Yoga is believed to have its roots in the Indian mythological age. It is said that Lord Shiva gave birth to this art. Shiva, also called Adi Yogi, is considered to be the inspiration for all the Yog Gurus in the world. It is the art and science of living a healthy life. The word 'yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit root 'yuj', which means 'to meet' or 'to unite'. According to the Yogic texts, the practice of yoga leads to the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness, which represents the perfect harmony between mind and body, man and nature.
According to modern scientists, everything in the universe is a manifestation of the same quantum ferment. The person who experiences this unity of existence is called in Yoga, and is called a Yogi, who has attained the state of Mukti, which is called Mukti, Nirvana or Moksha. Thus the aim of yoga is self-realization, to remove all kinds of sorrows which lead to 'Mukti Di Awastha' (Moksha) or 'Azadi'. Living independently in all areas of life, health and harmony will be the main object of practice. "Yoga" also refers to an inner science that involves various ways in which human beings can feel this union and master their destiny. Yoga, known as the 'Immortal Cultural Consequences' of the Indus-Saraswati Valley Civilization - which dates back to 2700 BC - has proved itself to be a catalyst for the physical and spiritual advancement of humanity.
The practice of yoga is believed to have begun with the beginning of civilization. The science of yoga began thousands of years ago, long before the birth of the first religions or belief systems. In Yogic doctrine, Shiva is seen as the first Yogi or Adiyogi and the first Guru or Adi Guru. Many thousands of years ago, on the shores of Lake Kantisarovar in the Himalayas, the Adiyogi conveyed his deep knowledge to the mythological Saptarishi or "Sat Rishi". The sage spread this powerful yoga science to different parts of the world, including Asia and the Middle East. Interestingly, modern scholars have observed and marveled at the striking similarities between the ancient cultures of the world. However, it was in India that the yoga system found its full expression. Agastya, Saptarishi, who traveled to the Indian subcontinent, has modeled this culture around the main yogic lifestyle.
June 21 is the longest day of the year in the northern golisfire and is called summer instability. It symbolizes a transformation of Dakshinia which is considered to be an era that supports spiritual practices. This is considered to be a good time to practice the spiritual art of yoga.Temporarily, the period between 500 BC and 800 AD is considered to be the classical period, which is also considered to be the most fertile and important period in the history and development of yoga. During this time Vyas's commentary on Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita etc. came into existence. This time may be mainly devoted to the two great religious gurus of India - Mahavira and Buddha.
The concept of Panch Mahavarta - Ashtanga Marg by Mahavira and Asht Magh or Buddha - can be considered as the initial nature of yoga practice. We find a much clearer explanation of this in the Bhagavad Gita in which the concepts of Gyan Yoga, Bhagti Yoga and Karam Yoga are elaborated. These three types of yoga are still the highest example of human intellect and even today people find peace by following the methods given in the Gita.
In addition to incorporating various aspects of yoga into Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, it is primarily identified with the eightfold path of yoga. A very important comment of Yoga Sutra was also written by Vyas. At the same time, the aspect of the mind was given importance and it was brought to the fore through the practice of yoga, which can bring both the mind and the body under control so that equality can be realized. The period from 800 AD to 1700 AD is considered as post-classical period. In which the teachings of the great Gurus of this period - Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya - were prominent. The teachings of Surdas, Tulsidas, Purandardas and Mirabai contributed a lot during this period.
The period from 800 AD to 1700 AD is considered as post-classical period. In which the teachings of the great Gurus of this period - Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya - were prominent. The teachings of Surdas, Tulsidas, Purandardas and Mirabai contributed a lot during this period. Nath Yogis of the Hatha Yoga tradition such as Matsiendranath, Goraksanath, Koranginath, Atmaram Suri, Gheranda, the period between 1700 - 1900 AD is considered to be the modern period in which great yoga masters - Raman Maharishi, Ramakrishnan Paramahansa, Paramahansa Yogananda, Contributed to the development of Raj Yoga. This was the time when Vedanta, Bhagti Yoga, Nath Yoga or Hatha Yoga flourished.
Yoga works on a person's body, mind, emotions and energy levels. This has given rise to four broad classifications of yoga: Karam Yoga, where we use the body; Bhagti Yoga, where we use emotions; Gyan Yoga, where we use mind and intellect; And Kriya Yoga, where we use energy.
It was proposed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Through this initiative, the Prime Minister of India wanted to bring to light this unique gift given by our forefathers. He made the suggestion in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2014. In his address to the UN, he also suggested that Yoga Day should be observed on June 21 as it is the longest day of the year.
The members of the UN General Assembly discussed the proposal put forward by Modi and soon approved it in the affirmative. June 21, 2015 was celebrated for the first time as International Yoga Day. On this day a wonderful program was organized in India. The Prime Minister of India Shri Modi and many other political leaders celebrated the day with enthusiasm at Rajpath.
Today, millions and millions of people around the world have benefited from the practice of yoga which has been safeguarded and promoted by the great yoga gurus since ancient times. The practice of yoga is flourishing, and more and more alive every day.
Mukesh Verma