|
Yoga's
History
by
Rob Daniels
Yoga
is a union of body, mind, and spirit. The history
of yoga is long and steeped in tradition. Yoga is
an ancient system of health and fitness which originated
in India. The word yoga has its first mention in the
Rig Veda, the oldest of the sacred texts. Those that
study Yoga estimate it's age to be four thousand year.
The
history of Yoga can be divided into four main periods
which are the pre-classical period, classical period,
post-classical period and modern period. In the history
of yoga, the book is called the yoga sutras. The history
of yoga would not have been completed in the classical
stage of yoga.
The
word Yoga literally meant the Yolk that joins something
together, such as an ox to a cart. The idea is that
yoga unites all aspects of being into one.
What
most people envision to be Yoga, those contortionist
postures, is really only one small aspect of a much
larger field of practices. The methods of yoga includes
ethical disciplines, physical postures, breathing
control and as well as meditation.
The
20th century witnessed a renaissance of yoga that
caused a globalization of this ancient tradition.
Modern approaches to yoga have created a clear delineation
between the Hindu religion and the practice of yoga.
Through the practice of yoga, an individual can gain
information about physical, emotional, mental and
spiritual well being.
Over
the long history of yoga, different schools have emerged,
and there are numerous examples branches and philosophies
that have spawned. Ultimately, all agree on one common
element the fundamental purpose of yoga is to foster
harmony in the body, mind, and environment.
Today
yoga is accepted as a comprehensive exercise to promote
control of the body and mind. More than just a means
of being fit and trim, yoga can help you live a healthy,
whole, and empowered life. In recent decades, yoga
has greatly and swiftly evolved. Yoga is the most
diversified spiritual practice in the world. The living
tradition of yoga now recognizes no borders as it
continues to spread globally.
About
the Author
Rob
Daniels is a long term practitioner of Yoga and Pilates
additional articles available at Pilates Shop http://www.pilates-shop.net
and Yoga Store http://www.yoga-store.net
|
