The Origins Of Yoga
In the yogic lore, it is said that the ancient science of yoga originated over 45
,000 years ago in the Himalayan Ranges. On the tranquil banks of Kanti Sarovar, a lake just beyond Kedarnath, the first yoga program is said to have taken place with Shiva - the Aadhi Yogi, or the first Yogi - and his wife, Parvathy.
When Parvathy received yoga from Shiva, she began experiencing higher dimensions within. Seeing that both Shiva and Parvathy seemed to be experiencing something beyond what they knew as 'life' thousands of people gathered, wanting a taste of it. The Sapta Rishis - the seven celebrated sages of the yogic lore, are said to have come from South India to see Shiva. Though thousands of people came and left, not knowing what was happening to Shiva, these seven sages waited for Shiva to yield these sacred sciences to them. They went through various yogic practices and austerities. After many years, Shiva decided to transmit the deep science of yoga and meditation to the seven sages, who took this knowing all across the world, transmitting it into various cultures and groups.
Here, I use the word 'transmit' because contrary to popular belief, yoga is not something which can be taught in a weekend yoga program or in just any run-of-the-mill yoga ashram in India. It is something beyond words and language, which is imparted and received in a very sacred situation.
Yoga is the science of learning how to access the deepest, most profound aspect of a human being. Though externally, it may simply look like slow movements or passive contemplation, it is something very subtle, yet powerful. It is so transformative that those who have experienced it hold it above their very life.
Unfortunately, in todays world which demands competition, comparison, and in the end, the inevitable question -'whats in it for me', such dedication and commitment to anything is rare. Though it is alive here and there - in the notes of a devoted singer or in the eyes of a zestful artist -the type of mad passion which the yogis of the past thrived on seems to have dwindled. This makes me wonder - will the rishis and yogis live only in the history books? Are they extinct forever?
A few organizations however, seem to be promising. One such organization is the Isha Foundation. Though the yoga programs are offered in a modern context, the experience of the Isha practitioners seems to be genuine. Isha yoga programs incorporate gnana yoga, bhakthi yoga, karma yoga, and kriya yoga - the four main branches of yoga. The foundation is centered at the Isha Yoga Center, in South India, but Isha yoga programs are offered all over the world. Though the programs do not look exactly like what was offered by the rishis and sages of the past, it seems to offer authentic yoga and meditation in a contemporary way - which may be exactly what is needed for todays society and culture.
by: Gabriel Jonathan
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