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| Seal found in Indus Valley |
The earliest traces
of Yoga activity were found in the Indus valley in the 1920’s. Seals were found showing men in the Lotus position and
were thought to be from around 3000BC. The oldest known evidence of Hatha Yoga being practiced dates back to 2500BC.
Hatha Yoga is a complete disclipline and practice for the harmonious development of the entire being.
The Bhagavadgita and the Upanishads are the main foundation of
yoga teaching and the earliest writings are about 3000 years old. The later Upanishads (300 BC) teach the method of yoga.
These writings were the beginnings of Yoga as we know today, and from them came the four main Paths of Yoga which
all lead to the same – union with Brahman or God.
Paths of Yoga
Karma Yoga – the yoga of action – this teaches selfless
acts, no gain or reward. And to purify the Ego. Mind is focused on repeating a mantra while engaged in
any activity.
Bhakti Yoga – The path of
Devotion. The motivation is the power of unconditional love and devotion. Chanting and singing the praises of God,
also prayer, worship and ritual, surrendering to God.
Jnana Yoga – The yoga of knowledge or wisdom, this is the study of yoga, the philosophy of Vedanta. The
yogi needs to practice the other paths before this, as this one is the search for self-realization.
Raja Yoga – The science of
physical and mental control, or ‘royal road’. This is the Yoga most practiced in class in the
UK. Hatha Yoga (Ha means sun; tha means moon) is the practical side of Raja Yoga The word “Yoga” means “yoke
or union” and the union applies to the body, mind and breath, bringing together in harmony so that during your lifetime
you are able to guide your own destiny with a healthy mind, a flexible body and a steady breath in all conditions, and preparing
the body and mind for dharana, dhyana and samadi.
The yogi controls the waves of thought by turning mental and physical energy into spiritual energy.
The
basis of todays Yoga is Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. (The Eight Limbs of Yoga)
- Yamas
(these are five restraints – moral injunctions)
- Nyamas (these are five observances
– positive qualities)
- Asana (Postures)
- Pranyama (Breathing and kriyas –
purification practice)
- Pratahara (Withdrawl of the senses to still the mind)
- Dharana (Concentration)
- Dhyana
(Meditation)
- Samadhi (Superconsciousness)
This yoga
has been developed for Western bodies. Many interpretations have been passed down by Gurus, teachers and from students of
yoga being taught through the centuries right up to the present day. For a more comprehensive list of the different yoga schools,
click on this link:
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