One of the best ways to appreciate the art and science of yoga is to go back in time – that is, look back into the colorful history of yoga. Find out how it all started right here.

When I was young, I always looked forward to trips to museums. I feel it’s an amazing way to reconnect to my roots, learn more, and time travel. That’s why when I started doing the practice, I took the time to learn the history of yoga, and I can tell you it’s vibrant and beautiful.

History of Yoga | A Beginner’s Guide

Where It Came From And How It Reached The United States

If there are two things we immediately know about the history of yoga, it’s the fact that it came from India and it’s incredibly old – so old we’re actually accounting thousands of years. But how far should we go back?

This is a matter of debate. While some say it started about 5,000 years ago, others argue it goes back to the Indus Valley civilization. To give us a good point of origin, let’s begin with . . .

The Vedas

The early years of yoga is called the Vedic Period because of Vedas, a humongous collection of powerful hymns that invoke spiritualism and enlightenment. People who wrote the scriptures were called the rishis, which then received the “divine revelation.”

Why is Vedas important in the history of yoga? Earliest references to yoga began in these texts! In fact, you can find some in Rig-Veda, the oldest of all Vedas.

A Period of Oneness and Enlightenment

Yoga back then was practiced not really for its physical benefits but for its divine and spiritual advantages. This is evident during the pre-classical and classical periods of its history when there’s a strong campaign for oneness and enlightenment.

The classical period, however, is critical for the development of modern yoga because of yoga sutras by Patanjali, which created a more systematic approach to the practice.

Then Came Hatha

For a lot of years, yoga was about the mind and spirit. It wasn’t until the early decades of the 20th century that people got to understand its physical benefits, thanks to hatha yoga. With this practice, people now learn that yoga’s principles and benefits are holistic.

Off to the West!

Did you know the idea of yoga came to the United States as early as the 1920s? However, the first studio opened more than 20 years after. Why is there such a huge year gap? The answer: immigration quota.

The good news is yoga spread quickly from Hollywood then to the rest of the United States. And as they say, the rest is history.

Want to experience a part of history of yoga? Then try hatha yoga! Here’s a 28-minute Hatha for beginners from Fightmaster Yoga:

Isn’t the history of yoga amazing? I can’t imagine it not reaching us here and in this time. So to everyone who’s made yoga possible through the years . . .

It’s time to enrich your life with yoga! Get fit, lean, and strong now.

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Featured image via hotyogapost