The History of Yoga
The history of yoga is long and steeped in tradition. Contrary to what some people may believe, yoga was not developed as the newest way to slim down so they could fit into a smaller pants size. The history of yoga goes back 5,000 years. It originated in India, and the first time the word yoga was found in written form was in the Rig Vada, one of the sacred texts used by Vedic priests. Yoga is a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment. Originally, yoga techniques were passed down from teacher to student through word of mouth. These techniques had never been written down until the Indian sage Patanjali wrote down a systematic method of yoga in the Yoga Sutras. Patanjali is considered to be the father of yoga. According to Patanjali, there are eight limbs of yoga, which lead to the ultimate goal of enlightenment. Yama - abstaining from violence, stealing, lust, greed Niyam - developing devotion, purity, studiousness, contentment, discipline Pranayama - controlling the breath Pratyahara - going inward and withdrawing attention from the outside world Dharana - concentration Dhyana - meditation Samadhi - merging with the universal consciousness The Swami Vivekananda added to the history of yoga by bringing it to America. In 1893, he addressed the Parliament of World Religions and discussed the path of yoga. As a result of his speech, it quickly began to blossom as a practice in many areas of the country. Yoga has since gained major popularity in the United States and many different styles including Hatha, Bikram, and Iyengar, are practiced by millions of people. Knowing the history of yoga can help you, the practitioner, realize the richness that it has to offer. More than just a means of being fit and trim, yoga can help you live a healthy, whole, and empowered life. Della Menechella is a yoga and fitness enthusiast who has been involved in fitness for over thirty years. Here website http://www.beauty-fitness-yoga-source.com/ is filled with practical information about how you can make yoga and fitness a positive part of your life.
MORE RESOURCES:
Bonding touted in parent/child yogaMadison Eagle, NJ - 11 hours agoMADISON – Parents and children can take a break from stressful schedules with “Parent/Infant Yoga,” “Parent/Toddler Yoga” and “Kids Yoga” classes at the ... |
On the Beach, the Yoga Poses Really FlowNew York Times, United States - Jul 18, 2008By LINDA SASLOW ONE recent Sunday morning, 13 barefoot women and one man sat cross-legged on yoga mats, eyes closed and hands resting on their knees, ... |
New DVD Uses Yoga to Promote Ski FitnessFirst Tracks, UT - 18 hours agoHackensack, NJ - A new fitness program that uses yoga techniques to create dedicated workout routines for skiing enthusiasts is coming to DVD in August from ... |
Dogs + yoga = DogaRoanoke Times, VA - 17 hours agoEnjoy this video about a yoga class for dogs and the people who pose with them, lifted directly from the Discovery Channel's Web site. A day of wine, ... |
Yoga for new momNewindpress, India - 19 hours agoLAST week, I had discussed prenatal Yoga regimen. Continuing with the series, I am bringing out some beneficial instructions for post delivery period of the ... |
Yoga with weights can be done dailyReading Eagle, PA - 23 hours agoBy Vicky Hallett Q: I run four to six days a week and recently added yoga with light weights (three-pound dumbbells). I always see a recommendation to do ... |
No quiet life for ‘retired‘ yoga instructorWeekend Post, South Africa - Jul 18, 2008Instead, he took every opportunity he had to travel to yoga centres in India, such as the Yoga Niketan and the Himalayan Institute for Yoga Science, ... |
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