Back2Basics: Yoga

• Yoga originated in ancient India and has its roots in Indian philosophy, spirituality, and culture.
• The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means “to join” or “to unite.” It signifies the union of mind, body, and spirit.
• Historical References:
  • Yoga-like practices were mentioned in the Rig-Veda, an ancient Hindu text dating back to approximately 1500 BCE.
  • References to yoga can also be found in the Upanishads, which are philosophical texts from around 800 to 400 BCE.
• Contributions of Sage Patanjali:
  • Patanjali is considered the father of classical yoga.
  • He compiled the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text that provides a systematic and philosophical framework for the practice of yoga.
  • The Yoga Sutras were written around the 2nd century BCE.

Eight Limbs of Yoga:

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras outline the eight limbs or stages of yoga, known as Ashtanga Yoga. These limbs include:

1. Ethical principles (yamas),
2. Positive duties or observances (niyamas)
3. Physical postures (asanas),
4. Breath control (pranayama),
5. Sense withdrawal (pratyahara),
6. Concentration (dharana),
7. Meditation (dhyana), and
8. Self-realization (samadhi).

Schools and Styles: There are various schools and styles of yoga, each with its own approach and emphasis. Some popular styles include Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Bikram, Kundalini, and Yin yoga.

PYQ:

[2014] Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta

(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika

(c) Lokayata and Kapalika

(d) Sankhya and Yoga