Yoga’s Deep and Ancient Roots
Today, yoga is everywhere—studios, gyms, living rooms, even office breakrooms. It’s celebrated for its ability to relieve stress, build strength, and foster mindfulness. But yoga isn’t just a wellness trend; it’s an ancient tradition with roots that stretch back thousands of years, shaped by philosophy, spirituality, and the search for deeper meaning.
To truly appreciate yoga, we have to travel back to its origins. This post is the first in a series where we’ll uncover yoga’s rich history—its evolution from sacred hymns to structured practice and its journey through time.
So, roll out your metaphorical mat, and let’s begin at the very start.
1. Yoga in the Vedic Period (c. 1500–500 BCE)
Our first stop takes us to the Vedic period, when the earliest references to yoga appear in the Vedas—the foundational scriptures of Hinduism, composed in Sanskrit around 1500 BCE.
Among them, the Rigveda contains hymns that hint at early forms of meditation, discipline, and self-realization—ideas that would later become central to yoga. But at this stage, yoga wasn’t the structured practice we know today. Instead, it was a way of understanding the self and the cosmos through devotion, ritual, and deep contemplation.
During this time, rishis (sages) and Brahmins (priests) practiced intense asceticism, seeking higher knowledge. They spoke of tapas, meaning “inner heat,” a disciplined effort to cultivate spiritual insight. Think of it as the earliest version of inner transformation—minus the yoga mats and leggings.
Key Texts of the Vedic Period:
• Rigveda (c. 1500 BCE) – Offers glimpses of early meditation practices.
• Upanishads (c. 800–500 BCE) – Philosophical texts that take yoga deeper.
Reference: White, David Gordon. The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali: A Biography. Princeton University Press, 2014.
2. The Upanishads and the Birth of Inner Yoga (c. 800–200 BCE)
Fast-forward a few centuries, and we arrive at the Upanishads—mystical and philosophical texts that changed the game. These writings moved away from external rituals and focused on inner transformation, giving rise to meditation, breath control (pranayama), and self-inquiry.
One of the most famous, the Katha Upanishad, likens yoga to a charioteer mastering wild horses—the senses. This imagery captures yoga’s essence: learning to quiet the mind and direct energy
inward.
Key Yogic Concepts from the Upanishads:
• Atman & Brahman – The self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one; yoga is the path to realizing this.
• Pranayama – Breath as a bridge between body and consciousness.
• Dhyana (Meditation) – A gateway to higher awareness.
This period laid the foundation for Raja Yoga (the yoga of meditation), which would later be systematized by Patanjali.
Reference: Eliade, Mircea. Yoga: Immortality and Freedom. Princeton University Press, 1958.
3. The Bhagavad Gita: Yoga as Devotion, Action, and Knowledge (c. 200 BCE–200 CE)
Enter the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most beloved spiritual texts of all time. Written between the 2nd century BCE and 2nd century CE, it presents yoga as a practical philosophy for everyday life.
Unlike earlier texts that framed yoga as a path for renunciates, the Gita makes it accessible to all, offering three main paths:
1. Karma Yoga – The yoga of selfless action.
2. Bhakti Yoga – The yoga of devotion and love.
3. Jnana Yoga – The yoga of wisdom and self-inquiry.
Here, yoga isn’t just about sitting in meditation or withdrawing from the world—it’s about how you live, work, and love.
Reference: Feuerstein, Georg. The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice. Hohm Press, 2001.
4. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: The Birth of Classical Yoga (c. 200–400 CE)
By the 3rd century CE, a sage named Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras, a concise yet profound guide to mastering the mind. This text outlines Ashtanga Yoga—the Eightfold Path—offering a step-by-step approach to inner liberation.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga:
1. Yamas – Ethical guidelines (like non-violence and truthfulness).
2. Niyamas – Personal disciplines (such as self-reflection and contentment).
3. Asana – Physical postures (though mentioned briefly, not the focus).
4. Pranayama – Breath control to harness life energy.
5. Pratyahara – Withdrawing from distractions.
6. Dharana – Concentration.
7. Dhyana – Meditation.
8. Samadhi – Liberation, enlightenment.
Unlike today’s yoga, which often emphasizes postures, Patanjali’s system was primarily about mental discipline and meditation—a way to still the fluctuations of the mind.
Reference: Bryant, Edwin F. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary. North Point Press, 2009.
Looking Ahead: The Evolution of Yoga Through the Ages
Yoga didn’t stop evolving with Patanjali—it continued to adapt, absorbing new influences and shifting with cultural changes. In upcoming posts, we’ll explore:
1. Tantric & Hatha Yoga (8th–15th Century CE) – The rise of energy-based practices, mantras, and physical postures.
2. Yoga in the Medieval & Colonial Period (16th–19th Century CE) – How yoga transformed under changing societies.
3. The Birth of Modern Yoga (19th–20th Century) – The role of Swami Vivekananda, Krishnamacharya, and Western influence.
4. Yoga and 20th Century Counter Culture
5. Yoga in the 21st Century – The global explosion of yoga and the conversation around cultural appropriation.
6. Yogas #Me Too moment
7. Looking forward: The future of Yoga
Honoring Yoga’s Deep History
Yoga is more than just movement—it’s a vast and evolving tradition, rich with philosophy and wisdom. By understanding its origins, we practice with greater awareness and respect.
At Sarvanga Yoga, we wish to honour yoga’s deep lineage while making it accessible for modern practitioners. Join us as we continue this journey through yoga’s history—because every asana, every breath, and every moment of mindfulness is part of a tradition thousands of years in the making.
Stay tuned for the next chapter in this series! Plus, we will be returning in the future to take a deeper dive into yogas ancient roots.
images are AI generated for illustrative purposes only
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