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Saturday, October 5th, 2024

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A Brief History of Yoga Practice

Yoga has a rich and complex history that dates back over 5,000 years, originating in ancient India with the Indus-Sarasvati civilization. The earliest references to yoga can be found in the Rig Veda, one of the oldest sacred texts, which mentions various rituals and meditative practices. Over time, these practices evolved through oral traditions and were later documented in texts like the Upanishads, which emphasized self-knowledge and the internalization of ritual sacrifice. The Bhagavad-Gîtâ, composed around 500 BCE, further explored these concepts, integrating ideas of karma and wisdom into the practice of yoga. This early period laid the foundation for what would become a diverse array of yogic traditions, each contributing to the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of yoga.

The Classical period of yoga is marked by the work of Patanjali, who authored the Yoga Sutras around the 2nd century CE. This text systematically outlined the practice of yoga through the "Eight Limbs," providing a structured approach to achieving enlightenment or Samadhi. Following Patanjali, various schools of thought emerged, including Hatha Yoga, which focused on physical postures and breath control as a means to attain spiritual goals. The modern period saw yoga's introduction to the West in the late 19th century, significantly influenced by figures like Swami Vivekananda and later by teachers such as B.K.S. Iyengar and T.K.V. Desikachar, who popularized Hatha Yoga. Today, yoga is practiced globally, encompassing a wide range of styles that emphasize physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being, reflecting its evolution from ancient spiritual practice to contemporary wellness trend.

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Have yourself a wonderful Saturday. Enjoy your Americano.