Do you know the history of Yoga?
In this blog, we will be detailing a brief history of yoga and its ancient beginnings that have transformed the lives of so many people worldwide. If you want to improve your fitness levels, your flexibility and your state-of-mind, then yoga could be your calling.
An Introduction to the History of Yoga
Yoga is essentially the practice of bringing harmony to your mind and body using a subtle science based on spiritual discipline. It is the art and science of healthy living. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’. According to modern scientists, every single thing in the universe is connected as a part of the same quantum firmament. A Yogi is someone who experiences this oneness of existence and is said to be ‘in yoga’. Yoga at its core is the pursuit of self-realisation, to overcome all forms of suffering and to eventually to liberate oneself in order to live with freedom in all walks of life. It can be traced back as far as 2700 BC and has proven to be an incredible source of physical, mental and spiritual upliftment for all mankind.
The Development of Yoga
It is believed that yoga was birthed at the same time as civilisation itself. The science of yoga is many thousands of years in the making before any belief systems or religions. It is during this time on the banks of Kantisarovar in the Himalayas, that Adiyogi, commonly accepted as the first Yogi, imbued his wealth of wisdom and knowledge into the Saptarishis or ‘seven sages’. It was they who shared the power of yoga with the world specifically Asia, the Middle East, Northern Africa and South America. However, despite scholars marvelling at the parallels between ancient cultures around the world, it is in India that the yogic system is believed to have been born in its purest form. This is validated by the numerous seals and fossils that have been uncovered in the Indus Saraswati valley civilisation of Ancient India. There is feeling that yoga had its Classical period between 500 BC and 800 AD. This era is considered to be the most fertile and prominent period in yoga’s development and the teachings found here were to provide the essential building blocks of contemporary yoga that we see today.
The Truth About Yoga
There is no right way to practice yoga. For a lot of people, it is restricted to Hatha Yoga and Asanas (postures), but these are simply the first steps in order for your body to withstand the physical elements and provide levels of energy required to go on and achieve enlightenment of the body, the breath, the mind and the inner self. Yoga is a great way to exercise and as a form of physical therapy, is a very effective tool. While physical and mental health is a natural consequence of yoga, its goal is far more encompassing. By practicing yoga, you should strive to harmonise yourself with the universe and to achieve the very highest level of perception. That being said, yoga is exactly what you want it to be and as we mentioned there is no right or wrong way to practice and we will ensure that you are provided with everything you need to achieve your goals.
Here at Bonfire Yoga in Brisbane, we are always looking to enlighten our members. The benefits of yoga are felt in all aspects, and as our name suggests we specialise in the in the wonderful world of hot yoga, a practice that has the potential to change your life for the better.
To find out more about our yoga classes or to become a member of Bonfire Yoga Brisbane, please click here.
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