What is Yoga?

Written By Virginia Laurent

DEFINITION OF YOGA

There are many meanings and definitions of yoga. In Sanskrit, yoga means ‘union’ or ‘connection’. It is a way of connecting the body, mind and spirit, as well as finding self and universal awareness.

The notion of awareness is important in yoga. Awareness can be defined as ‘the state of being conscious of something’. Yoga is a great tool to build awareness of your body, mind and breath, and of bringing more consciousness in your practice and your life. Yoga is a process of self-discovery.

HISTORY

Yoga was developed in ancient India, 5,000 or more years ago. As at today, no one has been able to determine precisely when was the starting point.

With a long and rich history, the yoga development can be divided into four main periods being:

  • Pre-Classical Yoga

The word yoga was first mentioned in the ancient and sacred texts: the Vedas. The Vedas combined texts, songs, mantras and rituals.

Expanding on the Vedas, the period of the Upanishads occurred between 500-200 BCE. Their work represented over 200 scriptures, including the most renowned one, the Bhagavad Gita which expanded the concept of putting the ego behind for the benefit of self-knowledge, action and wisdom.

  • Classical Yoga

The Classical period is defined by Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras which defined the path of Raja yoga. Raja yoga emphasizes meditation. The practice of yoga per Patanjali is organized into ‘eight limbs’ that lead toward enlightenment. Initially, yoga was only taught to men in the elite cast (priest).

  • Post-Classical Yoga

This next phase of yoga moves toward working on the body to prolong life. The physical body became the main focus to achieve enlightenment. This period has seen the development of Tantra Yoga as well as Hatha Yoga. In this phase, women started to be taught yoga. Tantra Yoga especially, includes a feminine touch.

  • Modern Period

Yoga masters started to travel to the West in the early 1900s attracting attention while promoting their teaching. At this point, Hatha was the most dominant. Through the years, it evolves with all the contemporary variations that you might know and enjoy today.

 YOGA MASTERS

Below is a non-exhaustive list of yoga masters that founded different schools of yoga.  

  • SRI T.Krishnamacharya: Founder of Vinyasa Yoga

  • SRI K.Pattabhi Jois: Founder of Ashtanga Yoga

  • B.K.S Iyengar: Founder of Iyengar Yoga

  • TKV Desikachar: Founder of Viniyoga Yoga

  • Shiva Rea: Founder of Prana Vinyasa Yoga

  • Bryan Kest: Creator of one form of Power Yoga

  • C Bikram: Founder of Bikram Yoga

  • Sharon Gannon & David Life: Founders of Jivamukti Yoga

  • John Friend: Founder of Anusara Yoga

  • Cameron Shayne: Founder of Budokon Yoga

  • Larry Schultz: Founder of Rocket Yoga

The different types of yoga will be described in a future article.

Virginia Laurent
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