The practice of yoga is a wildly popular part of the holistic health movement in the United States today. Its history dates back 5000 years, and its phenomenal success has come as the result of the long and evolving development of this ancient practice.

One of the first known great civilizations thrived in the Indus Valley area of India over 5000 years ago. Archaeological excavations have unearthed artwork representing people in yoga positions who appear to be meditating. The Vedas, a set of ancient Indian poems and hymns, provided written descriptions of yoga methods.

From the Vedas, we learn that these archaic people were attempted, through yoga, to find unification between the material world and the realm of the invisible. To do so required great human focus and concentration. This ability to focus would enhance a human being’s physical and spiritual abilities, transcending the common way. This philosophy is central to all forms of yoga.

The next period in the history of yoga is known as the pre-classical, and lasted until approximately 200 C.E. Unlike the Vedas, the texts from this period were meant for society’s elite, and were not intended to be public knowledge. However, its teaching were passed along from gurus and made their way down to the common man.

To the prior teachings of yoga was added the concept of universal connectedness: another essential principle of the practice. The stories derived from these texts also became the allegories which formed the foundation of yoga meditations.

One story tells how the god Krishna instructed prince Arjuna to free himself from the bonds of earthly life and connect to the invisible. Arjuna wanted to set his own soul free. Krishna gave him a path to follow which would enable the prince to be victorious: he needed to practice yogic exercises in order to obtain a keen mind and devotion, give up his own ego, and thereby attain the spiritual release he sought.

During the post-classical period (after 200 C.E), the practice of yoga made a fundamental shift. Prior to this time, the main focus had been on the spiritual goals of yoga: meditation to free the spirit and soul. Now, the attainment of physical strength and well-being became important as well. The body came to be seen as a vital vessel containing the soul, and yoga began to be used as a vehicle to sustain health and encourage a long life on this earth.

Anyone well acquainted with the practice can see how modern yoga incorporates all of the principles which have evolved over centuries. Different types of yoga may focus on certain principles more than others, but they all come from the same basic roots.

A yoga regimen is an important part of a holistic program for many health-conscious Americans, helping them achieve greater spiritual peace and physical well-being. Its beginnings were ancient, but the fact that yoga is more popular than ever today is a testament to its ability to help people live happier, more productive lives.

For more information about yoga and other topics of interest, get connected with the holistic health directory at Portal To Awakening (http://portaltoawakening.com). Art Gib is a freelance writer.

Article Source: ArticleSpan

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