History of Yoga

The doctrines and practices of Yoga date from the period of the Upanishads.

The Maitrī Upanishad in particular outlines the essential practices of Yoga.

These practices were elaborated and given a philosophical foundation in the Yoga Sūtra of the Indian scholar Patañjali (flourished 2nd century bc?), who is traditionally regarded as the founder of Yoga.

Patañjali derived his doctrine from Sāmkhya, the oldest of the classic systems of Hindu philosophy.

In order to explain evolution, he departed from the system by grafting the concept of God (Iśvara) upon the atheistic outlook of Sāmkhya.

The concept is not an integral part of Yoga doctrine; indeed, some authorities consider it actually in contradiction with the rest of the system.

In any case, Yoga, unlike other systems of Hindu philosophy, has subordinated doctrine to the refinement of practice.

Systematic study of Yoga doctrine has declined in recent centuries.

As a system of practice, Yoga has from the beginning been one of the most influential features of Hinduism.

Yoga exerted a powerful attraction upon Hindus because of the wonders attributed to it and because it gives countenance to the performance of austerities, to which Hindus are so strongly inclined.

The strong influence of Yoga can also be seen in Buddhism, which is notable for its austerities, spiritual exercises, and trance states.

As knowledge of Yoga spread, it fascinated and won followers among Westerners.

Among more recent students of Yoga are the British writers Major Francis Yeats-Brown (1886-1944), Aldous Huxley, and Christopher Isherwood; the Romanian-born writer on religion Mircea Eliade; and the British violinist Yehudi Menuhin.

In recent years Yoga exercises have been recommended by some physical fitness experts as a means of cleansing the body of impurities, of reducing weight, of toning up the nerves and muscles, and, generally, of improving health and prolonging life.