History and origins of yoga: from ancient to modern practice

The first written reference to the word ‘yoga’ can be dated back over 5,000 years ago and the modern understanding of yoga has gone through a series of evolutions since. From ancient yogic texts, spiritual rituals practiced in the home, to its current day incarnation as a mind and body experience, the history and origins of yoga are rich and multifaceted.

For most yoga students today, 45–90-minute practices are the norm, practiced by oneself home, online, or in a class environment. Certainly, in the 20^th century, yoga retreats have become increasingly popular, so much so that there is something to suit all ages and abilities around the world.

Throughout this article we will explore what is meant by the word yoga and explore how its history influences its practice today.

Defining the word yoga – what does it mean?

The word Yoga originates from the Sanskrit word yuj ((युज्)) and can be literally translated to mean ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’. It is more commonly explained when referring to disciplined practices intended to unite the individual with their deeper, true self, in order to achieve enlightenment with pure consciousness (a state of awareness that is clear of thoughts, perceptions, or ego).

Key Historical yogic texts

The first written reference to the word ‘yoga’ can be found in the Rig Veda (scriptures of Hinduism), dating back between the 3rd and 5th centuries BCE. However, since stories and practices of yoga were typically handed down orally, it is highly likely that yoga pre-dates any written texts/documentation. Archaeological evidence of imagery depicting yogic practices has been found in the Indus Valley (modern-day India and Pakistan), suggesting that yoga may go as far back as the 10th century BCE.

The Vedas are the most ancient Hindu texts. Literally translated to mean ‘wisdom’, the Vedas are a collection of texts written over many years and which describe philosophical concepts and a connection to a higher power.

The Upanishads (500-800 BCE) are a set of mystical texts that appeared towards the end of the Vedic period. The Upanishads introduce the concept of the inner self and meditation, with guidance towards more introspective, self-reflective, spiritual practices. The Katha Upanishad defines yoga as the steady control of the senses and ceasing of mental activity, leading to a supreme state. Around a century later, Maitrayaniya Upanishad outlines six paths (or limbs) of yoga:

1. Breath control (pranayama)
2. Introspective withdrawal of senses (pratyahara)
3. Meditation (dhyana)
4. mind concentration (dharana)
5. Philosophical inquiry/creative reasoning (tarka)
6. Spiritual enlightenment (samadhi).

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (c200 BCE–400 CE) outline the eight limbs (or paths) of yoga. The word ‘ashtanga’, a word familiar to many of those who practice modern day yoga, originates from this text and literally means ‘eight-limbed’. As described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the eight limbs of yoga are as follows:

1. Yama (Ethical Standards): Five ethical principles that are akin to the ‘ten commandments’, which guide how we respect others.
2. Niyama (Personal Observances): Five personal disciplines and observances that guide how we respect the self.
3. Asana (Posture): The physical postures that are synonymous with yoga, certainly modern yoga.
4. Pranayama (Breath Control): Techniques for regulating the breath to gain control over the flow of energy (prana).
5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses): Withdrawing the focus of the mind from external distractions to inward observance.
6. Dharana (Concentration): In preparation for meditation, the practice of developing a single mental focus to one object or thought.
7. Dhyana (Meditation): A state of deep inner awareness and inner stillness whereby there is no sense of ego.
8. Samadhi (Enlightenment): The final state of inner peace and spiritual freedom.

The majority of the Yoga Sutras’ text is devoted to the yama and niyama. There is very little text given to asana and pranayama, despite these often being the make-up of modern day Ashtanga Yoga practices.

The Bhagavad-Gîtâ (circa 500 BCE), which is part of the Mahabharat, is another notable yogic text. As a sacred Hindu text, readings of several verses in one sitting and even whole book recitals over several days, regularly take place across India. Although a religious text, it explores the yogic path by providing moral, philosophical, and spiritual guidance on how to live a virtuous life. It tells us that while the body can be killed, the soul is immortal.

