The History of Yoga

The history of yoga spans from sometime between 4000 and 8000 years ago to the present day. Yoga has been practiced in some form, in many countries, all over the world, throughout most of history.

There is more to the history of yoga than just the stereotypical yogi swami charming snakes, walking on hot coals or supporting the weight of an elephant on their chest. The rich history of yoga is steeped in culture, religion, mysticism and remarkable journeys of self-discovery.

The practice of yoga has been expounded upon throughout its existence. Modification and adaptability are part of its appeal. You can adjust yoga to fit your own personal needs. However the basic principles of the practice have always remained the same. The intent of yoga is to unite the mind, body and soul as one entity through discipline, meditation, breathing and postures. The word yoga actually means to yoke or form a union. The history of yoga is filled with stories of mind over matter achieved through lifelong practice of the spiritual, exercise discipline.

The first written evidence of its existence appeared in the Indus Valley roughly around 1500 BC. At its inception, yoga was an Eastern discipline that eventually crossed over into Eastern religious practices. It was not developed as a religious practice but it was easily adopted by many religious systems along the way. Hindus contributed to the history of yoga by being the first spiritual system to embrace it, incorporating aspects of it into their tenets and beliefs. They were the first to expound on the original concept of yoga. Buddhist and Jain philosophies also absorbed some of the practices of yoga. These systems further influenced the history of yoga, helping shape yoga into what it is today.

The history of yoga in the West is a somewhat different expression of the discipline. Yoga is perceived as an exercise regimen first and foremost in many Western cultures. The spiritual aspect of the practice is not nearly as prevalent in the Western history of yoga. The modern history of yoga in Western culture is thought to have begun in Chicago in the late 1800’s. At the Parliament of Religions, a young swami named Vivekananda shared the history of yoga with the American public and it caught on like wildfire. Although yoga was not originally adopted as a means of spirituality, many Western students of the discipline find that the deeper meaning and history of yoga comes out naturally through practice of the discipline.

People of all faiths, colors, genders and ages have been impacted by the diverse history of yoga. Yoga students get to participate in the building of that history first hand as yoga students learn most of what they know from their master’s oral instruction and practical demonstration. One of the oldest disciplines known to man, it has stood the tests of time like the pyramids at Giza or the ruins of the Aztecs. The history of yoga is destined to continue as new people come to the discipline. The progression of the discipline often naturally leads to the desire to take the modern history of yoga to yet another level.