Yoga has been around for more than 5000 years. It has been brought to the west through many sages and gurus and has been seen on this continent as early as the late 1800's. Yoga literally means YOKE. The yoke of the finite to the Infinite. The teachings of yoga passed from master to student through rigorous training of the body, mind and awakening of the spirit. It was not until Patanjali that the world had any writings of these gurus and teachers. Patanjali codified the teachings of yoga, but did not originate them (as many have misunderstood). The Bhagvagita is also a text modern yogis use as a basis of teachings.
Today, yoga can be found almost everywhere, from yoga studios to fitness clubs, through videos and books. Yoga is not a religion but is based in a philosophy for living. When we think of yoga we often think of body postures called asanas and little else. However, the asanas are just one eighth of the path of yoga. From the Yamas (restraints) and Niyamas (disciplines) to Dyana (meditation) and Samadhi (awakening), yoga contains more avenues for learning about yourself and the Self than mere postures. Yoga can be a place of transformation, growth and healing. |
