How Yoga Came to Be

When we think of yoga today, images of serene environments, stretching poses, and group classes might come to mind. However, yoga is so much more than that. The term ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’. Its practice leads to the union of individual consciousness with that of the Universal Consciousness, creating harmony between the mind and body.

The practice of Yoga is believed to have started at the very dawn of civilization. The science of yoga originated over 5,000 years ago, long before the first religions or belief systems emerged. According to its story, the knowledge of yoga was first imparted by the god Shiva to the Saptarishis, or "seven sages." These sages then traveled widely, disseminating this profound knowledge to various parts of the world. Echoes of this dissemination are rumored to be seen in early Christian practices of deep meditation and contemplation, and in ancient Greek traditions that emphasized physical training and the cultivation of both the body and mind.

Initially, yoga was presented as a royal activity—a discipline reserved for kings and princes who sought spiritual enlightenment and societal order. But overtime it spread across all classes and different components:

Today, yoga transcends borders and is practiced by millions worldwide for physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. Its journey from royal courts to the corners of the globe serves as a testament to its universal appeal and adaptability. As we roll out our mats, we're not just participating in a fitness routine but connecting with an age-old tradition that unites body, breath, and being.

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