Origin of Yoga (Vol 1) - Part 1

Yoga is as ancient as human civilization. Yoga was a well established system in ancient Indian civilizations, and even the scientific evidence of yogic practices can be traced back to Indus Valley Civilization which is as old as 3300 BC. Despite the authority of various yogic texts such as Patanjala Yoga Sutras, Hathayoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, regarding the methodology and ultimate aims of yoga, due to ignorance, the concept and aims of yoga are being modified erroneously.

Origin of Yoga

The origin of yoga is also misinterpreted and wrongly advocated due to the lack of proper understanding. Today, popularly great Sage Patanjali is considered as the father of yoga, however it shall be noted that he didn’t discover Yoga, but provided the systematic literature on yogic practices which were already existing. The Yoga Sutras themselves remark in the first verse: “Atha Yoga Anushasanam” - “Now, let's talk about yoga which exists”. And hence, we need to investigate the origins of yoga.

Furthermore, it shall also be noted that in order to understand Patanjala Yoga Sutras, the knowledge of Sankhya Darshana is required. Without proper understanding Purusha, Prakriti, Chitta, Vrittis, Karmendriyas, jnanendriyas etc., which are elaborated in Sankhya Darshana, discussion on Yoga Sutras will be a futile exercise.

To be continued.......