History of Yoga

Yoga means the union of body and mind where body is the individual soul and mind is the Universal spirit. Yoga is the restraining of mind-stuff (chitta) from taking various forms (vritti).

It originated in Hindu culture. Though all the details of the ancient civilization of India are not available,The estimated dates for the first efforts to put Yogic and Vedic teachings into written form range from 8500 BC (based on astronomical coordinates mentioned in the writings) to 5500 BC Most of these sacred texts are collectively referred to as the “Vedas”. Many other explanatory and supportive texts came later to further and enrich the understanding of the devotees. Among the remnants of Ancient Indian civilization, the findings of Harappa and Mohanjodaro are note worthy. Those excavations were made and the commonly agreed date of this civilization is 3000 B.C. The Indus Valley Civilization was developed in almost all aspects of human life. It is in the remnants of this civilization of Harappa and Mohanjadaro that two seals in yogic posture have been found. These seals are in the famous Yogic posture- Lotus Pose.

Ancient texts on Yoga:

• The first known systematic writing about the thought and practices of Yoga, is that of Patanjali. His book is called Patanjali Sutra. He wrote this book in Sanskrit, which was the literary language of that time.

• Among the pertinent literature which became the foundation of a systematic treatment of yoga,the most important is the Sankhya Darshan. Kapila was the composer and developer of this book. This book discusses the basic elements of nature (prakriti) and human beings (purusha).

• Another important work is done by Vyasa. He wrote Bhagavad Gita.Vyasa bought together in Gita what was covered by Kapila and Patanjali both. His mode of presentation and treatment was different from the previous two writers. He presented it in the form of dialogue between Krisha and Arjuna the heroic figures of Mahabharata.