Origin of Yoga

Yoga’s origin can be traced back to Indus Valley Civilization in India. The seals and fossils found of this time include figures of Yogic positions. In the Vedic period, the great Sage Maharshi Patanjali codified the then existing practices of Yoga, its meaning and its related knowledge through his Yoga Sutras. It provided eight limbs of Yoga also known as Ashtanga Yoga which includes moral precepts (yamas), self-discipline (niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), withdrawal of the senses (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and union with the divine (samadhi). Yoga is a cultural heritage of India and in recent times gained huge popularity worldwide as a tool to promote physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual growth. In 2014, the United Nations declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga, recognizing the widespread impact of yoga. By positioning yoga as a tool for global harmony and cooperation, India enhances its soft power influence and contributes to a more interconnected and inclusive world.

The origin of yoga can be traced back to the earliest civilizations in ancient India. The Science of yoga originated thousands of years ago, long before the origin of any religion or faith. However, the origin of yoga has also been debated as some researchers believe that it originated during the Indus valley civilisation and some believe that it originated during the pre-vedic age. Shiva is believed to be the first Yogi or Adi Yogi. On the banks of lake Kantisarovar in Himalayas, Shiva transferred the knowledge of yoga to the legendary Saptrishis or seven sages. The sages spread the knowledge of yogic science to different parts of the world including Asia, Africa, Middle East and South America. The yogic science found its full expression in India.

Yoga is a holistic practice originating from ancient India that encompasses physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and ethical principles. It aims to promote physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual growth by uniting the mind, body, and spirit. It is often viewed as a lifestyle and philosophy that emphasizes compassion, mindfulness, and harmony with oneself and the world around us. It is gaining popularity worldwide and hence can be used by India as soft power to influence global cooperation.

• Indus valley civilization : Many fossil remains of Indus valley civilisation have seals with figures of Yogic positions.
• Vedic period : During this time, the great Sage Maharshi Patanjali codified the then existing practices of Yoga, its meaning and its related knowledge through his Yoga Sutras. Patanjali’s Yoga sutra is mainly identified with the eight limbs of Yoga.
• 500B.C.- 800A.D. : It is the most prominent period in the development of Yoga. Commentaries of Vyasa on Yoga Sutras and Bhagvadgita etc came into existence during this period. Bhagvadgita includes the concepts of Gyan yoga, Bhakti yoga and Karma Yoga.
• 800 A.D. - 1700 A.D. : This period witnessed the teachings of Great Acharyatrayas- Adi Shankracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhavacharya. Hatha Yoga practices were popularised during this period.
• 1700 - 1900 A.D. : This is the modern period in which many great yogacharyas such as Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Paramhansa Yogananda, Vivekananda etc.have contributed in the development of Yoga. This was the period when Vedanta, Bhakti yoga, Nathayoga or Hatha-yoga flourished.

• The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which means to unite or join.
• The classical system of yoga was outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.
• Yoga was a part of Guru-Shishya parampara in the traditional education system of India.
• Some traditional Schools of Yoga are Jnana-yoga, Bhakti-yoga, Karma-yoga, Dhyana-yoga, Patanjala-yoga, Kundalini-yoga, Hatha-yoga, Mantra-yoga, Laya-yoga, Raja-yoga, Jain-yoga, Bouddha-yoga etc.
• Yoga consists of eight limbs (Ashtanga Yoga), including moral precepts (yamas), self-discipline (niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), withdrawal of the senses (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and union with the divine (samadhi).
• Hatha Yoga, which focuses on physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama), is one of the most widely practiced forms of yoga in the world today.
• There are many different styles of yoga. Some popular styles include Vinyasa Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and Ashtanga Yoga etc.
• In 2014, the United Nations declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga, recognizing the widespread impact of yoga on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

• The Patanjali Yoga Sutras is a classical text attributed to the sage Patanjali, who is considered one of the founding figures of Yoga philosophy.
• It comprises of 196 sutras divided into 4 sections -
  1. Samadhi Pada (51 sutras) : It explores the nature of yoga and the state of Samadhi (meditation)
  2. Sadhana Pada (55 sutras) : It outlines the practice of yoga using the eight limbs known as Ashtanga Yoga
  3. Vibhuti Pada (56 sutras): It discusses the supernatural powers (siddhis) arising from the practice of yoga.
  4. Kaivalya Pada (34 sutras) : It explores the ultimate goal of Yoga that is Kaivalya or liberation.
• Patanjali defines yoga as "Chitta Vritti Nirodha," which translates to "the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind."
• Patanjali identifies five Kleshas, or causes of suffering, which obstruct the path to enlightenment.
  1. Avidya (ignorance),
  2. Asmita (egoism)
  3. Raga (attachment)
  4. Dvesha (aversion)
  5. Abhinivesha (fear of death)
• The Patanjali Yoga Sutras guide yoga practitioners in their spiritual growth.

