Comprehensive Overview of Yoga History
By Andrea Avery
Yoga has a rich and lengthy history, dating
back thousands of years to ancient eras.
The melding of mind and body together is
the principle behind this discipline.
Participants focus on breathing, exercise,
and meditation with a variety of different
poses. Explore the history behind this
system of wellness to learn more about it.
Ancient History
Yoga existed before written history in many cultures. The
Indus Valley, located in what is now Pakistan and northwest
India, is the site where archeologists found stone carvings of
figures dating back at least 5,000 years.
A common misconception exists regarding yoga's roots.
Many people mistakenly believe that it originated within the
religious structures of Hinduism. Actually, the connection
between the two practices occurred much later in time.
Classical
This form of the discipline originated with an ancient scholar
called "Patanjali." Patanjali recorded theories and practices in
a book dated sometime between 100 B.C. and 500 A.D.
Patanjali believed that every person is a combination of
matter and spirit. For optimal spiritual cleansing, people must
keep matter and spirit separate. People practicing the
classical form of the system generally use variations created
originally by Patanjali.
Important Steps
Specific steps practiced in classical yoga include self-restraint
from violence, stealing, lying, casual sex, and hoarding, while
simultaneously striving for purity, tolerance, contentment, and
remembrance. Participants also practice physical exercises,
breathing techniques, meditation, concentration, and
absorption.
Post-Classical Changes
Although yoga arrived in the United States at the end of the
19th century, it did not catch on in significant numbers until
the 1930s. At this time, it had a strong connection with health
and vegetarianism. Swami Sivananda instituted the following
five principles:
1. Relaxation
2. Exercise
3. Breathing
4. Diet
5. Meditation and positive thinking
During Sivananda's lifetime, he wrote extensively about this
discipline and its connection with philosophy. Some students
of Sivananda added chanting to the process. Other
proponents of this methodology have also explored relevant
connections with psychology.
Religious Connections
These exercises and philosophies do not connect with a
specific religion. A deity does not exist for worshipping within
the discipline. Instead, the core of this philosophy focuses on
the belief that everything in existence comes from within an
individual. No one has inherent dependence on anything or
anyone else, including a godlike figure or an organization.
Practicing these philosophies does not present a conflict with
religions. Many people pursue beliefs within a variety of
organizations without interference between traditions or
philosophies.
Unique Ideas
Depending on goals, people can practice these concepts
differently. When practiced in connection with Hinduism, the
principles can help achieve a deeper union with God. When
practiced with Buddhism, this methodology can increase
compassion, wisdom, and insight. Participants in western
nations often search for deeper self-actualization and self-
realization as they practice the exercises.
Although the history is extensive and the principles can vary,
the main goal of yoga is some form of self-mastery of the
body, mind, and spirit. With ongoing efforts, participants vie
for an enlightened state devoid of troubling thoughts.
To learn more about their options for yoga, Chatham, NJ
residents should visit http://www.chathamclub.com/group-
exercise/yoga/ .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?
expert=Andrea_Avery
0 Comments | Leave a Comment
Submitted On June 30, 2015
Yoga has a rich and lengthy history, dating
back thousands of years to ancient eras.
The melding of mind and body together is
the principle behind this discipline.
Participants focus on breathing, exercise,
and meditation with a variety of different
poses. Explore the history behind this
system of wellness to learn more about it.
Ancient History
Yoga existed before written history in many cultures. The
Indus Valley, located in what is now Pakistan and northwest
India, is the site where archeologists found stone carvings of
figures dating back at least 5,000 years.
A common misconception exists regarding yoga's roots.
Many people mistakenly believe that it originated within the
religious structures of Hinduism. Actually, the connection
between the two practices occurred much later in time.
Classical
This form of the discipline originated with an ancient scholar
called "Patanjali." Patanjali recorded theories and practices in
a book dated sometime between 100 B.C. and 500 A.D.
Patanjali believed that every person is a combination of
matter and spirit. For optimal spiritual cleansing, people must
keep matter and spirit separate. People practicing the
classical form of the system generally use variations created
originally by Patanjali.
Important Steps
Specific steps practiced in classical yoga include self-restraint
from violence, stealing, lying, casual sex, and hoarding, while
simultaneously striving for purity, tolerance, contentment, and
remembrance. Participants also practice physical exercises,
breathing techniques, meditation, concentration, and
absorption.
Post-Classical Changes
Although yoga arrived in the United States at the end of the
19th century, it did not catch on in significant numbers until
the 1930s. At this time, it had a strong connection with health
and vegetarianism. Swami Sivananda instituted the following
five principles:
1. Relaxation
2. Exercise
3. Breathing
4. Diet
5. Meditation and positive thinking
During Sivananda's lifetime, he wrote extensively about this
discipline and its connection with philosophy. Some students
of Sivananda added chanting to the process. Other
proponents of this methodology have also explored relevant
connections with psychology.
Religious Connections
These exercises and philosophies do not connect with a
specific religion. A deity does not exist for worshipping within
the discipline. Instead, the core of this philosophy focuses on
the belief that everything in existence comes from within an
individual. No one has inherent dependence on anything or
anyone else, including a godlike figure or an organization.
Practicing these philosophies does not present a conflict with
religions. Many people pursue beliefs within a variety of
organizations without interference between traditions or
philosophies.
Unique Ideas
Depending on goals, people can practice these concepts
differently. When practiced in connection with Hinduism, the
principles can help achieve a deeper union with God. When
practiced with Buddhism, this methodology can increase
compassion, wisdom, and insight. Participants in western
nations often search for deeper self-actualization and self-
realization as they practice the exercises.
Although the history is extensive and the principles can vary,
the main goal of yoga is some form of self-mastery of the
body, mind, and spirit. With ongoing efforts, participants vie
for an enlightened state devoid of troubling thoughts.
To learn more about their options for yoga, Chatham, NJ
residents should visit http://www.chathamclub.com/group-
exercise/yoga/ .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?
expert=Andrea_Avery
0 Comments | Leave a Comment
Submitted On June 30, 2015
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