The history of yoga can be traced back over 5,000 years, with its origins in ancient India. It is believed to have been developed by the Indus-Sarasvati civilization, which flourished in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent.
The earliest references to yoga can be found in the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, where it is mentioned as a practice for spiritual development and discipline. The Upanishads, which are philosophical texts that elaborate on the Vedas, further explore the concept of yoga as a means to attain spiritual enlightenment.
The formalization of yoga is often attributed to the sage Patanjali, who compiled the Yoga Sutras around the 2nd century BCE. This text laid the foundation for the classical yoga tradition, outlining the eight limbs of yoga (Ashtanga), which include ethical practices, physical postures, breath control, and meditation.
Over the centuries, various schools and styles of yoga emerged, each with its interpretations and practices. Yoga has evolved through influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and it has spread worldwide, becoming a popular practice for physical fitness and mental well-being in modern times.
