yoga has led to the rise of awareness about human consciousness and purpose. The evolution of Yoga is divided into 4 timelines which began with fundamental practices to its modern version of: body, mind, and spirit. 

“Yoga has led to the rise of awareness about human consciousness and purpose.”

Next time you hear the word “Yoga”, think of its evolution. The unraveling of its purpose and how it can be developed to suit each individual, individually and wholly. Studying and practicing yoga can enhance relaxation, as well as highlight human purpose, outline spirituality, and improve body functioning. 

Now, what does the thought of yoga draw to your mind?