Probably the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “yoga” is a picture of individuals in a series of apparently painful yoga poses. Although the principles of yogic philosophy and yogic practice include the practice of postures, this is not the only aspect of yogism. Every June the world observes International Yoga Day, so let’s explore the mystique of this system of exercises that dates back to ancient India.
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There is a historical, educational, and traditional backdrop to the study of yoga. The word “yoga” was first mentioned in the earliest sacred literature, the Rig Veda. For a better understanding of yoga, let’s explore its history.
Brief History
Yoga is an art and science that is closely related to the fusion of stylishster personal consciousness with cosmic consciousness. The Sanskrit word “Yuj,” which means union, is where the word “yoga” first came off. This fusion of the mind and body displays how humans and nature interact.
The origins of yoga can be traced back to northern tishare India roughly tens of thousands of years ago. The Rig Veda, one of Hinduism’s four major books, is where the word “yoga” was first encountered. The bizarre antique carvings and paintings from this period shed light on the practice of yoga at the time. Different yogic asanas and meditative positions are depicted by figures that resemble Lord Shiva (Pashupati) and his spouse Parvati.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva introduced yoga to his bride Parvati in order to enlighten and remind her of her true nature. Nandi, Lord Shiva’s most devoted student, overheard some of the teachings when Shiva was performing this and transmitted them to humans.
Then, according to tradition, Lord Brahma, the ultimate creator, received it from Lord Parvati after she found it impossible to keep this secret technique to herself. In exchange, Brahma taught his sons Narada and Sanat Kumaras. And in the end, the seven Indian sages, or saptarishis, received this knowledge! In ancient Indian literature, the seven sages are lauded as the most esteemed literary figures. And then the rishis, a group of approximately 2000 Hindu philosophical-religious holy texts, were the ones who finally preserved this information.
Evolution
Yoga practice is more than just physical activity—it improves our ability to speak and behave effectively in every circumstance. In this sense, yoga is referred to more as a mental skill. It helps us to remain calm under challenging circumstances. Yoga is something that enables us to reconnect with our inherent joy and peace. While practicing physical postures helps the body stay in shape, meditation takes the mind within the soul’s deepest, oldest roots. Yoga unites various facets of existence and life.
All of the yoga styles that are most well-known in the west may be traced back to Hatha Yoga. At its most fundamental, Hatha yoga aims to achieve the ideal equilibrium between the two forces of existence.
According to the tradition of yoga, asanas, or physical postures, are the first step in the Hatha Yoga process. Following this, you perform pranayama, then meditate until you reach the optimal level of higher consciousness (all of which prove that the hoopla surrounding yoga was not unjustified!).
Yoga was created out of a divine being’s desire to provide his companion with the best instrument for realizing their full potential and self-realization. Thanks to the efforts of great yogis and sages who have moved mountains to make it accessible to mortal humans, it is now quite simple to practice. It is a strong tool with powers that go beyond what is possible in the natural world.
