YOGA: HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

 YOGA HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Ishwar V. Basavaraddi

Director

Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga

68, Ashoka Road, New Delhi -110001

Yoga is an Art and Scince of healthy living. It is a spiritual discipline

based on an extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony

between mind and body. The holistic approach of Yoga is well established and

it brings harmony in all walks of life and thus, known for disease prevention,

promotion of health and management of many lifestyle –related disorders. 

The term ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘YUJ’, meaning ‘to join’

or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’. As per Yogic scriptures the practice of Yoga leads to

the union of individual consciousness with that of the Universal

Consciousness, indicating a perfect harmony between the mind and body, Man

& Nature. The aim of Yoga is Self-Realization, to overcome all kinds of

sufferings leading to 'the state of liberation'. This is one of the oldest sciences

of the world, originated in India, which is very useful for preserving and

maintaining one's physical and mental health and also for 'spiritual evolution'.

The practice of Yoga is believed to have started with the very dawn of

civilization, Mythologically, the Lord Shiva is considered to be the first teacher

of Yoga. Yoga, being widely considered as an ‘immortal cultural outcome’ of

Indus valley civilization – dating back to 2700 B.C. – has proved itself catering

to both material and spiritual upliftment of humanity. Basic humane values are

the very identity of Yoga Sadhana.

The Number of seals and fossil remains of Indus valley civilization with

Yogic motives and figures performing Yoga Sadhana suggest the presence of

Yoga in ancient India. The phallic symbols, seals of idols of mother Goddess

are suggestive of Tantra Yoga. 

Presence of Yoga is available in folk traditions,

Indus valley civilization, Vedic and Upanishadic heritage, Buddhist and Jain

traditions, Darshanas, epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana, theistic traditions

of Shaivas, Vaishnavas, and Tantric traditions. In addition, there was a

primordial or pure Yoga which has been manifested in mystical traditions of

South Asia.

 This was the time when Yoga was being practised under the direct

guidance of Guru and its spritual value was given special importance. It was a

part of Upasana and yoga sadhana was inbuilt in their rituals. Sun was given

highest importance during the vedic period. The practice of ‘Surya namaskara’

may have been invented later due to this influence. Pranayama was a part of

daily ritual and to offer the oblation. Though Yoga was being practiced in the

pre-Vedic period (2700 B.C.), the great Sage Maharshi Patanjali systematized

and codified the then existing practices of Yoga, its meaning and its related

knowledge through his Yoga Sutras. After Patanjali, many Sages and Yoga

Masters contributed greatly for the preservation and development of the field

through their well documented practices and literature.

Historical evidences of the existence of Yoga were seen in the pre-Vedic

period (2700 B.C.), and thereafter till Patanjali’s period. The main sources,

from which we get the information about Yoga practices and the related

literature during this period, are available in Vedas (4), Upanishads(108),

Smritis, teachings of Buddhism, Jainism, Panini, Epics (2), Puranas (18) etc.

Tentatively, the period between 500 BC - 800 A.D. is considered as the

Classical period which is also considered as the most fertile and prominent

period in the history and development of Yoga. During this period,

commentaries of Vyasa on Yoga Sutras and Bhagawadgita etc. came into

existence.

This period can be mainly dedicated to two great religious teachers

of India –Mahavir and Buddha. The concept of Five great vows – Pancha

mahavrata- by Mahavir and Ashta Magga or eightfold path by Buddha - can be

well considered as early nature of Yoga sadhana. We find its more explicit

explanation in Bhagawadgita which has elaborately presented the concept of

Gyan yoga, Bhakti yoga and Karma Yoga. These three types of yoga are still

the highest example of human wisdom and and even to day people find peace

by following the methods as shown in Gita. Patanjali’s yoga sutra besides

containing various aspects of yoga, is mainly identified with eight fold path of

Yoga. The very important commentary on Yoga sutra by Vyasa was also

written. During this very period the aspect of mind was given importance and it

was clearly brought out through Yoga sadhana, Mind and body both can be

brought under control to experience equanimity.

The period between 800 A.D. - 1700 A.D. has been recognized as the

Post Classical period wherein the teachings of great Acharyatrayas-Adi

Shankracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhavacharya-were prominent during this

period. The teachings of Suradasa, Tulasidasa, Purandardasa, Mirabai were

the great contributors during this period. The Natha Yogis of Hathayoga

Tradition like Matsyendaranatha, Gorkshanatha, Cauranginatha, Swatmaram

Suri, Gheranda, Shrinivasa Bhatt are some of the great personalities who

popularized the Hatha Yoga practices during this period.