Ancient Roots of Yoga

Ancient Roots of Yoga

 

Yoga has approximately 5,000 years of cultural and spiritual roots in India. This ancient practice encompasses a range of physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines, and its evolution can be split into three stages: prehistoric, historic, and contemporary.

 

Who We Are

From the bottom of our hearts, we extend a warm welcome to you into the Paras Parivaar Charitable Trust family. In our Sanatan Dharm, this Parivaar was founded and is now being maintained by our  Mahant Shri Paras Bhai Ji of Sanatan Dharm to contribute to the welfare of the underprivileged and needy people. Because he consistently states, "happiness of maa is behind their smile." This idea of Mahant Shri Paras Bhai Ji has become the focus of our family's daily activities.

The Paras Parivaar Charitable Trust works 365 days a year to lug our Paras Guru's vision forward. We have helped more than 10 lakh Needy, and thanks to Maa and our Mahant Shri Paras Bhai Ji of Sanatan Dharm, this number is steadily rising. And it is the grandeur of Sanatan Dharm that we strive to assist those who cannot afford to pay for their education or who are food insecure.

Because we usually hear the quote "Unity is Strength" in everyday life, the Paras Parivaar Charitable Trust would like for you to join our family. We are certain that if we all work together as a single family, we will be stronger and more committed to helping more people in need. Serving an increasing number of individuals in need will enable us to carve out a large place in the heart of our Maa. So, join the Paras Parivaar now for the chance of a lifetime to make the poor and needy smile widely.

Working hard to boost the lives of the poor and needy would also help us reduce the rate of poverty and increase the rate of education in our nation. In addition to providing aid to those in need, our  Mahant Shri Paras Bhai Ji wants to educate them so that they may become self-sufficient and contribute to the cause. join our Paras Parivaar Charitable Trust and aid those in need and destitute with what they Need for Food, Shelter, and Education.

 

Historic and Prehistoric Eras

Yoga's earliest incarnations are thought to have started in the Indus Valley civilisation, where archaeological evidence suggests that yogic practices played a significant role in the people's spiritual lives. The term "yoga" first appears in the Rig Veda, one of Hinduism's earliest sacred scriptures, which dates back around 1500 BCE. Yoga was initially an oral practice passed down from instructor to student, with no written records. The Upanishads and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which defined much of yoga's intellectual foundations, are two later texts that include the thoughts and practices of these sages, known as Rishis, who passed down their wisdom orally for generations.

 

Yoga evolved over time, with the emergence of several schools of thought within Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. During this time, numerous styles and ideologies emerged, including Hatha Yoga, which places a focus on physical postures and breath control. The teachings were typically delivered in forest hermitages, where students received rigorous instruction under the guidance of their gurus.

 

The modern era

The modern era of yoga, which began in the late 1800s, saw a significant transformation in how yoga was perceived and practiced. This period coincided with India's nationalist movement, when yoga was regarded as a symbol of cultural identity and pride. Influential figures such as Swami Vivekananda were essential in introducing yoga to the Western world. His lecture at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 enthralled audiences and laid the groundwork for yoga's global expansion.

 

The practice of yoga expanded further in the twentieth century, thanks to the efforts of well-known teachers such as B.K.S. Iyengar and Indra Devi. Iyengar's emphasis on posture alignment and precision helped popularize yoga in the West, but Indra Devi, often known as the "First Lady of Yoga," was instrumental in introducing Hatha Yoga to Hollywood, attracting a large number of celebrities.

 

Globalization and Cultural Exchange

Yoga evolved greatly as it became popular over the world. Modern interpretations usually focus on physical fitness and stress reduction, diverging from its classical roots, which encompass a holistic approach to well-being. This expansion has sparked controversies about cultural appropriation and the legitimacy of modern yoga practices, with many advocating for a return to yoga's deeper philosophical roots as a spiritual practice.

 

Despite these changes, yoga's fundamental nature as a practice that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual equilibrium remains constant. Yoga is now a multibillion-dollar industry with millions of practitioners worldwide, illustrating its continuing appeal and the ongoing dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures.




Conclusion, the fact that yoga began in India highlights the country's rich historical and cultural heritage. As yoga changes, its core principles—self-awareness, mindfulness, and connection—remain relevant, encouraging practitioners to go beyond just physical practice.

Posted in Default Category on July 27 2024 at 10:20 AM

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