Yoga has been considered a panoramic practice. It has been practised since ancient Times. It helps in physical, spiritual and mental aspects. It is a systematic approach to gaining balance and harmony within oneself.
While yoga is known for its postures, yoga extends beyond the physical form. It includes techniques like breathing, meditation and self-aware practices. However, the main aim of yoga is to connect the body with the spirit and mind. It acts as a course to discover oneself, inner peace, and wellness. It helps in a deeper understanding of oneself. One could also join yoga classes to attain enlightenment.
Meaning of the word Yoga
The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj”, which means “to join”.It symbolises the union of consciousness with universal consciousness. Yoga helps in gaining self-realisation or enlightenment.
History of Yoga
Yoga has been a part of since ancient times from the pre-Vedic and Vedic periods. The earliest mention of yoga was in the ancient text of Rig Veda during 1500 BC, where there is a mention of the importance of controlling breath.
Several seals of the Indus civilization have been found with figures performing yoga. It brings you to the conclusion that yoga was practised in the early stages of civilization.
During the pre-classical period, out of the 108 Upanishads, there are 20 yoga Upanishads. They talk about different yoga techniques like breathing exercises and meditation.
During the classical period,
Lord Mahavira talked about gaining salvation and freedom through meditation. Lord Buddha spoke about specific postures to attain enlightenment. In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna spoke about universal consciousness and human consciousness. In verses of Mahabharata, there are descriptions of subtle reflection and discrimination. It also states the goal of Yoga. Maharshi Patanjali has spread the meaning of Yoga. He also formulated postures of Yoga. During the Postclassical period, The science revolving around yoga was discovered. During the Modern Era Period, Swami Vivekananda helped preach Yoga to the Western World.
The practices of Yoga
Yoga consists of six main branches. It helps in attaining the goal of Unity. Each of the aspects of yoga will help in resonating differently depending on their disposition, ability and skill.
- Raja focuses on meditation and its practices.
- Karma focuses on the actions in daily life.
- Jnana focuses on wisdom and self-inquiry.
- Bhakti focuses on devotion to god.
- Tantra focuses on intuition.
- Hatha focuses on energy and movement of the body.
To understand the depth of Yoga, One could join Yoga Classes, and seminars to know more about yoga and experience its enriching experience.