YOGA: BLESSING OF GOD

Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” meaning “to unite” or to come together. The roots of this word are multimeaningful. It is designed to connect your body and mind and help them to work in harmony. Those who realize this oneness and connection between themselves and nature are said to achieve moksha (ultimate liberation). Thus, that is when you attain true kaivalya (liberation). The history of yoga gained popularity worldwide and has become a major practice for holistic development today.Yoga teaches people what really matters, leading them to joyful, peaceful, and thankful sustainable lifestyles.

The History of Yoga | Ancient Roots of Yoga

1. PRE-VEDIC PERIOD

The history of yoga in the Pre-Vedic period is significant as it marks the early development of this ancient practice in India. During this time, yoga was primarily associated with the indigenous tribes and their shamanistic traditions. Evidence suggests that early forms of yoga included meditative practices and rituals aimed at connecting with nature and the cosmos. These practices are often intertwined with spiritual beliefs and were used for healing and attaining higher states of consciousness.

2. Vedic Period

The spiritual and philosophical traditions of ancient India closely linked the origins of yoga to the Vedic period (1500 BC). During this time, people practiced yoga as part of the performing arts, meditation, and the pursuit of greater knowledge.

1. History of the Vedic Period
The writing of the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism written in Sanskrit, marks the Vedic period.These texts include:
Rigveda
Yajurveda
Samaveda
Atharvaveda
The Vedas are primarily concerned with drama, song, and the worship of the heavens, but spirituality also developed into the practice of yoga. Early Sources of Yoga
Rig Veda: Yoga as a practice was first mentioned in the Rig Veda. It emphasizes the concept of meditation (dhyäna) and the discipline of connecting with God. part of it. Fundamental Points of Vedic Yoga
Vedic Yoga is not a practice as we know it today, but it has the following roots:
Sacrificial  rituals(Yajna):
Practitioners performed rituals to harmonize the world and the call as a cosmic force. These rituals required focus and discipline before the practice of meditation. This reflects early forms of thought and consciousness. br> Breath control, although not legally binding, was used to maintain focus during performances and meditation. Rishis and the Path of Yoga.
The Vedic Rishis were saints who lived in deep meditation, often in forests or other quiet places. They sought knowledge of the self (atman) and its connection with the universal reality (brahman). Their virtuous lifestyle and focus on higher truths are considered early examples of the yogic life. Evolution Towards the Upanishad Period During the late Vedic period, the concept of yoga took a more philosophical turn, as seen in the Upanishads (texts that explain Vedic philosophy). The Upanishads: On reflection and self-realization. Principles of Vedic Yoga
The practices and concepts of the Vedic period provided the foundation for later yoga systems:
Bhagavad Gita: Teaches various paths of yoga practice, such as karma
Patanjali’s “Yoga Sutra”: Collection of the Eightfold Path (Ashtanga Yoga).

3. Pre-classical Period

This 2,000-year period in yoga history is led by the Upanishads. They interpret the meaning of the Vedic texts, reading them line by line and explaining how the body and mind work. They also refer to spiritual teachings.hey focus on different yoga techniques that are still applicable, such as pranayama (breathing), pranayama (clearing the mind), breath control, sound and meditation to perform the action patiently. At that time, yoga was divided into two types: karmaoga and jnana yoga. 

4. History of yoga in the Classical Period

The Classical Period of yoga lasted from 500 BC to 800 AD. The importance of holding the mind, like yoga, emerged during this period also. As we all know, Buddha was the first Buddhist to learn yoga.hristian literature on meditation and yoga poses helps in creating awareness. With the help of Lord Mahavira, Jainism also assimilated yoga. emphasized the importance of thinking in attaching liberation and freedom. Importance of Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. In this famous text, Lord Krishna says, “Samavam Yoga, or Yoga, is the state of balance.” ga tries to achieve unity between man and nature. It brings us back to the state of joy. Thus the true purpose behind theyogi. Rajayoga plays a significant role within the broader framework of yoga philosophy and closely links to Samkhya philosophy, one of the six main schools of Indian thought

5.  History of yoga in Post-Classical period

The post-classical period lasted until 1700 AD and brought the names of many yoga teachers who dedicated themselves to the development of this beautiful art form. Some of the yogis   are Acharya Trayas Adi Shankaracharya, MaMadhvacharya, aRamanujachahrya, eera Bai and purandara dadasa.   devoted most of his life to the development and reformation of yoga culture. Meditation is also related to clearing the mind of negative thoughts. 

6. Modern times

Swami Vivekananda is one of the great yogis who spread yoga in modern times (1700 AD to present). What is important now is that yoga is a way to strengthen the body. And it played an important role in the popularity of Bhakti Yoga. At present, many people have put forward different theories regarding the spread of its culture. But even in the 21st century, the meaning and spirit of yoga remain in the understanding of the unity of spirit, mind, body and nature. As a result, regular yoga practice can purify the   body and soul from unnecessary  Thus, doing yoga is very important for overall well-being.