HISTORY OF YOGA:

Yoga is a spiritual practice. It is more than doing physical exercise for improvement of health. About 5000 years ago, it was developed in India. In olden days, the passion for personal freedom, healthy life and self-understanding led to such a system of mental and physical exercise. Today, this system is very popular not only in India but all around the world. Ancient Yoga writings were inscribed on palm leaves which can easily be dented and destroyed. You can find Yoga in the scriptures of Upanishads and Vedas.

Considering the interconnection between the mind and body, yoga specialists formed a unique technique for maintaining the balance. This method includes all the movements associated with various meditation and breathing strategies which guarantee physical health and peace of mind. From Yogis point of view, true happiness, freedom and enlightenment comes from the combination of divine consciousness called as "Brahman". Lord Shiva, who is also termed as "Yogpurush", is actually considered the first master of Yoga. The history of Yoga can be classified into four periods namely, pre-classical period, classical, post-classical and modern period.

Pre-Classical Period:

In this period of time, Yoga was devised by the Indus-Sarasvathi civilization in Northern parts of India. The word "Yoga" was mentioned for the very first time, in the Rig Veda, which is the oldest of all the Vedas. Then it was slowly developed by the priests of Vedic period. It was these priests of the Vedic period, who documented the beliefs and practices in the Upanishads. Bhagavad Gita, one of the most famous scriptures, was compiled in this pre-classical period of time.

Classical Period:

In was this classical period, when the first presentation of Yoga was done in Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These Yoga sutras were framed in the second century. These describe the path of Raja Yoga. The Raja Yoga is also called as "Classical Yoga". Patanjali's Yoga sutras powerfully influenced various styles of Modern Yoga. He is considered as the Father of Yoga.

Post-Classical Period:

The teachers of this period developed a system of practices which helps in revitalizing the body and soul. The teachings of ancient Vedas were neglected and "Tantra Yoga" was developed with many techniques to purify the body and soul. These practices which involve our body led to the creation of another type of Yoga called as "Hatha Yoga".

Modern Period:

During this period, the Yoga teachers began travelling to the Western countries in order to attract followers. In the year 1920, Mr. T. Krishnamacharya strongly endorsed the growth of Hatha Yoga. He travelled to many places in India and demonstrated about the various Yoga positions. It was he who opened the first Hatha Yoga school. He continued his legacy and was responsible for the fame of Hatha Yoga in this modern period.