The history of Yoga - Essay Example

The practice did not take long to gain popularity as within a century it had already become a method of both mental and physical exercise in the Western world. There have also been several researches that have been carried out in an attempt to verify the psychological mechanism of action during yoga practice (De Michelis, 55-60). In addition, there has also been an attempt to use this practice as an alternative and complementary therapeutic intervention for patients suffering with psychological disorders such as schizophrenia, or other as you have chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer or asthma.

This paper will however focus on the history of this practice and how it has developed over the years. As mentioned above, yoga was practiced in several ancient cultures and it could be said that it is just as old as civilization. However, physically there is no evidence to support this theory and the earliest archaeological findings of yoga practice dates back to approximately 3000 BC (De Michelis, 55-60). However, some scholars have disapproved this theory and dates yoga back to Shamanism in the Stone Age.

These scholars believe it was a key practice in therapeutic intervention during this period. . The main characteristic features of yoga practice as stated in these readings includes ceremonies and rituals that were performed in order to perform certain actions that were physiologically limited by the mind. In this period, the practice was taught by rishis which were also educators on living a harmonious life. They were presumed to have the gift and ability to foresee past reality to their deep practice of spiritual rituals (Samuel, 12-23).

Pre-Classical Yoga This period begins with the formation ofUpanishads, which contain 200 Scriptures (Samuel, 12-23). These describe internal perception of reality that is altered and intensified by one’s dedication to Brahman. There are three main principles that were explained in the Scriptures and they include Brahman, Atman and the interrelation between the two entities (Samuel, 12-23). In addition, the Scriptures give further insight on the teachings of the Vedas. In Buddhism, yoga can be traced back to the sixth century BC.

In this period, Buddha began spreading teachings on the religion and his main emphasis was meditation. Gautama was the first to practice yoga among all Buddhists and was able to gain enlightenment by the time was 35 years old (Samuel, 12-23). Around approximately 500 BC a text known as Bhagavad-Gita was formulated and is considered as the oldest documentation of yoga Scripture. In addition, it does not involve other aspects and is mainly focused on yoga. It emphasizes on activity as a form of being alive and importance of our actions exceeding our egos (Samuel, 12-23).

Classical Period This phrase possesses another entity of Yoga known as Yoga Sutra. It is believed to have been written