A Brief History Of The Yoga And The Tradition Of Yoga

The tradition of yoga was essentially passed on through generations by word of mouth and since, has been shared around the world (General Yoga). It is uncertain to know exactly when yoga surfaced but there are traces found that date back to 3000 B.C., or over 5,000 years ago. Yoga is more than just mastering poses and meditation; it is an exercise that means “ Spiritual Discipline” in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. “Yoga is a combination of both physical and spiritual exercises, entails mastery over the body, mind, and emotional self, and transcendence of desire” (Yoga Beyond Asana). “The ultimate goal is moksha, the attainment of liberation from worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and rebirth” (Yoga Beyond Asana). “The whole system of yoga is based on three main structures: exercise, breathing, and meditation” (General Yoga).

It is accurate to say that the first written evidence of yoga was found in the Vedic Period. “The Vedas is the sacred scripture of Brahmanism that is the basis of modern-day Hinduism”(History of Yoga). The Vedas contain the oldest know Yogic teachings and are characterized by rituals and ceremonies that strive to surpass the limitations of the mind (History of Yoga). After this era comes the Pre- Classical Yoga Period where the 200 scriptures of Upanishads were created. “During the sixth century B.C., Buddha started teaching Buddhism, which stresses the importance of meditation and the practice of physical postures” (History of Yoga). The Upanishads further the Vedas, while the Gita builds on and incorporates the Upanishads (History of Yoga). “In the Gita, three facets must be brought together in our lifestyle: Bhakti or loving devotion, Jnana which is knowledge or contemplation, and Karma which is ...

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...e, Pranayama or proper breathing, proper diet, and Dhyana or positive thinking and meditation” (History of Yoga).

“Yoga was originally focused on applying and understanding the world” (Yoga History). The focus later changed and self-enlightenment became the ultimate goal (Yoga History). Yoga is not to be mistaken as a religion; it does not have any godlike figure to worship or set rules and beliefs (General Yoga). “The core of Yoga’s philosophy is that everything is supplied from within the individual” (General Yoga). That being said, there is no dependence on an external figure and it gives the freedom to the individual to do as they please (General Yoga). Practicing yoga does not interfere with different religions such as Catholicism or Judaism, it is just a helpful way to relieve stress, increase flexibility, or even change the mental state in a positive way.