The Story of Yoga: What is it? Where was it Born?
The practice of yoga is a popular exercise for both the body and mind. Whether turning to this work out for toning and agility or to find peace and meditation, yoga is simple yet skillful exercise that can be practical and enjoyable for all ages and body types.
Although interest in yoga tends to appear as a more current and trendy alternative to traditional styles of exercise, this ancient practice is believed to date as far back as 1000 to 5000 B.C. Its roots are said to stem from the Indus Valley civilization where it was used to stimulate spiritual growth and to encourage a union between the transitory self and the eternal self (Brahman). The term Brahman translates to God and was used by the Hindus and the yogis believed that everything was God, including man, as opposed to Christian teachings that God is an almighty being that created the universe and man in his image. Practicing yoga helps man be freed from his ignorance and, thus, form an enlightened path to finding his union with God or himself.
There is no evidence to support the actual age of yoga, however, depictions of early yoga poses were discovered during archeological digs that date as far back as 3000 B.C. It is believed that the tradition of yoga may have begun in the Stone Age Shamanism which is regarded as the world's original religion and spans over a period of 2.5 million years.
Yoga was first introduced to Western civilization in the 19th century as part of a movement to promote health and vegetarianism. During the 1960's, Indian yoga instructors began to offer their own insights into this practice throughout Europe and America. Among them was Maharishi Mahesh, who was known for his promotion of Transcedental Mediation as well as for his popularity with British rock group The Beatles. Malaysian-based doctor Swami Sivananda opened schools and defined the Five Principles of Yoga: relaxation, exercise, breathing, diet and positive thinking. Sivananda also wrote more than 200 books on the subject of yoga and his students continued to further develop the ancient tradition.
Today, one can practice yoga in the classroom, for free in a local park or even in the comfort of his or her own home. With the monumentally rising costs of living as well as daily stresses that can affect one's mental and physical well-being, this non-aggressive form of exercise benefits all that make the time for it and is more forgiving to sensitive joints and bones.
By creating a more serene environment as opposed to a fast-paced world of muscle, sweat and pounding background music, yoga can ease the mind and promote clearer thinking. Although not a typical subject in most schools, the truth is that most if not almost all people do not breathe correctly. By practicing yoga, one will not only provide mental refreshment, but physical as well as the body begins to properly intake the air that it requires. Along with mental clarity, the increased circulation and flexibility that comes with yoga can increase one's immunity system and help him or her fight off common illnesses.
Yoga is a non-demanding exercise that can prove beneficial to those not only looking to lose weight, but gain weight as well. The encouragement of balance in all manner of life through yoga can assist one to make healthier life choices in diet as well as activity.
The practice of yoga has had many faces and philosophical values based on the time period when it was being used. Today in modern cultures, the art of yoga tends not to encourage the belief that all of man's problems can be solved, but rather provides enlightenment by helping man find ways of accepting life for what it is and to cherish each moment, whether good or bad.