1. Yamas (Restraints) : It consists of five ethical principles to guide a Yogic behaviour :
   • Ahimsa (Non-violence)
   • Satya (Truthfulness)
   • Asteya (Non-stealing)
   • Brahmacharya (Moderation or Celibacy)
   • Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness)
2. Niyamas (Observances) : It outlines the requirement of five personal values to inculcate self-discipline.
   • Saucha (Purity)
   • Santosha (Contentment)
   • Tapas (Self-discipline)
   • Svadhyaya (Self-study or Study of sacred texts)
   • Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to a higher power or devotion)
3. Asanas
   It involves the practice of physical postures or poses to cultivate strength, flexibility, and balance in the body. These promote overall health and well-being and prepares the body for meditation.
4. Pranayama
   It focuses on breath control techniques that regulate the breath and cultivate prana (life force energy). It helps in calming the mind and increasing energy levels.
5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses)
   It involves detaching the senses from external distractions or the external world and turning the attention inward.
6. Dharana (Concentration)
   It is the practice of concentration or focused attention on a single point or object.
7. Dhyana (Meditation)
   It involves cultivating a state of meditation or contemplation, in which the mind becomes deeply absorbed in a single point of focus or inner awareness. It leads to a state of inner peace and spiritual awakening.
8. Samadhi (Union with the Divine)
   It is the ultimate goal of yoga that is union with the divine. It is a state of bliss where the individual transcends the ego and experiences the interconnectedness of all existence.

Arhatic Yoga is a modern spiritual practice that integrates various yoga techniques to provide a comprehensive system for spiritual development and personal growth.The word "Arhatic" is derived from Sankrti word "Arhat," which means "a perfected one" or "a highly evolved being". It It was developed by Master Choa Kok Sui.

• Integrated approach : Arhatic Yoga is a combination of many yoga techniques such as Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Raja Yoga and Bhakti Yoga etc.
• Multiple levels : It involves specific yoga practices at multiple levels. The techniques get advanced as practitioners progress through these levels.
• Meditations : Various meditation techniques are also part of Arhatic yoga.
• Purification : In Arhat yoga, techniques are used to purify the physical, emotional, and mental bodies

Master Choa Kok Sui is also the founder of Pranic healing practice. It is based on the principle that by manipulating the body's energy field, or "aura," healing processes can be accelerated. It involves sensing the energy field and chakras to detect imbalances or blockages in the energy system and then by using hand movements and intention clearing these blockages in aura.

• Physical health : Yoga leads to various physical health benefits such as physical benefits, including increased flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina. Yoga offers a cost-effective and accessible means of preventive healthcare.
• Mental health : Yoga's focus on breathwork, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques provides effective coping strategies for managing stress and improving mental resilience.
• Spiritual growth : Yoga offers a path to self-realization and spiritual awakening. Through practices such as meditation, mantra chanting, and self-inquiry, yoga facilitates a deeper connection with one's inner self and helps in the ultimate goal of union with the divine.
• Environmental Consciousness : Yoga emphasises on interconnectedness and respect for the natural world. Many yoga practitioners are adopting eco-conscious lifestyles, promoting environmental sustainability.
• Cultural exchange and global unity : Yoga is a part of India’s cultural heritage. Its timeless wisdom and teachings have been passed down through generations, influencing diverse cultures and civilizations around the world. As individuals from all corners of the globe come together to practice yoga, they foster mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and a shared sense of humanity.

• In 2014, 21st June was declared as an International Day of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly. This was suggested by India and received support from 170 countries. It showed the popularity of the ancient Indian practice of Yoga all over the world.
• Yoga is popular in many countries including the USA, UK, Spain, Indonesia, Morocco, Italy, France etc.
• By positioning yoga as a tool for global harmony and cooperation, India enhances its soft power influence and contributes to a more interconnected and inclusive world.

Yoga is not merely a form of exercise but a comprehensive system for holistic well-being, comprising physical postures, breathwork, meditation, and ethical principles. Yoga serves as a cultural ambassador, showcasing India's rich heritage and values on the global stage. As India's ancient gift to the world, yoga continues to inspire and transform lives, embodying timeless wisdom and universal truths that resonate across cultures and generations.