The History and Philosophy of Yoga

Welcome to the Heart of Yoga’s Rich Legacy

Yoga is so much more than just a series of postures or breathing exercises—it’s a way of life that connects us deeply with our true selves. Here at Maa Shakti Yog Bali, we’re passionate about sharing the incredible history and philosophy behind yoga, so you can fully appreciate and integrate its wisdom into your life. Whether you're new to yoga or have been practicing for years, understanding its roots can deepen your experience and enrich your journey.

The Ancient Beginnings: Where It All Started

Can you imagine a time over 5,000 years ago, where the earliest seeds of yoga were being planted in the ancient Indus Valley? It’s amazing to think that the practices we love today have such deep roots. The word "yoga" itself means to unite—bringing together the mind, body, and spirit into a harmonious whole. Early glimpses of yoga can be found in the Vedas, ancient texts that laid the foundation for so many spiritual traditions in India.

As the centuries passed, the Upanishads—another set of sacred texts—began to shape the philosophical side of yoga. They explored big questions about the nature of the self, the universe, and the connection between the two. This was the beginning of yoga as a spiritual practice, not just a physical one.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: The Blueprint of Yoga

Fast forward to around 400 CE, and we meet Patanjali, the wise sage who compiled the Yoga Sutras—a text that’s still incredibly relevant today. Patanjali laid out what we now call the Eightfold Path of Yoga (or Ashtanga Yoga), which offers a roadmap for living a meaningful and purposeful life. These eight limbs guide us through everything from ethical living (like practicing kindness and honesty) to mastering our breath, focusing our minds, and ultimately reaching a state of deep inner peace.

Hatha Yoga: The Physical Practice We Know Today

As time went on, yoga continued to evolve. By the 9th to 15th centuries, Hatha Yoga emerged, bringing a stronger focus on the physical aspects of the practice. This is where we get many of the postures and breathing techniques that are so popular in modern yoga. The goal of Hatha Yoga was to prepare the body for deeper spiritual practices, and it’s the foundation of many styles of yoga that we practice today.

Yoga’s Journey to the World: A Global Embrace

Yoga’s wisdom couldn’t be contained within India’s borders for long. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, visionaries like Swami Vivekananda and T. Krishnamacharya began sharing yoga with the world. They taught that yoga wasn’t just for ascetics or hermits—it was for everyone. Thanks to them and their students, yoga has blossomed into a global phenomenon, with styles like Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Iyengar Yoga becoming household names.

The Deeper Meaning: Yoga’s Philosophy in Daily Life

At its heart, yoga is a way of understanding and navigating life. It teaches us that beneath all the noise and chaos, our true self is pure and peaceful. But to connect with that true self, we need to quiet the mind and look inward. That’s where the practice comes in.

Yoga offers several paths to help us on this journey:

• Karma Yoga: The path of selfless action, where we do good without expecting anything in return.

• Bhakti Yoga: The path of love and devotion, where we open our hearts to something greater than ourselves.

• Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge, where we seek to understand the deeper truths of existence.

• Raja Yoga: The path of meditation, where we learn to focus and calm the mind.

Bringing It All Together at Maa Shakti Yog Bali

Here at Maa Shakti Yog Bali, we believe that yoga is a lifelong journey of growth, discovery, and connection. Whether you’re here for a Yoga Teacher Training course or simply looking to deepen your practice, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We honor the rich history and philosophy of yoga in everything we do, ensuring that you not only learn the physical aspects but also the deeper spiritual wisdom that makes yoga so transformative.

We invite you to join us in exploring the profound legacy of yoga. Together, let’s uncover the timeless wisdom that can bring peace, purpose, and joy into our lives.