Where did Yoga originate? Tracing the Fascinating Roots of this Timeless Practice

Yoga has become a popular practice worldwide, with millions of people enjoying its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. However, yoga’s origins date back thousands of years, and its roots are deeply embedded in ancient India’s rich cultural heritage. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of yoga, its evolution over time, and how it has evolved into the practice we know today.

The Origins of Yoga 

Due to its mainly oral transmission, the ancient history of yoga is somewhat hard to track. However, there have been findings that can be traced back more than 5000 years. The development of the ancient healing practice is fascinating and deeply rooted in spiritual wisdom.

So where did yoga originate and how did it evolve over time?

Yoga is said to originate in India and has been adapted in many ways. Researchers differentiate between the early, classical and modern period of yoga. Let’s have a closer look at each stage. 

The Vedas and the Early History of Yoga

The Vedas, a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts, are believed to have been written between 1500 and 500 BCE and are considered to be some of the earliest written texts on Hinduism and yoga.

The Vedas contain hymns, prayers, and rituals that were used in early Hindu religious ceremonies. While the texts do not mention yoga by name, they do reference various practices and concepts that are believed to be the precursors to modern yoga, such as meditation, breathing techniques, and the pursuit of inner peace and harmony.

The Vedas were an important influence on the development of yoga, as they provided a foundation for the spiritual and philosophical aspects of the practice. However, the physical postures that are commonly associated with yoga today were not yet established during this early period.

During the period of the Vedas, yoga was primarily practiced by ascetics and sages as a means of achieving spiritual liberation. The practice involved various forms of meditation that were believed to help the practitioner attain a state of union with the divine.

In the centuries that followed, yoga continued to evolve and develop as different schools of thought and practice emerged. The Upanishads, written between 800 BCE and 400 BCE, explore the nature of the self and the universe, and introduce concepts such as reincarnation, and the pursuit of moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Upanishads also introduced the concept of karma yoga, which involves the practice of selfless service and detachment from the outcomes of one’s actions.

The Classical Period of Yoga

The classical period of yoga refers to a time period from around 500 BCE to 800 CE, during which many of the foundational texts and teachings of yoga were written. These texts laid the groundwork for many of the philosophical and spiritual aspects of yoga that are still practiced today.

The Bhagavad Gita for example, introduced the concept of bhakti yoga, which involves devotion as a means of achieving spiritual liberation. The Gita also introduced the concept of jnana yoga, which involves the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom in order to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

During this period, yoga began to take on a more formal structure, with an emphasis on meditation, self-awareness, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. 

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, written in the second century BCE, are considered to be one of the most important texts on the practice of yoga (Find them here). This text outlines the eight limbs of yoga, which include principles such as self-discipline, moral guidelines, breath work, concentration, and meditation. The goal of these principles is to help practitioners achieve a sense of inner peace and harmony, and to ultimately reach a state of spiritual liberation or what we call samadhi.

“Yoga is the cessation of the movements of the mind. Then there is abiding in the Seer’s own form.”

– The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

You may also like: What is Yoga? The Ultimate Guide to the Powerful Mind-Body Practice

The Birth of Yoga Postures

In the classical period of yoga, we also find the physical aspects for the first time as the third limb of yoga, called asana. Note that the word asana originally refers to a comfortable meditation position and has nothing to do with exercise. Only in the Hatha Yoga Pradipka, written by Svami Svatmarama in the 15th century, the first 84 yoga postures were described for the first time (Find the book here). These are practiced until today and lay the foundation for what is commonly associated with yoga in the modern age. 

The Modern Period of Yoga

The modern period of yoga is typically considered to have started in the late 19th century, with the introduction of yoga to the western world by Indian gurus and teachers. This period has been marked by a growing interest in the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga, and the emergence of various styles and schools of yoga.

One of the most influential figures in the modern period of yoga was Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu monk who traveled to the United States in the late 1800s and introduced  yoga philosophy to western audiences. He is credited with helping to popularize yoga in the west and laying the foundation for its widespread acceptance as a form of exercise and meditation.

The Development of different Yoga Styles

As yoga gained popularity in the West, it began to evolve and take on new forms. The emergence of the modern postural yoga movement, which began in the 1920s with the teachings of T. Krishnamacharya, was one of the most significant developments in the evolution of yoga.

Krishnamacharya created a yoga style that emphasized physical postures while also focusing on the individual needs of each student. This style of yoga was later popularized by his students, who developed their own distinct styles of yoga.

Only in this period, the more commonly known styles of yoga evolved. Modern pioneers, such as Pattabhi Jois, founder of Ashtanga vinyasa yoga, and B.K.S. Iyengar brought new asanas to the yoga world and set the foundation for the yoga styles that we know today. 

Conclusion

The history of yoga is a rich and complex tapestry that spans thousands of years. From its early roots in ancient India to its modern incarnation as a popular form of physical and mental exercise, yoga has evolved in countless ways. 

However, at its core, yoga remains a practice that is designed to help individuals connect with their inner selves and achieve a sense of balance and harmony in their lives. 

Ready to start your yoga practice? Also read this article: Empower Yourself with Beginners Yoga: 6 Life-Changing Poses

At Eagle’s Nest, we aim to share yoga in its holistic form by incorporating breathing techniques, meditation as well as physical exercise. We offer various kinds of yoga styles to enable you to discover your personal preferences. And the best thing is you have two yoga classes included in your stay. Check out our weekly yoga schedule and book your class here.