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika was written in the 15th century by Swami Swatmarama. The word ‘pradipika’ means to ‘shine a light upon’. It is divided into four sections:

1. Asana (physical postures) – only 15 are described
2. Shatkarma (purification techniques) and pranayama (breathing techniques for energy flow)
3. Mudra (gestures, usually of the hands) and bandha (physical locks/muscular contractions for control over energy flow)
4. Samadhi (enlightenment).

Although the word ‘hatha’ is commonly associated in modern times with physical/active movement, very little space is given in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika to asana (about an eighth of the book). This is consistent with other ancient yogic texts and illustrates how the modern practice of yoga, especially in the health and fitness sector, has evolved from the original practice.

The word ‘hatha’ literally means ‘force’, and so its context here is as the force of life, or life’s energy. The intention of the text is to provide insight into how to purify the body, enhance spiritual growth, and achieve enlightenment.

Modern day yoga

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a surge of interest in yoga from Western audiences, who were fascinated by its holistic approach to mental and physical well-being.

In particular, the following people can be credited with bringing yoga to Western audiences:

• Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) impressed with his lectures introducing the philosophy of yoga during the 1893 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, USA.

• Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888–1989), often called “the Father of Modern Yoga”, opened the first Hatha Yoga school, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) in 1924. Some of Krishnamacharya’s students continue to be influential today through their own unique approaches: Indra Devi (1899-2002, she lived to age 102!), Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009), B.K.S. Iyengar (1918-2014), and T.K.V. Desikachar (1938-2016).

• Sivananda Saraswati (1887-1963) founded the Divine Life Society in 1936. He wrote over 200 books, and opened numerous yoga centres, first in India and then other countries around the world including in other parts of Asia, North America and Europe.

Yoga as a physical practice developed from the influence of Western fitness trends, initially in the USA. Richard Hittleman was a highly influential American yoga teacher whose yoga focused on physical benefits, and was so successful that he had a TV show, “Yoga for Health”, which started in 1961.

Celebrity yoga influences

Yoga practice has been further popularised by a number of high-profile individuals/celebrities, who promoted the benefits of yoga as a practice which combines physical movement, focused breathing, and meditation techniques. Possibly one of the first of these celebrities was George Harrison, of The Beatles. In 1965, while filming the movie, “Help!” in the Bahamas, it is reported that George Harrison received a copy of The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga (1960) from its author, Swami Vishnudevananda. This led to him developing an interest in spirituality, which is something he shared with other members of the group also.

More latterly, Ryan Giggs of Manchester United was very open about his yoga practice and attributed this to his longevity as a professional footballer. Giggs continued playing in the Premier league until he was aged 40, an achievement rarely seen in the professional game.

From India to a worldwide phenomenon

Today, yoga is practiced widely across the world and for a variety of reasons. In India, which is considered the home and birthplace of yoga, people practice in their own homes using the historic yogic texts as their guide, typically focusing more on the spiritual aspect of the practice rather than the physical form. There is also an abundance of ashrams (spiritual sanctuaries where people live, work and study together, often under the guidance of a guru) which have the yogic way of life at their heart.

Many ashrams offer shorter- or longer-term immersions for those seeking a greater understanding of their personal yogic journey, encompassing both the spiritual and the physical dimensions of the practice. Yoga tourism is so popular in India that attending a short-term yoga programme is explicitly listed on the Indian immigration visa application as a valid purpose for visiting India.

Today, yoga is practised by everyday people and celebrities alike and for a variety of reasons. From Sting and Madonna in the 1990s, to Ryan Giggs and other athletes and teams, yoga is used today to improve body awareness, flexibility, and core strength. The Western yoga practices have come a long way from the early iterations practised thousands of years ago.

Additional yoga information

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Author

Sara Paul

Experienced Yoga and Fitness Professional

Sara has over 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, teaching classes in private and local authority facilities. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and skills in her role as a tutor, assessor and course developer. She has been involved in writing syllabus, manuals and assessments, including as the lead tutor to the Inclusive Fitness Initiative, working with disabled people, and through her work with frail older people. She co-created one of the first Yoga Teacher training courses within the fitness sector, having benefited from her own personal yoga practice.