The POWER OF YOGA - Understanding it’s history, PHILOSOPHY & Benefits

The word 'yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit root 'yuj',
meaning 'to join' or 'to yoke' or 'to unite'.

Yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness & universal consciousness,
indicating a perfect harmony between the body, mind & soul.
Yoga is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years to promote physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
With its roots in ancient India, yoga has evolved into a globally recognized form of exercise and meditation that is accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

In this blog post we will dive into the history, philosophy & benefits of yoga.

The History of Yoga

Yoga has its roots in ancient India, where it was used as a form of spiritual practice and meditation.
The earliest references to yoga can be found in the Hindu scriptures known as the Vedas, which date back to around 5000 years ago.
The earliest evidence of yoga comes from the Indus Valley Civilization, where researchers have found artifacts depicting people in yoga poses.

The first systematic treatise on yoga was the ‘Yoga Sutras’, written by the sage Patanjali around 400 CE.
The Yoga Sutras defined the eight limbs of yoga which include
ethical principles, physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation techniques.

Yoga remained a primarily Indian practice until the 20th century, when it began to spread to the West.
In 1893, Swami Vivekananda gave a talk on yoga at the World Parliament of religions in Chicago,
introducing the practice to a western audience.

When yoga began to evolve and adapt to modern Western culture, in the 1920’s,’
the Indian teacher Krishnamacharya developed a form of yoga that emphasized physical postures and breath control,
which became the basis for many of the modern styles of yoga.

Over the centuries, yoga has evolved and expanded and is being practiced in many different forms around the world.
However, despite these changes, the core principles of yoga remain the same:
the practice of physical postures, breath control & meditation, to promote both physical and mental well-being.

Today, yoga is a popular form of exercise and meditation practiced by millions of people around the world.
There are many different styles of yoga, from the gentle, meditative practice of Yin Yoga to the more challenging, athletic practice of Ashtanga Yoga.

In recent years, there has been growing scientific interest in the health benefits of yoga.
Studies have shown that yoga can help reduce stress, improve flexibility and balance and even lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

As yoga continues to evolve and grow, it is likely that we will see even more new styles and approaches to the practice emerge.
Some people predict that yoga will become even more popular in the coming years,
as more people seek ways to improve their physical and mental health.

The Philosophy of Yoga

The philosophy of yoga is rooted in the ancient texts known as the ‘Vedas’, which date back to around 1500 BCE.

At its core, yoga is a philosophical system that seeks to promote self-awareness and spiritual growth.
The ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve union with the divine or enlightenment.
Also known as a union with your body, mind & soul.

In yoga, the body is seen as a temple that houses the spirit and

the practice of yoga is seen as a way to purify and balance yourself physically and mentally.
By practicing yoga we can develop greater self-awareness and a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

’The Yoga Sutras’
written by Patanjali around 400 CE

They are the foundational text of yoga philosophy.
The sutras define yoga as the end of the fluctuations of the mind and describe the eight limbs of yoga,
which include ethical principles, physical postures, breathing exercises & meditation techniques.

One of the key concepts in yoga philosophy is the idea of the self, or Atman.
According to yoga philosophy, the self is the true essence of a person and is separate from the body and mind.
By practicing yoga, individuals can realize their true self and achieve a state of liberation known as ‘moksha’.

Another important concept in yoga philosophy is the idea of the three gunas, or qualities of nature/energy.
These gunas are tamas (chaos & darkness), rajas (activity & passion), and sattva (harmony & purity).
In order to achieve balance and harmony in life, yoga practitioners strive to cultivate sattva and reduce tamas and rajas.

Yoga philosophy also includes the concepts of karma and reincarnation.
According to these ideas, a person's actions in this life will determine their fate in future lives.
By practicing yoga, individuals can purify their karma and achieve a higher state of being in future lives.

Yoga philosophy also emphasizes the importance of non-attachment and detachment.
By letting go of attachments to material possessions and desires,
individuals can achieve a state of inner peace and contentment.

An important part of the yoga philosophy is by practicing selfless service or ‘karma yoga’,
By serving others, individuals can achieve a state of spiritual fulfillment
and contribute to the well-being of society as a whole.

The benefits of yoga for body, mind & soul

Yoga offers a wide range of benefits for the body, mind, and soul.

Yoga can help reduce:
Anxiety
Body pain
Depression
Chronic pains
Lower blood pressure
Stiffness
Stress

Yoga can help improve:
Concentration
Balance
Flexibility
Focus
Inner Peace
Memory
Strength

Yoga can help deepen your spiritual awareness and connect you with a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

If you're looking to improve your physical health, reduce stress, anxiety, or deepen your spiritual awareness,
yoga is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner,
yoga can help you to find a greater sense of balance and peace in your life.

-Jannina Manjang
JM HOLISTIC WELLNESS