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...Yoga's history has many places of anonymity and ambiguity due to its oral transmission of sacred texts and the secretive nature of its teachings. But the roots of Yoga can be traced back to more than 5000 years.

The Past

The earliest reference to Yoga was found when archaeological excavations where made in the Indus valley. Where old carvings depict a figure that some archaeologists think represents a yogi sitting in a traditional cross-legged yoga pose with its hands resting on its knees meditating.

Yoga's long rich history can be divided into four main periods of development: the Vedic Period, Pre-Classical Period, Classical Period, and Post-Classical Period.

Vedic Period

The existence of the Vedas marks this period. The Vedas contains the oldest known Yogic teachings and as such, teachings found in the Vedas are called Vedic Yoga. This is portrayed by rituals and ceremonies that try to go beyond the limitations of the mind.

During this time, the vedic people relied on rishis or dedicated Vedic Yogis to teach them how to live in divine harmony.

Pre-Classical Yoga

The creation of the Upanishads marks the Pre-Classical Yoga. The Upanishads further explain the teachings of the Vedas.

Yoga shares some characteristics not only with Hinduism but also with buddhism that we can trace in its history. During the sixth century B.C., buddha started teaching buddhism, which stresses the importance of Meditation and the practice of physical postures.

Later, around 500 B.C., the Bhagavad-Gita or Lord's Song was created and this is currently the oldest known Yoga scripture. It is devoted entirely to Yoga and has confirmed that it has been an old practice for some time. Just as the Upanishads further the Vedas, the Gita builds on and incorporates the doctrines found in the Upanishads.

Classical Period

The Classical Period is marked by another creation - ...more

Yoga in Practice: Projecting Happiness

...ppress it, and never teach it.

You cannot listen if you are talking at the same time. The wisest and most educated person has learned that the purpose of listening is to understand; understanding is knowledge, and knowledge is power. There are times, when you cannot listen. This could be due to time restraints, the fact that you may have heard it all before, or possibly you do not consider this persons opinion to be important.

My grandfather had a saying, Even the court jester can teach you something about life. Sometimes, we take the help, or opinions of others, for granted. How many times do we seek more information in order to make the best decision? The final decisions you make, in any given situation are entirely up to you, but when you can sit back and listen, that is time for learning.

Try to avoid arguments and stay the course of peaceful co-existence. You may n...more

Yoga: Three Reasons You Should Not Do Yoga Posture Standing Forward Bend

... circulation to the thyroid glands. People with good hip flexibility will find this asana relaxing and rewarding because the full inversion of the torso allows the spine to stretch, hanging passively from the hips. However, in most people, short hamstrings muscles and poor hip and back flexibility prevent torso from hanging upside down and the feeling of relaxation is not achieved.

The Forward Bend in a standing position has many benefits; however there are some health conditions in which this asana is not recomm...more

Yoga Certification - The Beginning of a Yoga Teacher's Journey

... Many people spend their lives in a race to chase their tails. Enjoy each day, like a new verse to your favorite song.

Yoga teachers should learn not to get caught up in pursuit of deadlines and todays hectic lifestyle. This is easier said than done; but students come to Yoga classes for stress relief; and a Yoga teacher who is stressed out is of little help to them.

So, what is the answer? Choose a direction of continuing education, which calls to you. This happened before, when you initially decided to become a Yoga teacher.

Make a habit of writing in a journal, so that you can plan your Yoga teaching path. Pursue Yoga subjects that are directly related to your interests and the needs of your Yoga students. You must do both; the s...more