How old is yoga?

Yoga is widely regarded as having originated in the ancient era, approximately 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. The earliest references to yoga can be found in the early Vedic period within the Rigveda, which is considered one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. The Vedas encompass hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings that have significantly contributed to the foundational understanding of yoga's philosophical aspects. Notably, elements such as breath control (pranayama) and meditation (dhyana) are thoughtfully explored within these Vedic texts.

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The Upanishads, A collection of ancient philosophical texts, have significantly enhanced the understanding of yoga. These texts delve into profound concepts such as the nature of the self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). They emphasise the importance of self-realisation and spiritual liberation through various practices, including meditation and self-discipline..

 

During the Late Vedic / Early Classical Era, from approximately 500 B.C. to 300 A.D., various Yogic traditions and techniques began to be documented and disseminated to the general public. A prominent example of this is the Bhagavad Gita, a highly esteemed Hindu scripture that features a conversation between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, in which yoga is depicted as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment and self-realisation.. 

The Gita explains different paths of yoga, including Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action), Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), and Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge).

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In the Middle Ages, from 500 A.D. to 1500 A.D., Bhakti Yoga started evolving into more diverse and widely embraced forms. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a medieval text attributed to Swami Svatmarama, emerged around 1200 A.D. This work emphasises Yogic practices that encompass various asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), mudras (gestures), and bandhas (energy locks), offering guidance for achieving both physical purification and spiritual awakening—this is the type of Yoga that many Westerners are most familiar with.

 

Patanjali’s Yoga

The sage Patanjali, who lived during the late Vedic period from 200 B.C. to 200 A.D., compiled the Yoga Sutras, which established a structured and detailed framework for the philosophy and practices of yoga. 

The Yoga Sutras described the eight limbs of yoga (Ashtanga Yoga), incorporating ethical guidelines, physical postures, breath regulation, and meditation, assisting practitioners on their journey toward self-realisation.

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Modern era from 1500 to the present, Yoga has gained worldwide recognition, particularly in the West, largely due to its introduction by Swami Vivekananda. The Gita has also been translated into several European languages, and during the 1960s, it gained traction among youth as a spiritual practice. A more simplified version of Yoga has become popular in the West as a method of exercise and meditation.

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In India, Yoga continues to be widely practised and cherished as a form of prayer and meditation among Hindus. Additionally, Sikhs, Jains, and others have created their own prayer and meditation practices that are inspired by Yoga, and it remains a beloved discipline in India.