Yoga’s roots stretch back thousands of years, weaving through ancient India’s philosophical and spiritual landscape. Here’s a glimpse into its rich history:

Pre-Vedic Era (3300 – 1500 BCE):

Legends speak of yoga existing since the dawn of civilization, with Shiva, the “Adi Yogi” (first yogi), transmitting knowledge to the Saptarishis (seven sages) who then spread it far and wide. Archaeological evidence from the Indus Valley Civilization (around 3300 BCE) hints at yoga-like practices depicted on seals and figurines.

Vedic Period (1500 – 500 BCE):

The word “yoga” first appears in the Rig Veda, one of the oldest surviving Indo-European texts. Here, it refers to a mental state of union or yoking. The focus was on rituals and attaining knowledge through hymns and mantras.

Pre-Classical Period (500 BCE – 200 CE):

The Upanishads, philosophical treatises within Hinduism, delved deeper into yoga’s essence. They emphasized the concept of “Atman” (soul) and “Brahman” (ultimate reality), with yoga seen as a way to unite them. This period also saw the rise of asceticism and Shramana movements, where yoga practices were used for spiritual liberation.

Classical Period (200 BCE – 800 CE):

This era witnessed the systematization of yoga. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, composed around 200 BCE, became the foundational text of yoga philosophy. It outlined the eight limbs of yoga, a structured path to attain enlightenment. Yoga gained recognition as one of the six orthodox schools of Hinduism. Hatha yoga texts, focusing on physical postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama), also emerged during this time.

Post-Classical Period (800 CE – 1800 CE):

Tantric traditions influenced yoga, introducing esoteric practices and emphasizing the body’s subtle energy systems. Bhakti yoga, the path of devotion, gained prominence. Yoga remained a core spiritual discipline within Hinduism.

Modern Period (1800s – Present):

Swami Vivekananda, a 19th-century Hindu monk, introduced yoga to the West. Yoga’s physical aspects gained popularity, evolving into various exercise forms. Today, yoga is practiced worldwide for its mental, physical, and spiritual benefits.

This is a brief overview. Each period holds more depth, with diverse schools of yoga flourishing throughout history. Yoga’s continuous evolution ensures its relevance in our modern world.