Why Practice Yoga, History, Development

Practicing yoga is not just an exercise system; it's a 4,000+ year-old spiritual science. People practice yoga today to align body, mind, and soul—not only to be fit, but to become free (liberated). Its history weaves through ancient Indian spirituality, philosophical texts, and modern wellness culture.

Here’s a full breakdown, including the complete history and reasons someone might practice yoga:

Why People Practice Yoga

  1. Physical Health: Increases flexibility, strength, balance, and improves posture.

  2. Mental Clarity: Reduces stress, anxiety, and promotes calmness and mindfulness.

  3. Spiritual Growth: Connects the practitioner to inner peace, higher consciousness, and self-realization.

  4. Emotional Balance: Cultivates inner peace, discipline, and emotional resilience.

  5. Breath Control: Improves lung function, energy flow (prana), and vitality.

  6. Healing and Therapy: Used in modern medicine for back pain, high blood pressure, depression, PTSD, etc.

  7. Lifestyle Alignment: Yoga promotes a sattvic (pure) lifestyle aligned with nonviolence, truth, and self-restraint.

The Complete History of Yoga

1. Pre-Vedic Period (Before 3000 BCE)

  • The earliest signs of yoga date back to Indus Valley Civilization, where seals depict figures in meditative poses.

  • Focused on shamanic practices, nature worship, and early breath control.

2. Vedic Period (1500–500 BCE)

  • Yoga was part of Vedic rituals and hymns, especially in the Rigveda.

  • Practice involved sacrifices, mantras, and meditative states to unite with divine forces.

  • Early yogis were rishis (sages) practicing deep contemplation.

3. Upanishadic Period (800–200 BCE)

  • Shifted from external rituals to inner experience.

  • Introduced concepts like Atman (soul), Brahman (universal soul), and Moksha (liberation).

  • Texts like the Katha Upanishad mention yoga as the control of the senses and mind.

4. Classical Period (200 BCE – 500 CE)

  • The systematization of yoga begins.

  • Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (c. 200 BCE): the foundation of Raja Yoga (Eightfold Path).

    • Yama (ethics), Niyama (discipline), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath), Pratyahara (withdrawal), Dharana (focus), Dhyana (meditation), Samadhi (absorption).

  • Focus on mental discipline, concentration, and self-liberation.

5. Post-Classical Period (500 – 1500 CE)

  • Emergence of Tantra Yoga and Hatha Yoga.

  • Focus shifted to the body as a vehicle for enlightenment.

  • Development of chakras, kundalini, mudras, bandhas, and advanced asanas.

  • Texts: Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, Shiva Samhita.

6. Modern Period (1800s – Present)

  • Yoga introduced to the West by figures like Swami Vivekananda (1893) and Paramahansa Yogananda.

  • 20th century teachers like Krishnamacharya, Pattabhi Jois (Ashtanga Yoga), B.K.S. Iyengar (Iyengar Yoga) revolutionized physical yoga (asana-based).

  • Yoga becomes a global wellness movement, combining physical fitness, stress relief, and spiritual growth.


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