Yoga is a millennia-old physical science that originated in Hinduism. However, yoga scholars disagree on the exact date of its origin, as there are countless myths and stories surrounding its development. Therefore, the origin of yoga history cannot be precisely dated. Yoga has continued to evolve and has long since arrived in the Western world.
Whether Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, or Ashtanga Yoga, a classic yoga session includes asanas, breathing exercises , and meditation. Both mind and body are trained equally. Particularly motivated yogis strive to lead a holistic, peaceful, and contented life entirely according to the teachings of yoga.
We'll give you a little insight into the history of yoga and what you should definitely know about its philosophy and lifestyle.
History of Yoga: Where did yoga originate?
When studying yoga, it's naturally very interesting to know where this spiritual philosophy originates. Yoga has evolved over thousands of years to reach its present form. There are many myths surrounding its origins. One of the established facts is that physical exercises were not initially part of yoga practice. It was purely a matter of meditative practices for the mind. Although a few asanas were already described, they were intended to prepare the body for long periods of meditation.
Development of yoga from 3 different basic texts
Yoga is shaped by several influences that have transformed it from a purely meditative spiritual discipline into the bodywork we know today. Particularly important are:
• the collection of texts Vedas and their treatise the Upanishads
• Patanjali's Yoga Sutra
• Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Influence of Yoga on the Vedas and Upanishads
The Vedas are considered the oldest known texts of Indian religion. They are estimated to have been composed between approximately 1500 and 500 BC, meaning they developed into their final written form over 1,000 years. The spiritual Vedas consist of a multitude of texts divided into four books: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
The main part of the Vedas consists of:
• Sacrificial rituals
• Mantras
• Hymns
However, a collection of asanas as practiced in modern yoga is not found in the ancient texts. The Upanishads, which developed from the Vedas, are more philosophical and "yogic." The Upanishads are a collection of almost 200 short philosophical texts that are of great importance for world history.
Influence of Yoga on Yoga Sutra
Other well-known texts include the Yoga Sutras. These are a collection of 196 beautiful aphorisms. They originated around 400 AD. They address the state of spiritual liberation, which can be achieved through a specific process with eight components. Modern yoga is often based on them and serves as an important foundation for yogis. The Yoga Sutras, the eight-limbed path of yoga, are usually part of yoga teacher training. Depending on the orientation, other texts can also serve as the basis for yoga teaching.
The 8 limbs of the Yoga Sutra, often depicted as a wheel, are:
• Yamas - Dealing with the environment
• Niyama - Dealing with yourself
• Asana - Dealing with the body
• Pranayama - dealing with the breath
• Pratyahara - Dealing with the senses
• Dharana - Concentration
• Dhyana - Meditation
• Samadhi - inner freedom
The terms are used in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and other Indian teachings.
Influence of Yoga by Hatha Yoga Pradipika
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika bridged the gap between yoga and physical work. This text is closest to modern yoga. It was written in the 15th century by the Indian Rishi Swatmarama. It is a very physical form of yoga that pursues various purposes. The goal of the practices, for example, is to cleanse the body so that energy can flow freely. This cleansing works not only through physical exercises but also externally through nasal irrigation.
Pranayama is also addressed in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika with various breathing exercises. Along with various yoga exercises that are still practiced today, it is a major precursor to modern yoga.
Other writings that have influenced yoga
There is no single scripture from which yoga originated. Over the millennia, many scriptures and sources have developed that still shape modern yoga practice today. In addition to the Vedas, Upanishads, Yoga Sutras, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika, there are many other scriptures that have influenced yoga to a greater or lesser extent.
Other important yoga scriptures:
• Smritis
Smirtis are sacred texts that have been passed down to Indians through people's memories. They contain rules of conduct for all situations in life and legal texts.
• Puranas
The Puranas are primarily orally transmitted texts and describe festivals and ceremonies to worship the main deities Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. These texts date from 400 to 1000 AD and are of great importance in Indian philosophy. They are among the most important sacred texts in Hinduism. They also contain rules and duties for social and religious life.
• Itihasas
The Itihasas are simplified versions of the original Vedas. To convey their wisdom in a way that is understandable to the general public, the Vedas were rewritten as heroic epics.
• Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is the most important philosophical text of the Mahabharata. It is said to have been written between 400 BC and 400 AD and contains approximately 100,000 couplets. It depicts the divine in the form of Sri Krishna. He represents the path that symbolizes the highest reality through selfless action, the path of knowledge, and devotion to the divine. The main plot is an intense dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, which takes place on an Indian battlefield. It is intended to teach, for example, the right way of life and right action in the world.
Since when has yoga existed in Germany?
As early as the 18th century, Wilhelm von Humboldt was utterly enthusiastic about the Bhagavad Gita. He even learned Sanskrit to understand it in the original. Goethe and Nietzsche are also said to have enjoyed the text. At the end of the 20th century, the yoga scene slowly began to gain momentum. In 1921, the first yoga school was founded in Berlin. The bodywork became known to a wider audience in 1973 when a Hatha Yoga series began on ZDF. During the hippie decade, yoga quickly spread throughout the population.
And today? Yoga has been a trend for a long time! One in five people in Germany has some yoga experience. Almost 3 million people reported practicing yoga regularly in 2020. And almost 7 million people use their yoga mat at least occasionally (source: Statista). Overall, there has been a growing number of yogis in this country for years who regularly train their bodies and minds.
What types of yoga are there?
Countless yoga styles have now evolved from these significant religious texts. And more specialized yoga styles will surely be invented in the future. The original form is Hatha Yoga, from which the other yoga styles evolved.
A small selection of yoga types:
• Yin yoga
• Yoga Nidra
• Bikram Yoga
• Kriya Yoga
• Hatha Yoga
• Bhakti Yoga
•Hormone Yoga
• Power Yoga
• Kundalini Yoga
• Ashtanga Yoga
• Vinyasa Yoga
Fascination with Yoga in the present
These days, it almost seems as if finding one's own happiness and living a fulfilling life has become a trend. The term "mindfulness" is on everyone's lips and, for many, is the path to a fulfilling life. Perhaps this is precisely why yoga is enjoying ever-increasing popularity.
No wonder! It's a wonderful way to harmonize your body and mind through physical exercises and meditation and to live in the here and now. Because in our hectic daily lives, it's easy to lose touch with yourself.
By the way: Originally, yoga was taught one-on-one, and one cultivated a close connection with one's spiritual master. Today, there's a huge selection of yoga teachers and courses, and you can easily switch between them if you want.
Did you know how yoga originated? Do you practice yoga regularly or would you like to start? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
