History
A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOGA
The development of yoga can be traced back to over 5,000 years ago. One of the first systemic presentations of yoga is Patanjali’s Yoga-Sutras. Often referred to as the father of yoga, Patanjali organized the practice of yoga into an “eight limbed path.”
These eight limbs consist of:
Yama: ethical standards
Niyama: self-discipline
Asana: posture
Pranayama: breath control
Pratyahara: sensory withdrawl
Dharana: concentration
Dhyana: meditation
Samadhi: ecstasy, final liberation
These limbs correlate and integrate into the six branches of yoga. Each branch has its unique characteristics and approach towards life. While one may be drawn to one branch it is important to recognize that many of these branches or paths naturally overlap into another.
The six branches of yoga:
Karma Yoga: path of service
Tantra Yoga: path of ritual
Hatha Yoga: path of “disciplined balance”
Jnana Yoga: path of intellect
Bhakti Yoga: path of devotion
Raja Yoga: “royal” path, path of meditation