Yoga has undergone significant transformation since this ancient art was gifted to the world by Lord Shiva many thousands of years ago.
Known as Adiyogi, meaning ‘the first Yogi’, Shiva transferred all of his knowledge to the Sapta Rishis, or Seven Sages, so that they too could have divine understanding.
The Sapta Rishis went on to share their newfound knowledge with the world, and the philosophy remained unchanged. As time went on, however, Yoga was forced to adapt to the changing society. It was no longer quite as practical, nor desirable, to sit for hours in meditation.
Although Yoga went through a few early phases, it is the wisdom of Sage Patanjali that is best known in spiritual communities today.
Patanjali wrote the Yoga Sûtra in which he outlined his theories and yogic practices to suit the new world. Still, the principles he outlined require complete dedication for those who seek transcendence. The likelihood of achieving such a goal in one lifetime is next to impossible.
And yet, we still practice because we know that any small step along this path is well worth the effort. Those who are sincere in their approach are thus not working for themselves alone, but for the betterment of humanity.
Sage Patanjali outlined many principles and practices in the form of the Eight-Fold Path, or Raja Yoga. Due to its depth, I will discuss this more extensively in a later post.
What is interesting to note, however, is that asanas (poses) are but one branch among the Eight Limbs of Yoga. In fact, Patanjali does not specifically describe even a single pose. Instead, he simply stresses the importance of physical comfort when performing them.
This absence of bodily emphasis shows us that the Yoga of these times was still very much mentally oriented in terms of its focus in gaining mastery over the mind. It was not until centuries later that Yogis began to explore the potential of the body more fully. They found that by regularly engaging in certain advanced physical practices they could revitalize the body and even extend its life. These practices are far beyond the scope of what is readily accessible to casual practitioners.
As we entered into modernity and Yoga was brought to the West, it did not take long for the practice to devolve into something completely opposite its original purpose. Although some modern teachers still maintain a traditional philosophy, many others have adopted new ones to suit their own purposes. Indeed, the wisdom of old is becoming lost in this emerging industry.
Highland Tantra 