Yoga Timeline (Yoga History) Flashcards
The postures at this phase of yoga evolution are primarily seated asana for the purpose of meditation. This is where the text marked the beginnings of yoga and yoga asana.
Indus Valley Civilization Period 3000 - 1500 BCE
What time period was the first documented asanas (postures) created?
3000 - 1800 BCE
When was the first archeological evidence of S’iva found?
2500 BCE
During this time period the sacred scripture of Brahmanism (the basis of modern day Hinduism) was created. It is a collection of hymns which praise a divine power. It contains the oldest known Yogic teachings and is characterized by rituals and ceremonies that strive to surpass the limitations of the mind.
Vedic Period 1500 - 500 BCE
The text is known as the Vedas and the teachings of the Vedas is called Vedic Yoga.
The creation of the Upanishads marks this period. The 200 scriptures of the Upanishads (the conclusion of the revealed literature) describe the inner vision of reality resulting from devotion to Braham. The Upanishads later explain the teachings of the Vedas.
Pre - Classical Period 800 BCE - 250CE
The result of devotion to Braham explains what three subjects?
The ultimate reality (Braham), the transcendental self (atman), and the relationship between the two.
Who was the first Buddhist to study Yoga and achieved enlightment at the age of 35? What time period did this Buddhist live?
Siddhartha Gautama
(Pre - Classical Period) 6th Century BCE
What is the text that is the most beloved and well studied up through our present area? It is one of the 1st texts to outline the paths of yoga including: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga? It also gives an overview of Prana and Apana. What period is this text known?
Mahabharata/Bhagavad Gita (Song of the Lord)
Pre - Classical Period
This is the first time the word yoga appears textually in the Katha Upanishad. Svetasvatara Upanishad begins to speak of upright postures for meditative practices. Maitri Upanishad outlines the six of the practices adopted by Pantajali for the eight limbed system.
3rd Century (201 - 300) BCE
Pre - Classical Period
This period is marked by the creation of the Yoga Sutra. It was written by Pantajali around the second century. It was an attempt to define and standardize Classical Yoga.
Classical Period 250 BCE - 500 CE
Pantajali outlines methods for obtaining union. This text is influenced by Samkhya Philosopy and elements of Buddhism.
Yoga Sutra obtaining union - 250 BCE
Classical Period
What time period did:
Hatha Yoga (practiced by diverse groups at the time and in the Muslim community)
Asana and Kryia practices begin to take root as a system of eliminating disease. Stronger explanations of subtle anatomy begin to emerge.
Today much of Hatha Yoga focuses primarily on asana and has dropped in part the practices of shatkarma and mudra.
12th century CE
This time period is characterized by a proliferaiton of literature as well as the practice of Yoga. This yoga differs from the first three since its focus is more on the present. It no longer strives to liberate a person from reality but rather teaches one to accept it and live in the moment.
Post Classical Period 500 CE - 1888 E
Defined as any teaching that stems forth during or after the teachings of Sri Krishnamacharya (1888 - 1989). Most of the asana practices and sequences used today have been developed around the late 1800’s.
Modern Period 1888 CE - Present
How old are our modern asana practices?
150 years old
Has an influence with European acrobatics, gymnastics and contortions. Only the seated poses for meditation can be traced back to the beginning of yoga history.
