EVERYTHING ABOUT YOGA
by Dr. S Yogi Yoga Teacher Training in RishikeshToday, we shall discuss everything about yoga
that everyone should know.
The popularity of yoga is increasing day by
day all over the world. Different people have different reasons to practice it.
As some want to attain peace of mind and soul and some just want physical
strength and flexibility. Though yoga is much more than these things, people
hardly go out of the way to learn or understand other aspects of it.
Do you know the history of yoga and how it
evolved over time? If no, then let’s continue to this blog to know everything
about yoga.
History of Yoga
Yoga has a rich history, though there is no
specifically acknowledged origin of it. It is believed that yoga started long
before the founding of any faith or religion. It is expected to be at least
eight to ten thousand years old.
Ancient History
There is no certainty in the time of the
origin of Yoga and its practices. It possibly started emerging in the middle
ages in ancient India. With regard to religion, it is not connected to one but
many such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.
Also, the earliest track of the tradition of
Yoga is discovered in Rig Veda. But there is no description of its practice.
However, practices like Pranayama and Pratyahara are mentioned
in Upanishads.
Furthermore, some Buddhist sources of earlier
times like Majjhima Nikāya cite about Mediation and Mediators but
without using the term Yoga. Besides, Katha Upanishad is considered as
the first text to use the term Yoga in the contemporary context and highlights
its fundamental principles.
However, Yoga Sutras is considered the
first formal and conventional assortment of Yoga doctrine. It was anthologized
by the sage Patanjali and considered one of the most important
compilations of yoga at present.
Modern History
Yoga was not introduced to the west until the
mid 19th century. Swami Vivekananda was the first teacher who
diffused and vindicated the aspects of yoga in western countries. N.C Paul is
also given the credit to introduce yoga to the broader western audience. His
book Treaties on Yoga Philosophy is probably the first of its kind which
tried to connect yoga and modern medicine.
Initially, the physical aspect of yoga got
more attention in the modern world. The practice and learning of other aspects
like meditation took time to spread and practice. Still, the physical aspects
like asanas are more popular but knowledge of other aspect is increasing
gradually.
Modern Yoga
Today, the word yoga is generally linked to
the postures or asanas. It is associated with the physical aspect of Yoga. It
is more about pranayama, asanas, vinyasas, and meditation. Modern yoga is
considered as the blend of Western-style gymnastics with Hatha yoga's asanas.
Purpose of Yoga
The purpose of yoga cannot be written or
settled down in a specific manner. As I mentioned earlier, the goal of
practicing and learning yoga might be different for everyone. For example, some
may practice just the physical aspect of yoga to get a great, flexible and
strong body. Some just want the stability of their mind and soul. Some just
want inner peace through meditation. However, the superlative goal of
practicing yoga is considered to get salvation or moksha.
Yoga as Therapeutic and Curative
Practice
Yoga certainly has positive effects on a human
being. It provides flexibility, strength, and Inner peace to one's body. It is
found that practicing yoga helps in the improvement of the psychological health
of cancer patients. Yoga helps in anxiety, insomnia, depression and reducing
stress and blood pressure. There are many diseases and problems that can be
cured and prevent by practicing yoga, e.g. back pain, cervical spondylitis, etc
Yoga is one of the most fundamental practices
that should be pursued by everyone. Its rich and glorious history has made it
worthy of every appraisal it gets all around the world. If you want to bring
changes in your life, start with practicing yoga. You can do yoga at home, or
join a yoga studio or pursue a yoga teacher training.
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Created on Jul 30th 2019 00:53. Viewed 375 times.