|
Loading...
|
The History of Yoga
|
Loading...
|
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:
Health Calendar: Yoga for seniors; infant CPR Dallas Morning News, TX - Discover Yoga for Seniors and Body Recall taught Monday, Wednesday and Friday through March 13 at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, 9200 Inwood Road at ... |
Resolve to practice Yoga KSEE, CA - By KSEE News Marie Dibona from Coil Yoga is live in the KSEE 24 studios to show you how Yoga can become part of your New Year resolution. ... |
Practice Yoga for Better Orgasms Mom Logic, CA - We've always known yoga is an effective exercise and helpful for relaxation -- but it turns out it's also a great way to spice up your sex life. ... Another Reason to Exercise: Better Sex Through Yoga |
Sports Yoga Classes now offered at North Myrtle Beach Community Center NorthMyrtleBeachOnline.com, SC - Sport yoga is a modern practice utilizing various forms of yoga, Pilates mat work and sport stretching techniques in order to strengthen muscles, ... |
 Examiner.com | Do you need to detox? Try this yoga move. Examiner.com - I'm not talking about the master cleanse diet, or even the eat clean diet, but rather simple detoxifying yoga moves. A few simple yoga moves can really open ... |
Renu Yoga Launches New Line of Organic Cotton Athletic Wear, Other ... PR Web (press release), WA - Oakland, CA (PRWEB) January 6, 2009 -- Renu Yoga, an LA based manufacturer has launched a new line of organic cotton apparel. ... |
Anna Portela: Benefits of Group Yoga EmpowHer, AZ - I’ve practiced hatha yoga, which consists of postures and breathing exercises, for a number of years in my living room, with the aid of a book. ... |
Yoga to fill Delano space when bath shop moves The Wichita Eagle, KS - She's able to make the move because Adrian Tartler decided to take over her space at 535 W. Douglas for Siva, a wellness business that focuses on yoga, ... |
Palm Yoga to offers free kids Yoga in Carrollwood Temple Terrace University Beacon, FL - Rebecca Wood-Deichert, owner of Palm Yoga, will teach the class. Wood-Deichert has taught yoga since 1998. She holds two teaching certificates, ... |
Health from the inside out Dallas Morning News, TX - A series of yoga-related poses – the "five Tibetans," which Dailey gleaned from Peter Kelder's book, Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth: Book 1 ... |
This is Not Your Grandma's Rocking Chair
Senior Yoga / Chair YogaIs it possible that grandparents are working out more than any other members of the family? Absolutely - I see energetic Chair Yoga classes with as many as 50 people in a single class. Lately, I have been training local Yoga teachers to keep up with this popular demand.
Yogic Way of Controlling of Thoughts
As described in my earlier article..
Some Tantric Exercises to Increase General Well-Being and Sexual Abilities
A healthy anal and genital area is of great importance both for the general well-being and for the sexual abilities. The same is thrue about a healthy respiratory tract and breathing apparatus.
Yoga Mats - Are They All Created Equal?
Yoga mats are a basic part of every practice. What you might not realize is that there are several types of yoga mats that you can choose from.
Yoga Position - What Does Each Type Do?
I often wondered what the value of each type of yoga position is, so I did some research to find out. All yoga positions help to develop strength and flexibility.
What is Self Mastery? - Part 1
Self Mastery, alone, sounds like a selfish term; but if you cannot help yourself, you will have limited ability to help others. Self mastery is the ability to make the most out of your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Are You Willing To Follow Eight Yoga Exercises For the Lower Back?
EXERCISES FOR BACK RELIEFMany people believe that rest is best for a painful back, but actually, what your back really needs when it's hurt is exercise. Regular exercise relieves back pain by strengthening and stretching the muscles that support the spine and helps to prevent future injury.
The Benefit of Yoga
The benefit of yoga practice goes far beyond the actual time you spend in the poses. One of the most common reasons why people begin practicing yoga is to improve their health and well-being.
Maybe Bikram is Right?
For some reason, I had the time to sit down and watch a little television, and as luck would have it, Bikram Choudhury was being interviewed on 60 Minutes Wednesday.My wife, Marie and I don't often get home at that time of the night, as we are usually closing up the wellness center, so this was fate and a bit of luck.
Yoga and Meditation - That Leads to Gaining Enlightenment in this Life?
Every process of Yoga..
How to Find the Right Yoga Class For You
There are many types of yoga, some with more emphasis on the physical part of the practice and some with a more spiritual approach, some that will make you sweat and some where you'd spend half a class holding the same posture.There is a type of yoga for anyone!When choosing a class that's right for you, you have to consider your personal preferences.
Confessions of a Yoga Teacher
The following are questions that Yoga teachers still need to answer, despite overwhelming evidence that Yoga is "the mother of all health maintenance systems." Mainstream thought is finally catching up, with the progress Yoga is making, but it has taken 5,000 years for us to get this far.
Secrets of Teaching Yoga
What you are about to read applies to teaching, in general. In fact, we are all teachers, to some degree.
What is Self Mastery? - Part 4
Now, let's cover the last component of self-mastery, which is spiritual health. Sometimes, the discussion of spiritual health is considered "politically incorrect.
Yoga Accessories- Getting What You Really Need
Unlike some other sports, you don't need a lot of yoga accessories when you practice. With yoga, your body is really the most important 'equipment' that you need.
True Essence of Yoga
Yoga is the most prestigious field of spiritualism. People think about 6 wheels (Chakras) or lotus flowers present in the spinal card, which are not seen by the eyes.
Yoga - The Solution for Insomnia
At one time, or another, all of us have experienced insomnia for any type of reason. There are times when lack of sleep just can't be helped, such as: the loss a loved one, going through a divorce, and losing your job.
Hot Yoga - Bikrams Twenty Six
Even though the world population has shifted from mainlyrural to mainly urban in the last decade, there are stilllots of folks like me who live in the sticks. Doing thingslike taking a yoga class becomes a different thing in ourcase from driving to the neighborhood gym.
Yoga for Fun and Profit
Stress levels around the world are on the rise. In order to deal with this, relaxation and stress reduction therapies have sprung up from everywhere.
Discover How Yoga Will Help You Reach Your Goals - Part 2
At this point, let's break down the major components of a typical Hatha Yoga session, and see how each one will enable you to reach your goals. There are nine main styles of Yoga in India, but most of the popular styles, outside of India, are variations of Hatha Yoga.