What was the History and origin of Yoga?
The history of Yoga can be divided into four main periods which are the Vedic period, pre-classical period, classical period and post-classical period. Vedic Period The word “Yoga” was mentioned first of all in the Rig Veda, the oldest sacred texts. The yoga practices in this period were focused on rituals, sacrifices, and ceremonies as people believed in a ritualistic way of life. Vedic masters were blessed with a vision of the supreme reality and their hymns speak of their marvelous intuitions. Pre Classic Period – During the pre-classical period, the Yoga was developed by the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in the northern India. During this period the old practices of vedic period were studied and refined by yogis and collected in the form of Upanishadas. There are about two hundred texts that speak in detail about the self and ultimate reality. One of the most remarkable scriptures of the period is Bhagavad Gita which was composed around 500 B.C. Classical Period – During the classic
