Yoga and Its Origins

The word Yoga is derived from the sanskrit word “yuj” which means to bind, yoke, join and or

unite. A coming together so to speak. It refers to the coming together of the individual self with that of the universal Self, or the individual consciousness with universal consciousness. 

Yoga originated in India but there is some debate as to when it originated, stone tablets depicting yoga asana have been found dating back some 3500 - 5000 years old with some believing it to be as old as 15000 years. Regardless of the uncertainty of the time period yoga was established, its wisdom is timeless.

What is Yoga?

Approximately 2500 years ago on the Indian subcontinent a polymath named Patanjali wrote the Yoga Sutras, now known as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Prior to this yoga was taught through oral transmission, so the Yoga Sutras is the first known text to convey and describe the yoga journey.

The yoga Sutras contain 4 chapters, 196 verses are contained within these 4 chapters. Chapter 1 verse 2 Patanjali wrote the definition of yoga:

“Yogas citta vrtti nirodhah”

translated to english

“Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of consciousness”

Put simply the practice of yoga restores the mind and emotions to peace, harmony and stillness. The definition of Yoga as expressed by Patanjali 2500 years ago is as relevant now as it was back then. We only have to view the world at large to see how peace, harmony and stillness is largely absent in our current times.

Patanjali continues to describe the method where by stillness can be cultivated and lays out the eightfold path which consists of 

Yama - Social Discipline’s (of which there are 5)

Ahimsa - Non Violence

Satya - Truthfulness

Asteya - Non Stealing

Brahmacharya  - Self Restraint

Aparigraha  - Non Possessiveness

Niyama - Individual Discipline’s (of which there are 5)

Sauca  - Cleanliness

Santosha - Contentment

Tapas - Discipline

Svadhaya - Self Study

Isvara Pranidhana   -  Surrender of the self

Asana - Yoga Postures

Pranayama - Control of the breath

Pratyahara - Withdrawal of the senses

Dharana - Concentration

Dhyana - Meditation

Samadhi - Union

Many perceive yoga to be the practice of the yoga asana (postures) alone, as one can see it is one aspect only. Through the observation and practice of this eightfold path one can cultivate a life experience that is wholesome, integrated and complete. Yoga is a universal practice, a system of self management, transcends religious and cultural boundaries. It is an inner technology for inner wellbeing that is accessible to all. 

“We must create a marriage between the awareness of the body and that of the mind. When two parties do not cooperate, there is unhappiness on both sides.”

― B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Life