Origins of Yoga Flashcards
Where does yoga arise from?
Yoga arises from Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and other religions.
What does yoga mean?
Yoga means “to yoke” or “to make one” - the intended yoking is that of one’s mind and the divine.
Where and when were the earliest writings of Yoga?
The earliest known writings on yoga are found in the ancient Hindu spiritual texts known as the Vedas, which originated in 1700-1100 BCE.
What does Veda mean?
Knowledge
What is the oldest Veda?
Rig Veda
What is the primary tool in the Rig Veda?
Meditation is the principal tool the Vedic seers describe in the Rig Veda (the earliest of the Veda texts).
How was the main way of meditation done in the Rig Veda?
The primary form of meditation was through mantra which is the repetitive song of certain sounds. Plus visualising a deity so it is within ones heart.
When were the Upanishads written?
The Upanishads were written in the first millennium BCE
What do you find that’s important in the Upanishads?
we find thorough explanations of yoga practice which are still focused on meditation.
What is the names of The Upanishads of a universal spirit and individual soul?
The Upanishads held forth the belief in a universal spirit, Brahman, and an individual soul, Atman.
What does the Bhagavad Gita explore?
The mystery of the mind, providing a set of guiding principles through conscious action.
What are the three types of yogic paths?
Karma yoga - the yoga of service
Jnana yoga - the yoga of knowledge
Bhakti yoga - the yoga of devotion
Who was Patanjali?
He was a Hindu author, mystic and philosopher who wrote ‘The Yoga Sutras’
When was ‘The Yoga Sutras’ made and what was it?
200 CE. It is a set of 196 aphorisms that many consider to be the basic text on yoga. The Sutras explain how to cultivate one’s path to Samadhi- a blissful state of oneness with the divine.
Do the ‘The Yoga Sutras’ discuss/describe any poses or asanas?
no.
What do ‘The Sutras’ include?
A set of guides, the 8 Limbed Path which help an individual reach the state of Samadhi- a blissful state of oneness with the divine.
What are the 8 Limbed Paths?
Yama: moral discipline
Niyama: positive observance
Asana: posture
Pranayama: breathing
control
Pratyahara: sense withdrawal
Dharana: concentration
Dhyana: meditation
Samadhi: enlightenment
What are the Yamas?
The Yamas are a set of five ethical standards on how we treat others in our lives.
Name the 5 Yamas:
Ahimsa: non-harming
Satya: truth
Asteya: non-stealing
Aparigraha: non-attachment
Brahmacharya - use of sexual energy
What are the Niyamas ?
The Niyamas are a set of five ethical standards on how we live our lives.
What are the 5 Niyamas?
Saucha: purity
Santosha: contentment
Tapas: self-discipline
Svadhyaya: self-study
Ishvara Pranidhana: surrender to higher power
What is the essential idea of tantra?
The essential idea of tantra is that everything in the universe is an expression of the divine and thus can be tapped into as a source of divine consciousness and being.
