Yoga is primarily a spiritual discipline supported by an especially subtle science that focuses on bringing mind and body into harmony. It’s both an art and science of living a healthy lifestyle. Yoga springs from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj,’ which suggests ‘to join, yoke, or unite.’ Yoga, in line with Yogic scriptures, ends up in the union of individual consciousness therewith of Universal Consciousness, indicating an ideal harmony between the mind and body, Man and Nature. Everything within the universe, per modern scientists, is solely a manifestation of the identical quantum firmament. One who has attained Mukti, nirvana, or moksha is alleged to be in yoga and a yogi. Thus, the goal of Yoga is Self-realization, which ends up in the state of liberation (Moksha) or ‘freedom’ (Kaivalya). Living in freedom all told aspects of life, in addition to health and harmony, are going to be the first goals of Yoga practice. “Yoga” also refers to an inner science that features a range of methods for humans to realize union and mastery over their destiny. Yoga, widely considered an “immortal cultural outcome” of the Indus Saraswati Valley civilization – dating back to 2700 B.C. – has proven to be beneficial to both the fabric and spiritual well-being of humanity. Yoga Sadhana’s very identity is predicated on basic humane values.
Yoga’s Origins and Evolution:
Yoga is assumed to have been practiced since the dawn of civilization. Yoga science dates back thousands of years, long before the birth of the primary religions or belief systems. Shiva is considered the primary yogi or Adiyogi, similarly because the first Guru of Adi Guru, in yogic lore.
Numerous thousand years heretofore, on the stake of the Himalayan lake Kantisarovar, Adiyogi distributed his deep proficiency to the mythical Saptarishis, or “seven sages.” This potent yogic science was spread by sages throughout the globe, including Asia, the Middle East, Northern Africa, and South America. Surprisingly, modern scholars have noted and marveled at the close parallels discovered between ancient cultures everywhere on the planet. However, it was in India that the yogic strategy achieved its zenith. Agastya, the Saptarishi who trekked across the Indian subcontinent, constructed this culture around a fundamentally yogic manner of vigor.
India.
The presence of Yoga in ancient India is recommended by the number of seals and fossil remains of the Indus Saraswati valley civilization with Yogic motives and figures performing Yoga Sadhana.
Tantra Yoga is embodied by phallic insignias and monograms on mother goddess prototypes.
Yoga is found in folk traditions, the Indus Valley civilization, Vedic and Upanishadic heritage, Buddhist and Jain traditions, Darshanas, epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana, and theistic traditions of Shaivas, Vaishnavas, and Tantric traditions. Similarly, there was a refined Yoga that was manifested in South Asian esoteric ceremonies. Yoga was practiced under the direct supervision of a Guru at the time, and its spiritual value was given special consideration. It was an element of Upasana, and yoga sadhana was built into their rituals. During the Vedic period, the Sun was given the foremost importance.
The period between 500 BC and 800 A.D. is tentatively considered the Classical period, which is additionally considered the foremost fertile and prominent period within the history and development of Yoga. During this time, Vyasa’s commentaries on the Yoga Sutras and also the Bhagavad Gita, among other things, appeared.
The period from 1700 to 1900 A.D. is thought to be the fashionable period, during which great Yogacharyas like Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, and Paramhansa Yogananda, Vivekananda, et al contributed to the event of Raja Yoga. Vedanta, Bhakti yoga, Nathayoga, and Hatha-yoga flourished during this era. The most tenets of Hatha-yoga were Gorakshashatakam’s Shadanga-yoga, Hathayogapradipika’s Chaturanga-yoga, and Gheranda Samhita’s Saptanga-yoga.
Nowadays, everyone believes in the benefits of yoga practices for health preservation, maintenance, and promotion. Swami Shivananda, Sri T.Krishnamacharya, Swami Kuvalayananda, Shri Yogendra, Swami Rama, Sri Aurobindo, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Acharya Rajneesh, Pattabhi Jois, BKS Iyengar, Swami Satyananda Sarasvati, et al. spread yoga throughout the earth.
Yoga is additionally widely known as a sort of therapy or an exercise system for health and fitness. While the biological and cognitive condition is the realistic outgrowth of yoga, the last-term purpose of yoga is way much broader. “Yoga is about bringing oneself into harmony with the universe.” It’s the technology of synchronizing individual geometry with cosmic geometry to realize the very best level of perception and harmony.”
Yoga has never been related to any specific religion, belief system, or community; rather, it’s always been thought to be a technology for inner well-being. No matter faith, ethnicity, or culture, anyone who practices yoga with involvement can reap its benefits.
Many eminent Yoga Institutions, Yoga Colleges, Yoga Universities, Yoga Departments in Universities, Naturopathy colleges, and personal trusts and societies now provide Yoga Education. Many Yoga Clinics, Yoga Therapy and Training Centers, Preventive Health Care Units of Yoga, Yoga Research Centers, and other similar facilities are established in hospitals, dispensaries, medical institutes, and therapeutic settings. Different social customs and rituals in India, the birthplace of Yoga, reflect a love for ecological balance, tolerance for other systems of thought, and compassion for all creations. Yoga Sadhana of all hues and colors is considered a panacea for living a meaningful life. Its emphasis on total health, both individual and social, makes it a worthwhile practice for people of all religions, races, and nationalities.
Today, millions and several people everywhere the globe have the benefit of the practice of Yoga, which has been preserved and promoted by great eminent Yoga Masters from times of yore to the current. Yoga practice is blossoming and becoming more vibrant by the day.