The Roots of Yoga: Separating Fact from Fiction
Meera Nanda is an Indian writer, historian of science, and academic. She has been a critic of the growing influence of Hinduism and Hindu nationalism in India, arguing that it is undermining secularism and promoting pseudoscience. In an insightful essay, Nanda challenged the “purist Hindu position” that all yoga, including its physical or hatha yoga component, is rooted in the ancient Vedic tradition. She argues that this claim lacks intellectual integrity, as the history of modern postural yoga tells a different story.
Nanda reveals that yogic asanas (postures) were never considered “Vedic” to begin with. In fact, they were looked down upon by Hindu intellectuals and reformers, who saw them as fit only for sorcerers, fakirs, and jogis. During a nationalistic phase, hatha yoga incorporated elements of Western gymnastics and bodybuilding, which can be seen in the renowned Iyengar and Ashtanga Vinyasa schools of yoga. Nanda argues that the “smug claim” of yoga being “Vedic” has no basis in reality and fails to acknowledge the significant Western contributions to the development of modern postural yoga.
Yoga’s Journey to the West
The American yoga industry has embraced the perceived antiquity and Eastern spirituality of yoga as part of its marketing strategy. Practices like namaste, chanting “om,” and using Indian classical music and incense have become integral to the yoga experience in the US, creating a “suitably spiritual ambience” for practitioners.
The Origins and Early History of Yoga
Yoga has ancient roots, with origins dating back over 5,000 years to the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in northern India[1][3][4]. The term “yoga” was first mentioned in the oldest sacred Hindu texts, the Vedas, which were a collection of songs, mantras, and rituals used by Vedic priests[1][3][4].
However, the traditional focus of yoga was not on physical postures (asanas), but rather on meditation, spiritual practices, and philosophical teachings aimed at achieving enlightenment and union with the divine[6][7][8].
The practices and beliefs of yoga were further developed and documented by Brahmin priests and mystic seers (rishis) in the Upanishads, a large body of over 200 scriptures[1][3][4]. The most renowned of these yogic scriptures is the Bhagavad Gita, composed around 500 BCE[1].
The physical postures and sequences that are the focus of modern postural yoga did not emerge until much later, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.[6]
The Classical Period of Yoga
In the 2nd century CE, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali provided the first systematic presentation of yoga, outlining an “eight-limbed path” towards enlightenment[1][3]. Patanjali is considered the “father of yoga” and his work continues to influence most modern styles of yoga[1][3].
Post-Classical Yoga and the Modern Period
A few centuries after Patanjali, yoga masters developed new systems like Tantra Yoga, which focused on physical-spiritual practices to achieve enlightenment[3]. This led to the creation of Hatha Yoga, the style most commonly practiced in the West today.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, yoga masters began traveling to the West, introducing practices like Hatha Yoga and gaining many followers[3][4]. Key figures include Swami Vivekananda, T. Krishnamacharya, and Swami Sivananda, who helped popularize yoga globally[3][4].
Since then, yoga has continued to evolve and adapt, with many different schools and styles emerging, all emphasizing various aspects of the practice[3]. While traditional yoga and contemporary yoga are not exactly the same, yoga has become a mainstream part of life for millions worldwide[4].
Conclusion: Don’t Be Discouraged by Yoga’s Evolving Roots
The history of yoga reveals that the modern practice of yoga, including the popular physical postures (asanas), has evolved significantly over time. As Meera Nanda’s insightful essay highlights, the claim that all of yoga is rooted in the ancient Vedic tradition is simply not accurate.
While yoga does have ancient origins dating back thousands of years, the specific physical yoga poses and sequences that are so widely practiced today emerged much later, incorporating influences from Western gymnastics, bodybuilding, and other sources. This does not make modern yoga any less authentic or beneficial.
The key takeaway is that yoga, like many cultural practices, has adapted and transformed over the centuries. Rather than being discouraged by a lack of ancient roots, we should embrace the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of yoga. The physical postures and styles of yoga that are popular today can provide immense physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
So don’t be deterred if the yoga you practice doesn’t perfectly align with some idealized notion of “traditional” yoga. The modern forms of yoga, with all their diverse influences, can still be incredibly healthy, rejuvenating, and transformative. Embrace yoga’s journey and continue to explore the practice in a way that works best for you.
Citations
[1] https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/yoga/top-5-yoga-myths-debunked
[2] http://assets.press.princeton.edu/chapters/i9565.pdf
[3] https://www.yogabasics.com/learn/history-of-yoga/
[4] https://artsandculture.google.com/story/explore-the-ancient-roots-of-yoga/rAKCRDl92CPuJg
[5] https://www.wildmind.org/blogs/book-reviews/yoga-separating-fact-from-fiction
[6] https://www.yogaspace.nyc/blog/the-history-of-yoga-and-colonization-honoring-yogas-roots
[7] https://www.yogaandbeyond.co.uk/yoga/
[8] https://www.today.com/specials/from-ancient-to-modern–how-yoga-became-part-of-american-culture/index.html
