Indus Valley Civilization
The earliest archaeological evidence of yoga-like practices can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, where seals depicting figures in meditative postures were discovered.
circa 3000 BCE
circa 1500 BCE
The Vedic Period
The history of yoga during the Vedic period is marked by the composition of the Vedas, ancient sacred texts that include references to meditation and rituals that are considered precursors to yoga.
circa 800-400 BCE
The Upanishads
The Upanishads, philosophical texts that form the basis of Hindu thought, introduced concepts such as karma, dharma, and moksha, which are integral to the philosophy of yoga.
circa 400 BCE
The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita, a key text in the history of yoga, integrates various paths of yoga, including karma yoga (the yoga of action), bhakti yoga (the yoga of devotion), and jnana yoga (the yoga of knowledge).
circa 200 BCE
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, composed around this time, systematized the practice of yoga into an eight-limbed path, providing a comprehensive guide to spiritual development and self-discipline.
circa 800 CE
The Development of Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga, emphasizing physical postures and breath control, began to take shape with texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, which provided detailed instructions on asanas and pranayama.
1893
Swami Vivekananda's Visit to the West
Swami Vivekananda introduced the philosophy of yoga to the Western world at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago, sparking widespread interest in yoga and Indian spirituality.
1920s
The early 20th century saw figures like T. Krishnamacharya and Swami Sivananda developing and popularizing modern yoga practices, blending traditional teachings with contemporary approaches.
1947
The Founding of the Yoga Institute
Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra founded the Yoga Institute in Mumbai, one of the oldest organized yoga centers in the world, promoting the study and practice of yoga for health and well-being.
1960s
Yoga in the Counterculture Movement
The 1960s counterculture movement in the West embraced yoga as part of a broader interest in Eastern spirituality, with influential teachers like Swami Satchidananda and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi gaining prominence.
1975
The Establishment of the Iyengar Yoga Institute
B.K.S. Iyengar founded the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Pune, India, formalizing his method of yoga that emphasizes precision and alignment in asanas.
1990s
Yoga's Mainstream Popularity
The 1990s marked a significant period in the history of yoga as it gained mainstream popularity in the West, with yoga studios proliferating and a growing emphasis on its health benefits.
2001
The International Yoga Federation was established to promote yoga globally, standardizing practices and fostering a sense of community among practitioners worldwide.
2014
The United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, recognizing yoga's universal appeal and its benefits for health and well-being.
2020
Yoga During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in online yoga classes and resources as people turned to yoga for physical fitness and mental health during lockdowns and social distancing measures.
2023
Advancements in Yoga Research
Ongoing scientific research continues to explore yoga's benefits, with studies highlighting its positive impacts on mental health, chronic pain, and overall well-being, further cementing its place in modern healthcare.
