By Rebecca Prescott

The popularization of yoga in the West by yoga schools influenced by the Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali (2nd century BC), have almost led to the origins of yoga being linked with Patanjali in the Western mind. In fact, the earliest illustration we have of yoga is from the Mohenjo-daro seals.

Mohenjo-Daro is the remains of an ancient city located in Pakistan, part of the Indus Valley civilization which existed along the Indus river and Ghaggar-Hakra river in north-west India and what is now Pakistan. Mohenjo-Daro’s parent city was Harrapa in India.

These civilizations have been dated from 3300 BC to 1300 BC. At one stage they were thought to have suddenly ended due to an Aryan invasion, though archaeologists now believe it was more likely due to climate change. Ultimately though, nothing is certain in the world of archaeology, at least until the next find, or developments in science.

The Mohenjo-daro seals show a figure standing on its head, and another sitting cross legged.

However, some see yoga’s origins as being from the Vedic shastras, or vedic religious texts, which are the foundation of Indian Hinduism. The Vedic texts were created from 500 BC, and the Rigveda is believed to have been completed by 1500 BC. The Rigveda is one of several principle early vedic texts. The Rigveda, Samaveda, and Yajurveda were used by the Brahmins, a caste that were usually priests, or allowed to be priests, in the days when the caste system originated.

A lot of these texts were concerned with sacrificial rituals. There are sacrificial prayers, incantations, and elements related to magic, to name a few aspects of the subject matter. These are now viewed symbolically, or philosophically, although they were presumably intended more literally at the time. But the word “yoga” was discussed in the RigVeda. In it, there is mention of ‘yoking’ our mind and insight to the ‘Sun Of Truth’ (David Frawley, a Vedic scholar).

Yoga is also discussed in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna describes 4 types of yoga:

* selfless action – in following one’s soul path, one’s dharma, first and foremost, and without thinking of the outcome, the end result, or being motivated by self gain (Karma Yoga)

* self transcending knowledge (Jnana yoga)

* psycho-physical meditation (Raja yoga)

* devotion – loving service to the Divine Essence (Bhakti yoga) (Source – Wikipedia)

The Bhagavad Gita is believed to have been written between the 5th and 2nd century BC. In the Gita, the goal of yoga is the realization of Brahman, or the Divine Essence. Whilst the paths to achieve this for individuals may be different, the essence of coming to an unequivocable knowing of the Oneness of the Divine, and oneself within this fundamental reality, is the same.

“The Gita addresses the discord between the senses and the intuition of cosmic order. It speaks of the Yoga of equanimity, a detached outlook. The term Yoga covers a wide range of meanings, but in the context of the Bhagavad Gita, describes a unified outlook, serenity of mind, skill in action, and the ability to stay attuned to the glory of the Self (Atman), which is of the same essence as the basis of Being (Brahman).” (Wikipedia)

Read about the invocation to sage patanjali here. Learn more about kriya yoga, here.

http://www.yogatohealth.com/The_Influence_of_The_Invocation_To_Sage_Patanjali.html

http://www.yogatohealth.com/Kriya_Yoga_Techniques_And_The_Path_Of_Self_Mastery.html

Become a Yoga Teacher

——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–

By Peter Crump

The history of Yoga is an interesting one indeed. It is not entirely clear in many respects, but much is well known about the history of Yoga.

It is thought that the word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word yog meaning union or yoke. This is thought to refer to the ultimate aim of Yoga, which is a union. That union is supposed to be the union of body and mind, reaching a state of higher mental being or spiritual awareness.

Yoga was originally a spiritual undertaking, designed for the improvement of the spiritual being. It is much more commonly practiced today for it’s relaxation and health benefits, and because it is a fun pastime, but it was originally a spiritual quest.

It is known for it’s physical exercises which in turn facilitate with increased flexibility. It can also be extremely useful to facilitate meditation. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years.

Some Yoga devotees claim that Yoga history starts with a carving of a man sitting cross legged with outstretched arms which as found on a seal which itself is thought to be around 8000 years old.

And some see the beginnings of Yoga to be found in the old Hindu writings known as Vedic Shastras. This would put Yoga at around 4000 years old.

Yoga as a discipline of that name can be found in the Upanishads which gave life to the Bhagavad Gita. This is considered to be the original writings on Yoga and sets out clearly the basis for the self realization which was Yogas goal. It also sets out the 3 main branches of Yoga known as Karma, Jnana and Bhakti.

There are now many streams of Yoga. Most are most closely related to Hatha Yoga which is younger than some other forms, thought to go back around 700 years. The Swami Swatamarama set out the major tenets of Hatha Yoga in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and this form is followed by millions of Hindus as a way of life.

It is clear that the history of Yoga is not clear. That does not though detract from the fact that Yoga, particularly as practiced by more western adherents, is a relaxing and enjoyable pastime that has substantial health benefits. Whatever the history of Yoga, it is now practiced by many people in our society and is constantly growing in popularity.

If you’d like to see what Yoga is all about then give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

To find out more about Yoga visit Peter’s Website The Good Yoga Guide at http://www.goodyogaguide.com/ and find out about Yoga Health Benefits and more including Yoga resources

strong>Become a Yoga Teacher

——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–

By Tim James

Have you been unable to think properly? Have you been so stressed lately? Are you person that would be easily pressured? These are some of the questions by some persons who do not have time to rest and relax. The answer to your problems could be to learn basic yoga.

If you have the attitude to always cram in every activity you do, there is a tendency that it would result disastrously. Meditation is the best way to overcome these problems (stressed, pressured). Expert says that the best effective way in meditating is when doing yoga.

What is yoga?

Yoga has been a spiritual practice in India. There are four main kinds of yoga, which are Raja Yoga, Jhana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Karma Yoga. However, in this article, you should be able to learn the basics of yoga.

Let us focus the fundamentals of yoga. The four steps are breathing, meditation, posture and relaxation. The basic objective of yoga is to free your mind from problems and worries. When doing this, you are actually releasing any intensions such as stressed at work or even your worries from the past.

The popular yoga meditation is done when sitting cross-legged with your straight back. Relax your hands, place your palm face up above your legs. It is important to breathe deeply while closing your eyes. Relax your muscles, particularly your jaw. Then unconsciously, you will be feeling better and relax.

Expert says that is better if you would attend yoga class at least twice a week to properly learn basic yoga. However, this may not work for you because of your busy schedule. Therefore, it will be very helpful if you would know the basics of yoga.

Now, start practicing to learn basic yoga meditation because this will help you bring closer to a stress free life. Now take a deep breathe and get started on your journey to stress free city.

Why not sign up for a FREE Brand New 5 Part Ecourse that will get you started here at Learn Basic Yoga.

http://www.infotoyou.info/Learn_Basic_Yoga/

If you are considering trying yoga this is a great way to start. You will begin to feel the benefits from day 1.

Become a Yoga Teacher

——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–