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Miniature Pahari painting (17th century)
The History of Yoga Through Images
The History of Yoga Through Images
By Elizabeth Maggio-Kotkowska
Prehistoric Period (3000-1500 BCE)
Prehistoric Period (3000-1500 BCE)
Indus Valley Civilisation (2,500-1,500 BCE)
Indus Valley Civilisation (2,500-1,500 BCE)
Seal discovered of Pashupati (Lord of the Animals) in a seated meditation posture.
The carved figures are thought to be the earliest representation of Yogis.
Vedic Period (1500-500 BCE)
Vedic Period (1500-500 BCE)
The Vedas are composed (1,000 BCE)
The Vedas are composed (1,000 BCE)
'Veda' means knowledge.
These are ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism
Upanishadic Period (500 BCE-200 CE)
Upanishadic Period (500 BCE-200 CE)
The oldest Upanishads are written (700 BCE)
The oldest Upanishads are written (700 BCE)
'Upanishad' means connection, but came to be known as sitting near a teacher.
These are a collection of orally transmitted teachings.
The Bhagavad Gita is written (500 BCE)
The Bhagavad Gita is written (500 BCE)
'Bhagavad Gita' means song.
It is a Hindu scripture that synthesises several philosophical comcepts of Hinduism and yoga in a narrative format.
Classical Period (200-500 CE)
Classical Period (200-500 CE)
Buddhism founded (500 BCE)
Buddhism founded (500 BCE)
Based on the teachings, life-experiences and 'spirit' or 'Dharma' of Siddhartha Gautama which are used as models of religious life.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are Composed (200 CE)
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are Composed (200 CE)
'Sutra' means rule or aphorism.
The sutras are a foundation of modern yoga and provide guidance on how to life a balanced and ethical life.
Post-Classical Period (500-1500 CE)
Post-Classical Period (500-1500 CE)
Vajramrita Tantra text.
The Beginning of Tantra Yoga (600 CE)
The Beginning of Tantra Yoga (600 CE)
'Tantra' comes from Sanskrit word 'tan' which means to weave or compose.
It is a collection of esoteric practices that include complex visualisations, breath control and body manipulation.
Mandukya Karika text.
Advaita Vedanta (800 CE)
Advaita Vedanta (800 CE)
'Advaita' means non-dualism .
Gaudapada and Shankara are associated with its development.
Shiva Sutras text.
Kashmir Saivism (850 CE)
Kashmir Saivism (850 CE)
Religious and philosophical system of India that worships the God Shiva as Supreme Reality.
The Tantraloka of Abhinava Gupta, with commentary by Rajanaka Jayaratha
Rajanaka Tantra (900 CE?)
Rajanaka Tantra (900 CE?)
A branch of tantrism called Shri Vidhya (auspicious wisdom) devoted to the Goddess.
Hatha Yoga Pradpika (15th Century)
Hatha Yoga Pradpika (15th Century)
Introduced physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama).
Modern Period (19th-20th Century)
Modern Period (19th-20th Century)
Yoga introduced to America (1893)
Yoga introduced to America (1893)
Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga during Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
He translated Yogic texts into English and organised world conferences on the subject.
Hatha Yoga Revival (1900s)
Hatha Yoga Revival (1900s)
Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, referred to as the Father of Modern Yoga was a great healer and teacher of B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, Indra Devi and his son Desikachar, among many others.
Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute Established (1948)
Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute Established (1948)
Sri K Pattabhi Jois taught the ashtanga yoga system based on Korunta Yoga.
Iyengar Yoga (1950s)
Iyengar Yoga (1950s)
B.K.S. Iyengar develops a slower, gentler form of yoga using props.
Contemporary Period (21st Century)
Contemporary Period (21st Century)
International Yoga Day (2015)
International Yoga Day (2015)
Established by United Nations on the 21st of June.
Although key dates are listed, I will be adding to this as research continues. If you are interested in discussing the history of yoga further, please send me an email!
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