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A Short History of Yoga

The history of yoga is long and steeped in tradition. Contrary to what some people may believe, yoga was not developed as the newest way to slim down so they can fit into a smaller pants size.

The history of yoga goes back 5,000 years. Originating in India, the first time the word yoga was found in written form was in the Rig Vada, one of the sacred texts used by Vedic priests. Yoga was defined as and still is a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment.

Originally, yoga techniques were passed down from teacher to student through word of mouth, as were many systems of knowledge in ancient times. These techniques were not written down until the Indian sage Patanjali published a systematic method of yoga in the Yoga Sutras. Patanjali is considered to be the father of yoga.

According to Patanjali, there are eight limbs of yoga, which lead to the ultimate goal of enlightenment.

Yama - abstaining from violence, stealing, lust, greed - Universal morality.

Niyama - developing devotion, purity, studiousness, contentment, discipline.

Asanas - body postures.

Pranayama - controlling the breath.

Pratyahara - going inward and withdrawing attention from the outside world - control of the senses.

Dharana - concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness.

Dhyana - meditation.

Samadhi - merging with the universal consciousness.

The Swami Vivekananda added to the history of yoga by bringing it to America. In 1893, he addressed the Parliament of World Religions and discussed the path of yoga. As a result of his speech, it quickly began to blossom as a practice in many areas of the country. Yoga has since gained major popularity in the United States. Today, many different styles of yoga including Hatha, Bikram, and Iyengar, are practiced by millions of people around the world.

Knowing the history of yoga can help you, the practitioner, realize the richness that it has to offer. For more than 5,000 years, students of yoga have stayed fit and trim, and mantained a healthy, whole, and empowered life.

About the Author:  Scott Harker is the publisher of several websites including: Black Men Skin Care, Recycling, Pregnancy and Ovarian Cysts, Didgeridoo For Sale, and Good For A Loan.





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