YOGA History
When one mentions “yoga”, many images may be conjured up. Perhaps
you get an image of flower children from the 60’s sitting in a circle with their legs in impossible positions chanting “Ohm” around a huge candle in a poorly lit room. Yoga is an ancient art that has been practiced for centuries. Over the years in yoga history, it has risen in popularity as a way to stay fit, get in touch with one’s innerself, and keep a balance of sanity in a sometimes insane world.
While yoga did come to popularity in the 60’s with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
who popularized Transcendental Meditation (TM) in the 60's, because he was
associated with the Beatles, yoga practitioners have brought the ancient practice to the forefront of wellness in recent years.
Many scholars believe that yoga dates back over 5,000 years to the
beginning of human civilization. Scholars believe that yoga grew out of Stone Age Shamanism, because of the cultural similarities between Modern Hinduism and Mehrgarh, a neolithic settlement (in what is now Afghanistan). In fact, much of Hindu ideas,rituals and symbols of today appear to have their roots in this shamanistic culture ofMehrgahr.
Early Yoga and archaic shamanism had much in common as both sought to transcend the human condition. The primary goal of shamanism was to heal
members of the community and act as religious mediators. Archaic Yoga was also community oriented, as it attempted to discern the cosmic order through inner vision,then to apply that order to daily living. Later, Yoga evolved into a more inward experience, and Yogis focused on their individual enlightenment and salvation.
Yoga is the most diversified spiritual practice in the world. Crossing over
many cultures (including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and the West), Yoga also
extends over multiple languages such as Hindi, Tibetan, Bengali, Sanskrit, Tamil,Prakit, Marathi and Pali. The Yogic tradition continues to proliferate and spread its message of peace to this very day.
There are many different places that offer yoga classes – gyms, wellness
centers, even the local YMCA. But you don’t have to join a class to practice yoga.
It is just as easily done in your home that is home yoga or even at your desk while at work. Yoga
can help bring you inner peace when you are stressed out. It can even help
relieve the pain of headaches, backaches, and menstrual cramps.
As yoga history studies continue to reveal yoga's many health benefits, this centurie sold
Eastern philosophy is fast becoming the new fitness soul mate for workout
enthusiasts. Contemporary devotees range from high-powered execs trying to
keep hearts beating on a healthy note to image-conscious Hollywood stars
striving for sleek physiques. Even prominent athletes are adding yoga to their
training regime to develop balanced, injury-free muscles and spines.
Yet to applaud yoga for its physical benefits alone would only diminish
what this entire system has to offer as a whole. By practicing yoga on a regular
basis, you may be surprised to find that you're building much more than a strong,
flexible body.
Initially, the sole purpose of practicing yoga was to experience spiritual
enlightenment. In Sanskrit (the ancient language of India), yoga translates as"yoke" or "union," describing the integration of mind and body to create a greater
connection with one's own pure, essential nature.
Classes that have gained popularity in the United States usually teach one
of the many types of hatha yoga, a physical discipline which focuses mainly on
asanas (postures) and breath work in order to prepare the body for spiritual
pursuits.
We will attempt to simplify the ancient practice of yoga by showing you
some basic yoga positions, giving you tips on performing yoga exercises, and
inducting meditation practices into your everyday life. Through yoga and
meditation, you could come to a new level of enlightenment with your personal
life and enhance the quality of your existence.
No longer is yoga a mysterious phenomenon. It is now simply a way to
keep you healthy and aligned. |