History of Yoga goes back tens of thousands of years. The eight limbs of Yoga Practices are the embodiment of the ancient spiritual wisdom of India from the Vedas and Upanishads. Sage Patanjali of India who lived around 200BC documented the eight limbs of Yoga as Patanjali Yoga Sutras( Yoga aphorisms). This is called the Ashtanga Yoga, Ashta means eight and Anga means limbs. In the early 1900s Yoga was introduced to the western world by Swami Vivekananda of India , then onwards the world has embraced Yoga Practice whole heartedly. Much scientific research has been undertaken in Europe, USA, and Asia by medical and neuroscience researchers to assess and verify the benefits of Yoga. Yoga and it’s eight limbs has to be learnt holistically starting from the postures( Yoga Asanas) moving to the other seven limbs of Yoga. This brings about major transformation of the self and creates a world of inclusivity.
Can Yoga be the glue of inclusivity in a world torn apart by differences based on race, religion, region and political views. A Yoga practitioner aspires to achieve Equanimity ( Samadhi) through practicing the various limbs of Yoga, be it Yoga Asanas(postures), Meditation or Prana Yama( breath control).
In Yoga Practice the concept of God is deeply and truly enshrined as the primordial universal energy (of unconditional love) that existed before creation occurred. Yoga recognises that this universal energy manifested as multiplicity in creation with beings of all types, characteristics, and shapes. However, the force underlying this multiplicity and beauty is God and only God. This God has manifested in many forms on earth whenever humanity were on the wrong path, all these forms are considered sacred and all paths are considered valid. Teachings of Yoga will enhance a person’s faith, whatever this faith maybe and also gives unto them a deeper insight of their inner self and inner instruments within each oof us.
United Nations and WHO have recognized the benefits of Yoga and declared 21st June as the International Day of Yoga.
