The Origins of Yoga

Yoga is so ancient that little is know about its true beginnings: what is known is that it originated in India over 5000 years ago. Sages over the years have taught this ancient wisdom through the practices of asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, silent transmissions and the exploration of a deeper understanding of the self.

‘What we know as yoga is the distillation of an entire civilization that was yogic based. People in the West do not appreciate the context, which is the whole of Indian civilization. This is what is missing and that is why it is not working well. We can not become Indians but we must confront the difference, which is the whole context.’ - Georg Feuerstein, Ph D., Yoga Historian

It was during the Vedic period, 2500 BC, that traces of archaic yoga emerged. The Sanskrit language was their medium of expression, in the beginning of the history of yoga, the knowledge that yoga represents was transmitted completely by word of mouth. The transmission was always given by a qualified teacher who had experienced what they were talking about. Thousands of years later, they shared their spiritual insights in the sacred scriptures called the ‘Vedas’ (Veda means knowledge). Here, yogis began to address the nature of pure consciousness, becoming deeply involved in ways to still the restless mind. Techniques of how to achieve one-pointed focus define the groundwork of yoga. The old sages or rishis were able to obtain astonishing knowledge and these insights came through deep meditative practices.

Originally the word ‘asana’ meant only the seat on which the yogi sat to meditate, it was much later that the other physical postures started to be also called ‘asanas’. It is said that the original intention of the thousands of yoga postures later developed was simply to support and prepare the person to sit in meditation.

The Pre-Classical, 1000 BC - 500 BC, period gave birth to the ‘Upanishads’ (Book of Wisdom). These writing expanded the Vedic texts and the focus became manís inward journey and the search of the self. During the Epic period, 600 BC, The Bhagavad Gita was written, known as the most beloved yogic text of India, it has its roots in the revelations of the Upanishads. In the epic Lord Khrishna urges his disciple, Arjuna, to follow the practices of self-understanding, selfless actions and devotion. The Gita delivers a message of great wisdom to this day.

In the Sutras period, 500 BC - 100 BC, the clear formation of the schools of Hindu Philosophy appeared, such as Buddhism, Vedanta, Jainism and Yoga. This was the first time that the systematic philosophy - or psychology - of yoga was clearly  made explicit. Patanjali’s yoga sutras united the scattered ideas on the ancient texts and the teachings by direct communication from master to disciples. It outlined, in its 196 verses, the classical yogic understandings. Patanjali’s sutras were written in an era in which Mahayana Buddhism provided a great stimulus. Scholars believe that Patanjali very likely composed this sutra in response to philosophical challenges to the Buddhist tradition.

The true purpose of Yoga is to help the individual to realize complete inner freedom. There are many paths to that, and Yoga has developed many different approaches to suit the amazing diversity that humanity represents. Approaches like Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion), Karma Yoga (Yoga of Service), Jnana Yoga (Yoga of Wisdom), Raja Yoga (Royal Yoga), Hatha Yoga (Ha-Sun / tha-Moon Yoga) and others, are all systems which seek to liberate the individual from the ordinary human condition.

Raja Yoga consists of 8 distinct steps, also know as Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali (8 limbs of yoga);

1. Yama (Abstension)       - Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

                                       - Satya (Truth)

                                       - Asteya (Non-stealing)

                                       - Brahmacharya (Celibacy)

                                       - Aparigraha (Without greed)

2. Niyama (Observance)   - Sauca (Cleanliness)

                                       - Santosha (Contentment)

                                       - Tapas (Austerity)

                                       - Svadhyaya (Self study)

                                       - Ishvarapranidhana (Surrender to the Creator)

3. Asana (Posture)

The aspect of the Patanjali’s sutras that have been exported to the West.

‘The only purpose of asanas for Patanjali is so that one can sit without distraction for meditation, without getting pins and needles and need to get up to stretch the legs.’

4. Pranayama (Breath control)

A number of different techniques designed to affect the breath with the intention to cleanse the body and mind.

5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses)

The art of re-directing the senses from their conditioned outwardly direction. As long as the senses stay that way, we are leaking a tremendous amount of life energy. Once we close our eyes and be still, turning the senses inwardly, we will need to concentrate to bring the sense to one direction, which leads to the next step …

6. Dharana  (Concentration)

… and only then to Meditation. From now on it is up to the grace of God …

7. Dhyana (Meditation)

A sense of deep tranquillity and sense of oneness with the whole.

8. Samadhi (Contemplation 

The state of total understanding. A transcendental freedom that is the only true object of Yoga.

Hatha Yoga is perhaps about 1000 years old. Its purpose is also beyond the body, it too has a spiritual purpose. Although meditation is also a crucial practice, in this system the body takes on an unprecedent importance. Hatha Yoga's main attributes for its practice are:

Shuddhi Kriya - Cleansing techniques for vitality

Asanas - For flexibility

Dyana (Meditation) & Pranayama (Breath Control) - To access and understand the body and mind subtle energy.

‘Posture practice which is basic to Hatha Yoga existed long ago but it only existed in the form of meditation postures. So, even within Hatha Yoga when we look at the its early description the only postures that are mentioned are meditation postures, which is very significant.’ - Georg Feuerstein, Ph D., Yoga Historian

In the passage of Hatha Yoga from the East to the West, much was lost. What we see today is an over-concern with the body and its looks, as well as an excessive preoccupation with flexibility, rather than its preparation to be a clean and clear vehicle for self-transformation

In order to practice Yoga authentically, we need to expand our understanding of its main purpose. As well as a regular asanas practice, it is vital to create space to practice Meditation, to embark on a journey of self-understanding and to take time off periodically to deepen the practices in a safe environment. This is what constitutes the basis of YOSSUM concept and philosophy.