The history of yoga

The History of Yoga: From Ancient Tradition to Modern Practice

Yoga, in the modern western world is often ONLY associated with physical postures and wellness routines, however - it is SO MUCH more than a fitness regime. It has a rich and deep history, originating in ancient India, spanning thousands of years, and evolving through spiritual, philosophical, and physical dimensions. Its journey from a sacred practice of the sages to a global phenomenon encapsulates the story of a tradition deeply rooted in the quest for balance, enlightenment, and unity of body, mind, and spirit.

The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit language and means “to yoke” or “to unite”. The practice of yoga is based on the philosophy of Hinduism and aims to bring the mind, body, and spirit into balance.

The history of yoga can be divided into four periods: the Vedic period, the Pre-classical period, the Classical period, and the Post-classical period.

Prehistoric and Vedic Periods

The roots of yoga trace back over 5,000 years to the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation, one of the earliest known civilisations, which flourished in what is now northern India and Pakistan. Archaeologists have discovered ancient artifacts and carvings, such as the famous Pashupati seal, which depict figures resembling yoga postures, suggesting that yoga was practiced as early as 3000 BCE.

During the Vedic period (1500-500 BCE), the foundations of yoga were further established. The Vedas, sacred texts of Hinduism, contain hymns and mantras that emphasise rituals, spirituality, and meditation. The concept of yoga during this era was centred on controlling the mind, using meditative techniques to achieve inner peace and connection with the divine.

The earliest mention of yoga can be found in the Rigveda, one of the four sacred texts of Hinduism. The Rigveda is a collection of hymns and chants that were used by the Vedic priests during religious ceremonies. The hymns describe the practice of yoga as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

The Pre-classical period (Also known as the Upanishads period and the Rise of Philosophical Yoga)

The Upanishads (circa 800-200 BCE), a collection of philosophical texts, significantly influenced the evolution of yoga. These texts moved away from ritualistic Vedic practices and explored deeper metaphysical and spiritual questions, introducing key concepts such as the oneness of all beings, the nature of the self (Atman), and the ultimate reality (Brahman).

The Upanishads laid the groundwork for the philosophical system of yoga. The word "yoga" itself, from the Sanskrit root "yuj," means "to unite" or "to join," symbolising the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. Yoga was not merely physical exercise but a profound spiritual discipline aimed at achieving moksha (liberation) and freedom from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

Classical Yoga: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Perhaps the most important text in the history of yoga is the Yoga Sutras, written by the sage Patanjali around 200 CE. The Yoga Sutras is a collection of 196 aphorisms that outlines the philosophy and practices of classical yoga, providing a structured framework for attaining spiritual liberation. Patanjali described yoga as an eight-limbed path (Ashtanga), encompassing ethical behaviour (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asana), breath control (pranayama), sensory withdrawal (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and ultimate union or samadhi.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras emphasised mental discipline, ethical conduct, and meditation over physical practices. Asana, or physical postures, was only one aspect of this comprehensive spiritual path, highlighting yoga’s philosophical and meditative roots.

It is thought that the asana (physical postures) were developed to allow the body to be comfortable sitting in meditation (traditionally sitting cross legged) for long periods of time.

Post-Classical Yoga

In the post-classical period, around the 9th to 12th centuries CE, various yoga schools and lineages emerged, each with their unique approach to yoga. Some of the most well-known schools include Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Ashtanga Yoga.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is a physical practice that focuses on postures and breathing techniques. It aims to balance the body and mind to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Hatha Yoga is the most widely practiced form of yoga in the Western world.

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga is a practice that focuses on awakening the Kundalini energy, which is said to be located at the base of the spine. The practice involves postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to activate the Kundalini energy and achieve spiritual enlightenment.

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a physically demanding practice that involves a set sequence of postures. The practice aims to purify the body and mind and achieve spiritual enlightenment. Ashtanga Yoga is often practiced in a heated room to promote sweating and detoxification.

Yoga in the Modern Era

Yoga’s modern renaissance began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Indian sages like Swami Vivekananda, who introduced yoga to the West at the 1893 Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago, began to share the philosophy with Western audiences. Vivekananda focused on the spiritual and philosophical aspects of yoga, including meditation and self-realisation, which resonated with many.

The mid-20th century saw the rise of yoga as a popular physical practice with teachers like Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who is often called the “father of modern yoga.” Krishnamacharya’s students, including B.K.S. Iyengar, K. Pattabhi Jois, and Indra Devi, further developed and popularised Hatha Yoga, emphasising physical postures (asana) and breathing techniques (pranayama). Their teachings led to the creation of popular styles like Iyengar Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, which gained widespread recognition in the West.

By the 1960s and 70s, yoga became an integral part of Western counterculture, embraced by spiritual seekers, health enthusiasts, and even celebrities. The physical benefits of yoga—flexibility, strength, stress relief—became the focal point of its appeal in the West, although many schools and practitioners continued to teach the spiritual and philosophical elements of the tradition.

In the 1970s, yoga continued to gain popularity in the West, with the publication of influential books such as “Light on Yoga” by B.K.S. Iyengar and “The Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda. These books introduced Westerners to the philosophy and practice of yoga, and helped to spread its popularity. In the 1970’s Bikram Yoga was created by Indian yoga teacher Bikram Choudhury, who developed a sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, which are practiced in a heated room. Choudhury has since been disgraced due to facing lawsuits alleging sexual harassment, assault, racism and homophobia. If you are interested in this story there is a 2019 Netflix documentary called Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator.

The 1980s saw the emergence of yoga as a fitness trend, with the creation of yoga videos and classes focused on physical fitness. This trend continued in the 1990s, with the creation of yoga studios and the expansion of yoga into mainstream culture. In the 1990s, Power Yoga was developed by American yogi Beryl Bender Birch, who combined the physical practice of Ashtanga Yoga with a focus on breath and mindfulness.

 In the 2000s, yoga continued to grow in popularity, with the development of new styles such as Yin Yoga, which focuses on passive stretches and long holds, and AcroYoga, which combines yoga poses with acrobatics and partner work.

Yoga has continued to evolve with many new styles – for example in 2001, Budokon was created. Budokon combines Yoga movements with Mobility, Calisthenics and Mixed Martial Arts.

Yoga Today: A Global Phenomenon

In the 21st century, yoga has become a global phenomenon, practiced by millions of people across the world.

Despite the commercialisation and varying interpretations of yoga in contemporary society, its core principles—balance, mindfulness, and unity—remain central to the practice. Yoga’s journey from the ancient sages of India to modern-day studios and living rooms worldwide is a testament to its adaptability and timeless relevance.

The history of yoga is a story of transformation - both of the practice itself and of the individuals who embrace it. From its origins in the spiritual traditions of ancient India to its evolution as a global wellness trend, yoga has maintained its essential purpose: to unite the body, mind, and spirit in the pursuit of harmony, peace, and self-realisation. As the practice continues to grow and evolve, it remains a bridge between the ancient and the modern, offering a pathway to holistic well-being for all who seek it.

Whilst there aren’t many of us who have the time to sit at the top of a mountain seeking spiritual enlightenment, I urge you to look past the physical postures (asana), and to take some time to practice some of the other eight limbs of yoga – particularly breathwork (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana). Your body and mind will thank you for it. Having a regular practice of all of these three elements can – and will change your life if you embrace it and LIVE it (i.e be present with it), rather than going through the motions and seeing it as just fitness and something else to tick off your to-do list.

Much love

Lou