Indus Valley Civilization
The earliest evidence of yoga-like practices is found in the Indus Valley Civilization, where seals depicting figures in meditative postures suggest the presence of proto-yogic traditions.
3000 BCE
1500 BCE
Vedic Period
The Vedic Period marks the composition of the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts, which contains references to practices and concepts that form the foundation of yoga.
800 BCE
Upanishads
The Upanishads, a collection of philosophical texts, explore the nature of reality and the self, introducing key yogic concepts such as meditation and the union of the individual soul with the universal spirit.
500 BCE
Buddhism and Jainism
The rise of Buddhism and Jainism introduces new meditative practices and ethical precepts that influence the development of yoga.
400 BCE
Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita, a key philosophical scripture, outlines various paths of yoga, including Karma Yoga (the yoga of action), Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion), and Jnana Yoga (the yoga of knowledge).
200 CE
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
Patanjali compiles the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text that systematizes the practice of yoga into an eight-limbed path known as Ashtanga Yoga.
800 CE
Tantra and Hatha Yoga
The emergence of Tantric traditions and Hatha Yoga introduces new techniques for physical and spiritual transformation, emphasizing the use of the body as a tool for achieving enlightenment.
1200 CE
Gorakhnath and Nath Yogis
Gorakhnath, a prominent Nath Yogi, is credited with popularizing Hatha Yoga and establishing a lineage of yogic practitioners that continues to influence modern yoga.
1893
Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of Religions
Swami Vivekananda introduces yoga and Vedanta to the Western world at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, sparking global interest in these ancient practices.
1920s
Establishment of Yoga Institutes
The establishment of yoga institutes such as the Kaivalyadhama Health and Yoga Research Center by Swami Kuvalayananda marks the beginning of systematic research and education in yoga.
1947
Independence of India
The independence of India leads to a resurgence of interest in traditional Indian practices, including yoga, which becomes a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage.
1960s
Yoga in the West
The 1960s see a surge in the popularity of yoga in the West, driven by influential teachers such as B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Swami Satchidananda, who introduce various styles of yoga to a global audience.
1970s
Modern Yoga Movements
The 1970s witness the rise of modern yoga movements, with the establishment of organizations such as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the spread of Transcendental Meditation.
1990s
Yoga in Popular Culture
Yoga becomes mainstream in popular culture, with celebrities and fitness enthusiasts embracing the practice, leading to the proliferation of yoga studios and teacher training programs worldwide.
2014
International Day of Yoga
The United Nations declares June 21st as the International Day of Yoga, recognizing the global significance of yoga and promoting its practice for health and well-being.
2020s
Yoga in the Digital Age
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerates the adoption of online yoga classes and digital platforms, making yoga more accessible to people around the world and highlighting its benefits for mental and physical health.
