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Monday, February 18, 2008

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The History of Yoga and its Path to Enlightenment

Yoga is a union of body, mind, and spirit and its history is as rich as what it professes to do for overall well being and harmony. The word “yoga” came from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which translates into “to unite or integrate.”

Yoga is an ancient system of health and fitness which originated in India and dates back approximately 5,000 years. The word yoga had its first mention in the Rig Veda, the oldest of the sacred texts.

The Building Blocks of Yoga

The history of Yoga can be divided into five main periods: vedic, pre-classical, classical, post-classical and modern. They are defined as follows:

Vedic: The existence of the Vedas marks this period. The Vedas contains the oldest-known Yogic teachings -- Vedic Yoga. This is portrayed through rituals and ceremonies that attempt to go beyond the limitations of the mind. During this time, the Vedic people relied on rishis or dedicated Vedic Yogis to teach them how to live in divine harmony.

Pre-Classical: The creation of the Upanishads marks this period. The 200 scriptures of the Upanishads describe the inner vision of reality resulting from devotion to Brahman. These explain three subjects: the ultimate reality (Brahman), the transcendental self (atman), and the relationship between the two. The Upanishads further explain the teachings of the Vedas. Yoga shares some characteristics with Hinduism and Buddhism. During the sixth century B.C., Buddha started teaching Buddhism, which stresses the importance of meditation and the practice of physical postures. Around 500 B.C., the Bhagavad-Gita or Lord’s Song was created and this is currently the oldest-known Yoga scripture. Just as the Upanishads furthered the Vedas, the Gita builds on and incorporates the doctrines found in the Upanishads.

Classical: The development of the Yoga Sutra took place during the classical period. Written by Patanjali around the second century, he attempted to define and standardize Classical Yoga through what is referred to as the Eightfold Path or Eight Limbs. They are:

1. Yama: social restraints or ethical values;
2. Niyama: personal observance of purity, tolerance, and study;
3. Asanas: physical exercises;
4. Pranayama: breath control or regulation;
5. Pratyahara: sense withdrawal in preparation for meditation;
6. Dharana: concentration;
7. Dhyana: meditation; and
8. Samadhi: ecstasy.

Post-Classical: The yoga of this era is similar to the post-classical and Vedic traditions; it’s characterized by the unification of body and mind. Yogis of the past did not pay close attention to the (physical) body, as they focused most energy on contemplation and meditation. The new generation of Yogis, however, developed a system where different exercises when used along with deep breathing and meditation, can help to maintain a youthful body and prolong life.

Modern: Modern yoga is said to have been started by the young Swami Vivekananda from India. Yoga masters began to travel to the west, attracting attention and followers. In the 1920s, Hatha Yoga was strongly promoted in India through the lifelong work of T. Krishnamacharya. Krishnamacharya traveled through India giving demonstrations of yoga poses and opened the first Hatha Yoga School. Yoga soon entered the world of sports and today, many athletes and sports teams have incorporated yoga in their injury reducing, strengthening and focus-oriented training regimens. In the 60s, famous rock bands such as the Beatles practiced yoga and Hollywood stars even struck a pose.

Practicing Yoga in the Modern Age

Now that you are well versed on the history of yoga, why not give it a try? You’ll be in the company of over 30 million people from around the world who currently practice yoga.

According to Ramakrishna Ananda, Founder of the Yoga Center of California, when you first start practicing yoga, never strain — in the postures or meditation.

“Strain creates tension and tension is what we are getting rid of through relaxation and awareness,” he explains.

To aid in yoga practice, many products are available to enhance the experience. For instance, Banner Therapy Products offers an array of alternative health care products. Yoga supplies include: yoga mats, yoga DVDs, yoga videos, yoga books, yoga blankets, and more.

Over its long history, different schools have emerged, and there are numerous examples, branches and philosophies. Ultimately, all agree on one common element: the fundamental purpose of yoga is to foster harmony in the body, mind, and environment.

Yoga is now accepted as a comprehensive exercise to promote control of the body and mind. While it can help you to be fit and trim, it can also help you to live a healthy, whole, and empowered life.

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Monday, February 18, 2008