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The Origins and Evolution of Yoga The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 1 Etymology The word “yoga” is derived from the root “yuj” yuj: युज् (y´g) Sanksrit, verb to connect, to unite, to yoke The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 2 By 'definition' yoga: योग (y´g) Sanksrit, noun general term for spiritual disciplines in Hinduism, Buddhism, and throughout South Asia that are directed toward attaining higher consciousness and liberation from ignorance, suffering, and rebirth. Columbia Encyclopedia a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practised for health and relaxation. Oxford Dictionary Online The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 3 Where Did Yoga Originate? Indus Valley Civilization Yoga originated in Pakistan and Northwest India at least 5,000 years ago India (2,500 BCE). Historical artifacts of yoga are found from the Indus Valley Civilization: Pashupati Seals (2900 BCE) of Shiva, Lord of the Yogis Shiva Pashupati seal Original Yogic scriptures are dated by their mention of the Sarasvati River, which dried up 4,000 years ago (1,900 BCE). The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 4 Vedic Yoga 1500 – 800 BCE Veda means knowledge. Rigveda - Oldest known text of any Indo-European language compiled in Vedic Sanskrit, composed by Rishis (seers) “yuj” is found many times throughout. Basis of Brahmanic Religion – religious clergy of Brahmans who administered rites (rituals and sacrifices), often to nobility. Vedic Practice: tapasic practices, rituals, sacrifice, hymns, stories of Yogis. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 5 The Mahajanapadas 600 BCE – 300 BCE 16 Kingdoms throughout the Indian Subcontinent Wealthier classes patronized the Sadhus (ascetic yogis) so they tt could study the esoteric science of yoga. Dawn of Axial Age in India: investigating the experiencer. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 6 Yoga of the Upanishads Upanishads (600 BCE onwards) Upanishad means “to sit down near” 200 texts, 11 are considered “major Upanishads” First mention of “yoga” Describe the nature of existence: Who and What Am I? The innermost Self (atman) is inextricably bound to the Universal reality (Brahman). Practice: meditation, chanting, control of the senses, karma (attention to cause and consequence). “One who meditates, all his knots of his heart, the bondages are opened; all the doubts are eliminated and one becomes gradually free from the fetters of action with ego.” Mundaka Upanishad 2:2:8 The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 7 Orthodox vs. Non-Orthodox Indian Philosophies Orthodox Non-Orthodox Vedic Shramana Samkhya – Organization of the Universe Buddhism – investigates causes and alleviation of suffering. Concepts of Vedanta - Contemplative methods of self- impermanence, non-self, and inquiry uniting atman with Brahman cause/effect. Yoga – practical system of Self-realization Jainism – individual soul, personal Vaisheshika – physical sciences responsibility for liberation, absense of Supreme creator, strong ethical Nyaya – Reasoning and logic system foundation based on non-harming. Mimasa – philosophy of action, developed into Karma Yoga The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 8 Buddism Founded by Siddharta Gautama, the “Buddha” Born in Northeastern India, 600-400 BCE to a wealthy political family At age 29 left home to discover the cause of human suffering Awakened to the “Middle Way” Spent life teaching through Northeast India Brought teachings to common people. Rejected the Vedas and the caste system. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 9 Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita Bhagavad Gita (~200 BCE) “Song of the Lord” Chapter of epic text the Mahabharata, a story of self-realization and path(s) to inner peace. Practice: Karma Yoga – Path of service Jnana Yoga – Path of knowledge Bhakti Yoga - Path of devotion Raja Yoga – Path of meditation The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 10 Samkhya Classification system describing the natural order and evolution of the Universe Dualist philosophy Is not practiced on its own today, but influences other philosophies, religions and practices The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 11 Yoga Sutras of Patañjali ~325 CE Yoga is a practice to calm the fluctuations of the mind. A path to liberation from suffering (kaivalya, moksha or mukti). Technical manual of 196 aphorisms divided into 4 chapters Describes an 8-part system used as framework for modern yoga Practice: Ethics, meditation. Numerous commentaries written from 500CE onwards The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 12 Tantra Yoga 450 CE onwards Tan (to expand) -tra (to liberate) World-embracing vision of the whole of reality as the self-expression of a single, free and joyous Divine Consciousness (non-dual). Worship of Goddess, feminine principle. Practice: antinomian practices – against mainstream mantra – chanting yantra – visualization of geometric symbols puja – ritual, with the purpose of uniting of polar archetypal energies. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 13 Hatha Yoga ~1200 CE Ha/moon tha/sun, the yoga of balancing forces. Scriptures: Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Shiva Samhita, Gheranda Samhita Purification of the body, balance of physical, mental, and energetic fields, awakening kundalini to advance towards samadhi, total integration. Practice: asana, shatkarma (purifications), pranayama, mudra, bandha, mantra and meditation. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 14 Sritattvanidhi 1830 CE Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar III (1799–1868) in the State of Mysore in South West India Encyclopedia of Indian spirituality and philosophy Contains instructions and illustrations of 122 asanas (handstand, backbends, seated postures). The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 15 Modern Yoga Swami Vivekananda spoke at the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893, taught Raja Yoga. Paramahansa Yogananda arrived in Boston in 1920. Five years later, he established the Self- Realizaton Fellowship in Los Angeles. Kriya Yoga. Paul Brunton, a former journalist and editor, wrote “A Search in Secret India” in 1934, which introduced the great sage Ramana Maharshi. Self-taught, advocated a simple path of self-inquiry. Jnana Yoga. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 16 Modern Hatha Yoga Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888 – 1989) grandfather of modern Hatha Yoga. Began yoga school at the Mysore Palace. Disciples His son T. K. V. Desikachar Son in law B.K.S. Iyengar, author of Light on Yoga and founder of Iyengar Yoga. Pattabhi Jois founder of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Indra Devi taught in China, USA, Mexico and S. America, founded a yoga studio in LA. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 17 Modern Yoga (cont) Swami Sivananda founder of Sivananda Yoga. Teacher to Swami Vishnu-devananda who began ashram in Laurentians in Quebec in 1962. Yogi Bhajan brought Kundalini Yoga to the West in 1967. Bhagavan Rajneesh (now known as Osho) unconventional Yoga and Zen teacher in the 70s- 90s. Bikram Choudhury founder of Bikram Yoga. 26 hatha yoga postures. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 18 © Alison Hinks Yoga 19 The Origins and Evolution of Yoga of The Origins and Evolution.
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