Introduction
The term "yog" is mainly derived from "yuj," which means to unite, to yoke, or to join. The more advanced name of yog is yoga, which refers to the spiritual discipline rooted in a subtle science that considers incorporating harmony between body and mind. Yogic scriptures have opined that the practice of yoga assists in uniting the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. Many more aspects aside from the physical exercise, yogis a holistic philosophy and spirituality. But who created it? Where does it originate from? Why should we practice it daily basis? Let's experience the journey through a captivating world and link with the modern-day benefits and ancient history.
How did yoga originate, and who created it?
Is there any Vedic relevance to yog?
The Indus Valley civilization is one of the key timelines where the practice of yoga is found, dating back around five thousand years and connected to one of the oldest Vedas (Rig Veda), which mentions the different artifacts of yoga that define the pathways to attain the spiritual consciousness and unite with divine energy.The presence of yog can also be traced in the Upanishadic and Vedic heritage, Jain and Buddhist traditions, epics like Ramayana and the Mahabharata, darshanas, Vaishnavas, Shaivas, and even tantrik traditions.
Who is the father of yog?
Maharishi Patanjali is considered the father of yoga, who refined and consolidated the different aspects of yog in a systematic manner in the “yoga sutras”. He endorsed the 8 paths of yoga (namely yama, asana, niyama, dharana, pranayama, dhyana, pratyahara, and samadhi) that are known as astanga yoga, which provides benefits for the development of human beings. Nevertheless, Patanjali did not discover yog but he integrated the extensive knowledge of yog into it more synchronously.
What is the historical evolution of yoga?
How was yoga followed in ancient civilizations?
The archaeological discoveries from the Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro have revealed the various statues and seals paved with meditative poses that prove the existence of yog practice in the pre-Vedic time. These figures are deemed to represent Lord Shiva as the Pashupati (the meditative shape of Lord Shiva).
How was the yog associated with the classical period?
In the classical period, yog became more structured and systematic, especially with the assistance of the Yoga Sutras advocated by Patanjali. Some philosophical schools, such as Vedanta and Samkhya, have begun to incorporate yoga into their practices of self-realization. Some significant text from the Upanishad and Bhagavad Gita has also been identified. The Bhagavad Gita offers key aspects of yoga, including Karma yoga, which means action, Jnana yoga, which means knowledge, and Bhakti yoga, which means devotion. Additionally, the Upanishad offers profound insights into the spiritual essence of yoga by exploring concepts such as Brahman, which refers to universal consciousness, and atman, which signifies the self.
How did yoga spread in the medieval era?
Between 500 AD and 1500 AD, also known as the medieval period, yoga practice underwent significant evolution, with Hatha yoga emerging as a prominent aspect thereof. The term Hatha is the combination of two different Sanskrit forms that are Ha, which means the sun, and Ta, which means the moon. The combination of these two words symbolises the urgency of harmony and fosters balance between the body and mind. This era has completely focused on controlling the energy channels, like chakras and the body to connect with the spiritual energy.
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What are the benefits of practicing yoga regularly?
Benefits of yoga into the physical health
Practicing yoga every day leads to:
● Improve cardiovascular health.
● Enhance the body posture and flexibility.
● Strengthen the joints and muscles.
● Develop a better metabolism and digestion system.
● Build a strong immune system.
Some renowned forms of yoga, like power yoga, vinyasa flow, and hatha yoga, have concentrated on physical well-being while reducing the probability of chronic diseases.
The contribution of yoga to improving mental health
Apart from physical health, yoga offers benefits by providing a natural therapy to improve mental health conditions. The way yoga improves mental health is given below.
● Decrease depression and anxiety.
● Enhance concentration power.
● Improve the emotional stability and self-awareness.
● Promote better sleep.
Spiritual benefits of yoga
Beyond the physical and mental benefits, yoga also smoothens the spiritual path.
● It improves mindfulness and inner peace.
● Helps to detach from the material and mundane suffering.
● Awaken the kundalini energy.
● Build the link with the higher self.
The advanced yoga practice also leads to the blissful state called samadhi, which defines the oneness throughout the universe.
What are some reasons we should practice yog in today's era?
Suitability of yoga for an individual
There are many levels and styles of yog through which every individual can fit themselves into the specific one.
Beginners: At the beginning of yoga practice, people can start with gentle flow or hatha yoga.
Seniors: The aged people can practice chair yoga, which is a low-impact option.
Pregnant women: Prenatal yoga helps ensure a safe delivery of the child.
Yoga can be adopted by the individual according to their body type, health conditions, and age group.
How is yoga linked with ancient Indian mythology?
The responsibilities of Lord Shiva in yogic lore
Lord Shiva is honoured and respected as Aadiyogi in Hindu mythology, which also refers to the original master of yoga. He is often found in the meditative pose at the summit of Mount Kailash, which represents the transcendence and serenity that the yogi can help achieve.
According to the legends, Lord Shiva has imparted yogic wisdom to the seven sages known as "Saptarishi" who later became the renowned spiritual teachers and spread yogic knowledge across the world.
The yogic knowledge relevant to chakras and nadis
The ancient pictures depict seven energy centres, or chakras, that are aligned with the human spine. These chakras are responsible for influencing our spiritual development, emotional stability, and physical well-being. The yogic practice, including pranayama (breathing techniques) and asana (physical body postures), has been designed to balance, activate, and harmonize these energy points.
Our human body is believed to be connected with 3 energy pathways known as Nadis that are Pingala, Ida, and Sushumna, through which the vital life energy or Prana flows. The goal of the kundalini yoga is to awaken the energy that remains in the base of the spine and direct it upward with the help of chakras through the Sushumna Nadi. It assists in incorporating spiritual enlightenment and facilitating transformation, indeed.
Mythological connection related to the yogic practice
Some popular mythological figures associated with various yogic asanas include Hanuman asana, Matsyendra asana, Kurma asana, and Ananta asana, all of which are rooted in Indian mythology. Another significant narrative from the Bhagavad Gita states that the Lord Krishna imparted the yogic knowledge to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It emphasizes that the Yogic teaching is not restricted to monks, but is relevant to engaging with everyday responsibilities and challenges.
What are the fascinating facts about yoga?
The specific day dedicated to yoga
The International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21st of each year, since it was recognized by the United Nations in 2015. The latest address by the Indian Prime Minister, NarendraModi, has shared the vision of the country to achieve a healthy population and further continued by mentioning the theme of 2025 that entitled "Yoga for One Earth One Health" that will encourage the world to integrate yoga into their lives.
The way yoga utilised in modern therapy and medicine
Yoga in this modern era is integrated into the:
● Psychological counselling
● Trauma and addiction treatment
● Cancer recovery campaigns
● Rehabilitation and physical therapy
The studies also provide evidence that yoga therapy helps to tackle many physical health-related challenges like asthma, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), diabetes, and many more.
Conclusion
When the world is accelerating with the expectations and responsibilities, yog always invites us to reconnect and slow down the challenges. Whether you need mental clarity, spiritual growth, or better health, the yogic teachings always offer countless paths, which is significant today, just as it was 5,000 years ago. Supported by modern science and rooted in ancient wisdom, yoga is not only an activity but also a way of life.