Yoga originated thousands of years ago in ancient India. The word "yoga" itself derives from the Sanskrit (ancient Indian language) word "yug," which means to yoke together or unite. Yoga essentially means the yoking together or uniting of the individual soul with the universal soul. Though most people in modern times tend to think of yoga as merely physical practices that can get them into better shape, the true purpose of yoga is deeply spiritual.
History
ABC-of-Yoga.com reports that yoga is as old as humankind, but there is no actual evidence that can prove the validity of this claim. The site further claims that there was archaeological evidence of yoga's origins in 3000 B.C. stone seals. According to the website, however, scholars believe that yoga was around even before 3000 B.C., as a companion of shamanism during the Stone Age. The site explains how both yoga and shamanism help heal people belonging to a particular community.
Identification
The origins of yoga were carefully recorded in the sage Patanjali's yoga sutras (texts) sometime between 400 B.C. and 200 A.D. Patanjali's yoga sutras contain eight steps of yoga (also known as the eight limbs of classical yoga). These include yamas and niyamas (restraints and observances, which comprise the ethical foundation of yoga practice), asanas (physical exercises), pranayama (breathing exercises), pratyhara (the practice of withdrawing the senses), dharana (concentration), dyana (meditation) and samadhi (bliss).
Features
Yoga's origins were also written down in an ancient Hindu text called the "Vedas" sometime between the first and sixth centuries B.C. in modern-day India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. During this time, there were many rishis (wise sages) who lived alone in the forest and wrote down their visions for the sake of yoga practitioners who would follow them.
Types
Yoga has evolved since ancient times, and today there are many different types of yoga styles available to practice, including Sivananda, Bikram, Kundalini, Iyengar, Ashtanga and Kripalu yoga. Special types of yoga practices also exist for prenatal women, children and the elderly, as well as for those with special conditions such as diabetes, cancer and back pain.
Benefits
There are many benefits of regular yoga practice. These include feeling greater peace of mind, increased strength, flexibility and immunity, deeper sleep, more efficient digestion, a higher energy level, better concentration and memory, and improved learning efficiency. Yoga also helps improve mood and reduces stress, anger and fear.
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