History of Yoga
Krishnamacharya: Inventor of Modern Yoga Links to an external site.
India
It is estimated that yoga has been in existence and practice for 4,500 to 5,000 years. It most likely began with shamanistic rites performed as healing practices during the Stone Age. It has slowly evolved into the yoga we know today.
Yoga is one of six ancient orthodox systems of Indian philosophies. It is the only one out of those six to have practical application by balancing physical exercise with philosophic thought. Of all the legendary yogis, Himalayan yogi Patanjali is the best known and is considered by most to be the “father of yoga.” He is credited with developing the principles of yoga in his respected text, the Yoga Sutras, which gives a detailed outline and description of principles on which to base ones personal behavior, beliefs, and individual practices.
Since the beginning of human civilization, yoga has guided practitioners in correct living, physical vitality, spirituality, and the path to enlightenment. Yoga, however, is not a religion. Anyone who practices yoga, regardless of style or level of advancement, is a yogi. Female yogis are sometimes called yoginis.
Important texts in the evolution and teachings of yoga include:
- The Rig Veda - An ancient (dating back over 5,000 years) series of 1,028 hymns or scriptures passed down through oral tradition, which is the basis for all yoga. Foundation of the Hindu tradition.
- The Upanishads – (1000 BCE) ancient Hindu philosophical scriptures. Essential message is that our true self can only be realized through the experience of union which is synonymous with yoga.
- Bhagavad Gita – a sacred Hindu text in which the god Krishna teaches morals in the course of an epic tale.
- Yoga Sutras – (2nd century AD) written by the yogi Patanjali who organized and fused together the Rig Veda and made it accessible to the masses.
Introduction to the U.S.
Yoga was formally introduced to the West in 1893 when Swami Vivekananda, the first Hindu monk from India to come to America, visited the Parliament of Religions in Chicago. This was the first formal gathering of representatives of Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. Representing Hinduism, his speech was riveting and inspiring, and left a deep-seated mark upon the American public.
His message emphasized the need for harmony of world religions, and he became instantly popular. Following this successful introduction to American culture, numerous other swamis visited America and introduced yoga asanas and practices to the West. American yoga was born during this era and grew slowly throughout the twentieth century. Yoga has become even more popular in recent years as our culture seeks stress relief and down time from a over-stimulated lifestyle. Also, for those seeking improved health, feelings of peace, and a spiritual practice.
Yoga Philosophy and Styles
The word yoga comes from yuj, the Sanskrit word meaning union; to join together. Hatha yoga, the yoga of bodily mastery, is the basis of this class. Yoga is the union of our own mind, body, breath, and spirit to create unity with the self and the outside world. Yoga philosophy embraces the principles of gentleness, awareness, and acceptance without judgement, violence or competition. Yoga is more than just postures and movement; yoga represents being in the moment and experience. While yoga is not a religion, some believe that the mindful practice of yoga can introduce a similar spiritual awareness.
Many traditional yoga classes are taught using Sanskrit terms. Sanskrit is an ancient language that was standardized and became the predominant language in India around 300 B.C. Classical Indian yoga texts and sacred Hindu texts are written in Sanskrit and all traditional yoga styles and postures have Sanskrit names. In the West, Sanskrit terms are often translated to English descriptions of the pose. For example, Vrikshasana becomes Tree Pose.
Paths of Yoga
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Jnana Yoga |
Union by knowledge. Self realization through direct inuitive wisdom and intellect. |
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Bhakti Yoga |
Union by love and devotion of the divine |
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Karma Yoga |
Union by action and selfless service |
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Mantra Yoga |
Union by voice and sacred sound |
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Kundalini Yoga |
Union by flow of energy (prana) |
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Hatha Yoga |
Union by bodily mastery |
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Raja Yoga |
Union by mental mastery (control of the mind) practicing stillness. Means “Royal or King” |
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga is the yoga most widely practiced in the west, and centers on asanas (AH-sah-nas), or physical poses. To break down the word hatha, ha means sun, and tha means moon. Thus, hatha signifies a combining of complementary forces. In Hatha yoga, most poses can be modified to make them more appropriate for persons of varying flexibility and fitness levels. Within Hatha yoga there are many subdivisions or styles including, but not limited to:
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Ashtanga Yoga |
Means “eight limbed yoga”. A set series of poses is linked by vinyasa (flowing movement) and synched with the breath. Classes are vigorous and challenging, so expect to sweat. Founder: Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915) |
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Yin Yoga |
Yin Yoga is a slower-paced, more meditative version of the more physical discipline of yoga. The poses are held for a longer period of time (typically 3-5 minutes or longer). Focus is on the connective tissues versus the muscles. The asanas are more passive holds, with less muscular engagement. |
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Anusara Yoga |
A tantric based system combines focus on alignment with awareness of body energy flow in order to realize your divine nature. Classes typically begin with an invocation and has a heart-oriented theme. Founder: John Friend (1959). Anusara is Sanskrit for “flowing with grace”. |
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Iyengar Yoga |
Attention to anatomical precision and alignment in poses. Emphasizes healing of the body and mind through asanas. Detailed instruction and holding of poses longer relative to other types. Founder: Sri B.K.S. Iyengar (1918) |
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Restorative and Gentle Yoga |
Soothing and well-supported postures. Use of blankets, blocks, bolsters, and other props. Poses held for several minutes. Active relaxation. Great for persons with injuries or physical limitations. |
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Vinyasa Yoga |
American innovation. Evolved from Ashtanga. Flowing sequence of asanas coordinated with breath. A.K.A Flow yoga |
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Kundalini Yoga |
Energetic styled of repetitive movements that differ from other styles (such as waving of arms) to promote the release of kundalini energy. Includes sequences designed for therapeutic purpose, relaxation, chanting, and repetition of mantras. Kundalini means “serpent power” which resides in the spine. Founder: Yogi Bhajan |
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Jivamukti Yoga |
Based on Bhakti Yoga and Ahimsa (non violence). Vigorous flow in combination with classic spiritual yoga philosophy. Focus is on a spiritual theme, music, asana, and pranayama. Also, meditation and chanting. Jivamukti means “liberation while living”. Founder: Sharon Gannon (1951) |
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Bikram Yoga or Hot Yoga Watch:Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator Links to an external site. |
Series of 26 poses and breathing exercises repeated twice in a room heated 105 degrees. Purpose is to warm up quickly and promote detoxification through sweat. A.K.A. “hot yoga” or “sweaty yoga”. Founder: Bikram Choudhury (1946). Claims of rape and assault Links to an external site. |
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Kripalu Yoga |
Free flowing form which is a series of postures but also a meditation in motion. Ideal for someone with physical limitations. Can be restorative-like. Founder: Swami Kripalu |
New styles of yoga are constantly evolving