Why Yoga in India? – A Complete Guide to Yoga in India

Yoga is a spiritual and physical practice that originated in ancient India. It is a holistic approach to health and well-being that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and ethical principles. The origins of yoga can be traced back to the Indus Valley civilization around 5000 years ago. However, it was during the classical period of Indian history, between 800 BCE and 500 CE, that yoga became more codified and systematic. During this time, several philosophical schools of thought emerged in India, including the Samkhya Yoga, and Vedanta schools. These schools developed various concepts and practices related to yoga, such as the idea of the self (atman), the nature of reality (Brahman), and the path to liberation (moksha). The Yoga school, in particular, developed a comprehensive system of yoga that included physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), and ethical principles (yamas and niyamas).

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, written around 200 CE, is considered one of the most important texts on yoga philosophy and practice. It outlines the eight limbs of yoga, which include ethical principles, physical postures, breathing techniques, concentration, meditation, and samadhi (a state of spiritual enlightenment). This text had a significant impact on the development of yoga and continues to be studied and practiced today. Yoga was initially practiced by self-disciplined Yogis who sought to transcend the physical world and attain spiritual liberation. However, over time, yoga also became more accessible to the wider population. It was adopted by householders who sought to improve their health, reduce stress, and lead a more fulfilling life.

During the medieval period in India, yoga continued to evolve and develop. The Bhakti movement, which emphasized devotion to a personal god, integrated yoga practices into their religious rituals. This led to the development of Bhakti yoga, a form of yoga that emphasizes devotion and love for a personal deity. The Hatha yoga tradition also emerged during this period, which emphasized physical postures and breathing techniques as a means of purifying the body and preparing it for spiritual practice. The Hatha yoga texts, such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Gheranda Samhita, provide detailed instructions on various asanas and pranayama techniques.

In the 20th century, yoga began to gain popularity in the West, particularly in the United States. This was due in part to the efforts of yoga teachers and gurus, such as Swami Vivekananda, Paramahansa Yogananda, and B.K.S. Iyengar, who traveled to the West and introduced yoga to Western audiences. Today, yoga is practiced by millions of people around the world and has become a popular form of exercise and relaxation. It is recognized for its many health benefits, including improved flexibility, strength, balance, and cardiovascular health, as well as its ability to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

In India, yoga continues to be an important part of the country’s cultural and spiritual heritage. It is taught in schools and universities, and there are numerous yoga centers and ashrams throughout the country. In 2014, the Indian government declared June 21st as International Yoga Day, a day to celebrate the global popularity and importance of yoga. The rich and complex history of Yoga practise in India that spans thousands of years has evolved and developed over time, integrating various philosophical, religious, and cultural influences. Today, yoga is practiced around the world and continues to be an important part of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.