History of classical yoga?
- Classical yoga refers to the period of yoga history that followed the preclassical period and was characterized by the development of a systematic and comprehensive approach to yoga philosophy and practice. The classical period is generally considered to have lasted from around 200 BCE to 800 CE, and it saw the emergence of a number of influential yogic texts and traditions.
- One of the most important figures of the classical period was Patanjali, who is believed to have compiled and organized the Yoga Sutras, a collection of 196 aphorisms that outline the philosophy and practice of yoga. The Yoga Sutras provided a comprehensive framework for understanding the practice of yoga and laid the groundwork for the development of classical yoga as a system of spiritual practice.
- During the classical period, yoga was also influenced by various philosophical and religious traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Samkhya. These traditions helped to shape the philosophical underpinnings of yoga and contributed to the development of various yogic practices, including asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation.
- Classical yoga also saw the emergence of various schools of yoga, each of which had its own unique approach to practice and philosophy. Some of the most notable schools include:
- Hatha Yoga: Hatha yoga emerged in the 9th century CE and focused on the physical aspects of yoga practice, including asanas and pranayama. It emphasized the purification of the body and the cultivation of physical strength and flexibility as a means of preparing the body for spiritual practice.
- Raja Yoga: Raja yoga, also known as “royal yoga,” emphasized the cultivation of mental discipline and focused on the practice of meditation as a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment. It was based on the eightfold path outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
- Bhakti Yoga: Bhakti yoga is a devotional practice that involves the worship of a chosen deity through prayer, chanting, and other forms of devotion. It emphasizes the cultivation of love and devotion as a means of achieving spiritual union with the divine.
- Overall, the classical period of yoga history saw the development of a comprehensive system of yoga philosophy and practice that laid the groundwork for the modern practice of yoga. The practices and teachings of this period continue to influence contemporary yoga practice around the world.