“The nature of yoga is to shine the light of awareness into the darkest corners of the body ”

 Origin of Yoga

 Yoga's origins can be traced back over 5,000 years to northern India, where it emerged as a profound spiritual practice deeply interconnected with the cultural fabric of ancient society.

The evolution of yoga can be traced through a series of significant developments since 1000 BCE. Originally practiced as an ecstatic mystical tradition on the outskirts of Vedic society, it has transitioned into a sophisticated system of spiritual philosophy and practice. Today, it has evolved into a global wellness phenomenon, showcasing its enduring impact and universal appeal.

Yoga is rooted in the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’, which stands for a union. This union of the mind and body presents a human being’s relationship with nature. 

Texts composed in the sacred language of Sanskrit are among the oldest surviving literature in the world, offering profound insights into the spiritual beliefs and practices of the time.

Timeline of  Ancient to Modern Yoga Development

Our yoga history timeline is divided into five distinct parts, each highlighting key milestones and developments that have shaped the practice over centuries.

 Vedic Period (1500-500 BCE)

• Within Vedic literature, the origins of yoga are traced back to the earliest transcriptions.
• Among the various discussions on the subject, some yogis believe in the concept of a single initial Veda, the Yajur, which eventually evolved into the four distinct scriptures known as Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.

Pre-Classical (500 – 200 BCE)

• During the Pre-Classical era on the yoga history timeline, significant spiritual texts like the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita emerged, providing a rich philosophical foundation for yoga practice.
• These ancient texts continue to offer profound insights and guidance that resonate with practitioners even in modern times.

 Classical (200 BCE – 500 CE)

• During this time, Yoga gradually integrated into Buddhism and Jainism. Lord Buddha was recognized as the earliest Buddhist to explore Yoga. Buddhist texts focused on meditation and yogic postures that facilitated the achievement of enlightenment. Jainism also embraced Yoga through the guidance of Lord Mahavira. He emphasized the significance of meditation for achieving salvation and moksha.
• Maharshi Patanjali, regarded as the Father of Yoga, was the initial yogi to genuinely grasp and articulate the essence of Yoga and its real intention, as laid out in his Yoga Sutras. This was referred to as Raja Yoga.
• The initial commentary on the Yoga Sutras by Veda Vyasa was composed during the classical era. The profound connection between Yoga philosophy and Samkhya philosophy (one of the six Indian philosophies) was discovered and discussed.

 Post-Classical

• The post-classical era extended until the year 1700 AD. It highlighted the names of many Yoga instructors who contributed to the advancement of this exquisite cultural art form.
• A few of the yogis are Acharya Trayas-Adi Shankaracharya, Madhvacharya, Ramanujacharya, Meera Bai, and Purandara Dasa.

Modern Yoga

• In the modern period starting from 1700 AD until today, Swami Vivekananda played a crucial role as one of the primary yogis who significantly contributed to the spread of Yoga.
• Alongside him, prominent figures such as Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna Paramahansa, BKS Iyengar, K Pattabhi Jois, Paramhansa Yogananda, and Vivekananda himself each played integral roles in popularizing various forms of Yoga including Hatha Yoga, Vedanta Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga.