Yoga | Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India Notes

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF YOGA

Yoga is believed to have originated with the dawn of civilization, thousands of years ago, even before the formation of religious belief systems. It acknowledges suffering as a fact of life and identifies avidyā (ignorance) as the root cause of all suffering. Ancient Indian rishis developed Yoga to overcome human suffering and its root causes. Yogic practices promote health, harmony, and total freedom. The knowledge of Yoga was carried to different parts of the world, including Asia, the Middle East, Northern Africa, and South America.

Archaeological evidence such as the soapstone seal from the Indus Valley Civilization (dating back over 5000 years) depicting a yogi-like figure confirms the ancient existence of Yoga culture. The history of Yoga is divided into several periods:

1. Pre-Vedic Period: Yoga practices were significant during the Indus-Sarasvati Valley Civilization (circa 2700 B.C.). Stone seals and idols like Pashupati in yogic postures indicate Yoga's early practice.

2. Vedic and Upanishadic Period: Marked by the emergence of the four Vedas (Ṛgveda, Sāmaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda). Vedic Yoga teachings are found here. The Upanishads, the concluding portions of the Vedas, contain concepts of Yoga focusing on inner vision and self-inquiry. Jñāna-yoga, Karma-yoga, and Dhyāna-yoga emerge from this period.

3. Classical Period (500 B.C. - A.D. 800): Defined by Maharshi Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the first systematic presentation of Yoga. Commentaries by Vyāsa and texts like Bhagavad Gītā elaborated on Yoga. This period also includes teachings of Mahavir and Buddha, who introduced ethical and spiritual paths akin to Yoga.

4. Post Classical Period (A.D. 800 - 1700): Focused on practical applications of Yoga for physical well-being. Prominent teachers like Adi Śaṅkaracārya and Nātha Yogis popularized Hatha Yoga.

5. Modern Period (A.D. 1700 - 1900): Yoga teachings were revived and adapted by personalities like Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo.

6. Contemporary Period: Yoga has gained worldwide acceptance for health preservation and stress management. The United Nations declared 21st June as International Day of Yoga in 2014, recognizing Yoga's global importance.

Thus, Yoga's history is rich and multifaceted, evolving from spiritual practices to a holistic system for health and well-being.

📊 Diagram: Figures on pages 2 and 3 show Maharishi Patanjali, script from Vedas, and the Pre-Vedic period depiction of Yoga practice; Figure captioned 'Pre-Vedic Period' illustrates ancient Yoga culture.

🧪 Activity: 1. Collect photographs of yogis from the classical period and prepare a collage. 2. Write a note on the development of Yoga.

🔗 Connection: Leads to the Classical Period section detailing Patanjali's contributions and Yoga's eightfold path.