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Yoga has a rich and lengthy history, dating back thousands of years to ancient eras. The melding of mind and body together is the principle behind this discipline. Participants focus on breathing, exercise, and meditation with a variety of different poses. Explore the history behind this system of wellness to learn more about it. Ancient History Yoga existed before written history in many cultures. The Indus Valley, located in what is now Pakistan and northwest India, is the site where archeologists found stone carvings of figures dating back at least 5,000 years. A common misconception exists regarding yoga's roots. Many people mistakenly believe that it originated within the religious structures of Hinduism. Actually, the connection between the two practices occurred much later in time. Classical This form of the discipline originated with an ancient scholar called "Patanjali." Patanjali recorded theories and practices in a book dated sometime between 100 B.C. and 500 A.D. Patanjali believed that every person is a combination of matter and spirit. For optimal spiritual cleansing, people must keep matter and spirit separate. People practicing the classical form of the system generally use variations created originally by Patanjali. Important Steps Specific steps practiced in classical yoga include self-restraint from violence, stealing, lying, casual sex, and hoarding, while simultaneously striving for purity, tolerance, contentment, and remembrance. Participants also practice physical exercises, breathing techniques, meditation, concentration, and absorption. Post-Classical Changes Although yoga arrived in the United States at the end of the 19th century, it did not catch on in significant numbers until the 1930s. At this time, it had a strong connection with health and vegetarianism. Swami Sivananda instituted the following five principles: 1. Relaxation 2. Exercise 3. Breathing 4. Diet 5. Meditation and positive thinking During Sivananda's lifetime, he wrote extensively about this discipline and its connection with philosophy. Some students of Sivananda added chanting to the process. Other proponents of this methodology have also explored relevant connections with psychology. Religious Connections These exercises and philosophies do not connect with a specific religion. A deity does not exist for worshipping within the discipline. Instead, the core of this philosophy focuses on the belief that everything in existence comes from within an individual. No one has inherent dependence on anything or anyone else, including a godlike figure or an organization. Practicing these philosophies does not present a conflict with religions. Many people pursue beliefs within a variety of organizations without interference between traditions or philosophies. Unique Ideas Depending on goals, people can practice these concepts differently. When practiced in connection with Hinduism, the principles can help achieve a deeper union with God. When practiced with Buddhism, this methodology can increase compassion, wisdom, and insight. Participants in western nations often search for deeper self-actualization and self-realization as they practice the exercises. Although the history is extensive and the principles can vary, the main goal of yoga is some form of self-mastery of the body, mind, and spirit. With ongoing efforts, participants vie for an enlightened state devoid of troubling thoughts. To learn more about their options for yoga, Chatham, NJ residents should visit http://www.chathamclub.com/group-exercise/yoga/.
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