1. Ancient Origins (Pre-Vedic Period)
- Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE): Early evidence of yoga practices, including seals and artifacts depicting postures and meditation, suggest yoga’s origins in the Indus Valley Civilization.
- Shamanic Traditions: Early practices likely involved meditation, breathing techniques, and physical exercises tied to spiritual and healing traditions.
2. Vedic Period (c. 1500–500 BCE)
- Vedas: The oldest sacred texts of India, the Vedas, contain early references to meditation, breath control, and ascetic practices. The Rigveda mentions the concept of yoga as a way to connect with the divine.
- Upanishads: These texts, written during the latter part of the Vedic period, explore deeper philosophical concepts such as the nature of reality and the self (Atman) and introduce early ideas related to yoga and meditation.
3. Classical Yoga (c. 500 BCE–500 CE)
- Bhagavad Gita (c. 500–200 BCE): This epic poem, part of the Mahabharata, outlines various paths of yoga, including Karma Yoga (the yoga of action), Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion), and Jnana Yoga (the yoga of knowledge).
- Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (c. 200 BCE–400 CE): One of the most influential texts, the Yoga Sutras systematize yoga into an organized framework of practices and philosophy, introducing the Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga).
4. Post-Classical Yoga (c. 500 CE–1700 CE)
- Hatha Yoga: This period saw the development of Hatha Yoga, which emphasizes physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) to prepare the body and mind for higher meditation. Key texts include the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (15th century CE) and the Gheranda Samhita.
- Tantric Yoga: The rise of Tantra introduced esoteric practices and rituals aimed at spiritual awakening, influencing Hatha Yoga and other practices with its focus on energy centers (chakras) and subtle body.
5. Modern Yoga (1700 CE–Present)
- Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902): Played a key role in introducing yoga to the Western world through his speeches at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago (1893), emphasizing the philosophical aspects of yoga.
- The Yoga Sutras and Modern Adaptations: Various modern teachers and movements adapted classical yoga practices to contemporary needs, blending traditional techniques with modern fitness and wellness approaches.
- Key Figures: Prominent modern figures include T. Krishnamacharya, who influenced many well-known yoga teachers such as B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Swami Sivananda. Their teachings helped shape the diverse yoga styles practiced today, including Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa Yoga.
- Global Expansion: Yoga gained widespread popularity in the West during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with an emphasis on physical fitness, stress reduction, and holistic health.
6. Contemporary Trends
- Diverse Styles: Today, yoga encompasses a wide range of styles and practices, from vigorous physical workouts like Power Yoga and Hot Yoga to restorative practices like Yin Yoga and therapeutic approaches.
- Integration with Wellness: Yoga is increasingly integrated into holistic health practices, including mental health, chronic pain management, and overall well-being.