History of Yoga Full Film English

Vishuddhi Films48 minutes read

Ancient sages observed human nature's tendency to seek outwardly, while modern scientific achievements do not provide lasting happiness. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describe a technique for peaceful mind maintenance, yoga as the cessation of changing consciousness, and its history intertwined with philosophy, art, and science.

Insights

  • Yoga, as described by Patanjali, aims to still the fluctuations of consciousness, allowing individuals to connect with their true selves beyond these changing states.
  • The history of yoga, intertwined with philosophy and ancient civilizations like the Harappans, emphasizes non-violence as a foundational principle, leading to practices that prioritize inner exploration and self-realization over external achievements.

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Recent questions

  • What is the purpose of yoga?

    Yoga aims to maintain a peaceful mind.

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Summary

00:00

"Yoga: Ancient Wisdom for Inner Peace"

  • Ancient sages observed human nature's tendency to seek outwardly due to sensory organs opening outward.
  • Modern scientific achievements have not provided lasting happiness.
  • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali document a unique technique for maintaining a peaceful mind.
  • Patanjali describes yoga as the cessation of changing modes of consciousness.
  • Yoga allows the seer to abide in their true self, beyond the changing modes of consciousness.
  • Patanjali's life and works, including the Yoga Sutras and Ayurveda, suggest extraordinary genius.
  • Patanjali's concise Yoga Sutras were later elaborated by Maharishi Vyas.
  • Yoga's history is intertwined with philosophy, arts, and sciences, focusing on internal exploration.
  • The four chapters of Yoga Sastra detail advanced yogic practices leading to self-realization.
  • The history of yoga traces back to Sage Kapil, considered the first yogi, with roots in ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley.

21:25

Harappan Society: Peaceful Pioneers of Civilization

  • The Harappan sites show no evidence of violence, indicating a peace-loving society.
  • Non-violence is the first lesson of yoga, followed by maintaining a strong and clean body.
  • Cleanliness, achieved through processes like dhati nati and bathing, is crucial in yoga.
  • Harappan cities were exceptionally clean due to their advanced drainage systems.
  • Harappans were pioneers in developing well-planned modern cities, influencing world history.
  • Hatha yoga asanas, like bhadrasana, were visible in Harappan terracotta figurines.
  • The Rigveda and Harappan cultures share similarities, possibly influencing each other.
  • The Rigveda describes an ideal city similar to Harappan city layouts.
  • The Upanishads, written around 7th century BC, reveal deeper spiritual insights.
  • Buddha's enlightenment, emphasizing seeing over blind belief, led to the development of meditation techniques like Vipassana.

41:47

Supreme Dharma: Non-Violence in Indian Texts

  • Patanjali considered Yama Mahavrat as the supreme self-discipline.
  • Non-violence is regarded as the supreme dharma in Jainism, despite not being found in their ancient texts.
  • The Mahabharata contains the profound statement that non-violence is the supreme dharma.
  • The Mahabharata is a tale of family conflict that deeply impacted generations of Indians.
  • The Bhagavad-Gita, part of the Mahabharata, revolutionized the use of yoga in tackling life's challenges.
  • The Gita is an inspirational poem emphasizing yoga, with each chapter concluding with the word "yoga."
  • Vyasa's commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutra is crucial for understanding yoga philosophy.
  • Nagarjun, a master of alchemy, contributed to the expansion of Buddhism with his philosophical insights.
  • Tantra in Buddhism was introduced by Asang and Nagarjun, emphasizing the importance of procreation.
  • The concept of Kundalini in yoga involves the awakening of dormant energies through specific practices.

01:08:15

Yogic Traditions: Secrets of Hatha Yoga

  • Bankim Chandra Chatterjee states that the flag of Sankhya, not Tantra, flies over the temples of Kajurahu, where elements of Hatha Yoga and Tantra are subtly concealed.
  • The king of Kajurahu, depicted with his wife in a lotus position, signifies his asceticism and yoga practice, hidden from the unworthy.
  • The sanctum sanctorum joining the pavilion symbolizes the union of the soul and Brahma, with sexual union reliefs only at this juncture.
  • The code language conceals real knowledge, like Dombi embracing the yogi representing Kundalini energy rising to the fifth chakra.
  • Gorakhnath, a Hatha yogi, lived between the 8th and 12th centuries, with Matsyendranath founding Hatha Yoga and the Yogini cult of Tantra.
  • Matsyendranath's temple in Nepal, where he brought by Gorakhnath, is effective in curing diabetes, with Gorakhnath revered as Nepal's national deity.
  • Yogi Swatma, inspired by Gorakhnath, wrote the Hatha Yoga Pradipika in the 14th century, emphasizing body purification and 84 major asanas.
  • The Bhakti movement, influenced by Gorakhnath, led to social reforms and influenced saints like Meera, Tadu, Baba Fareed, and Kabir.
  • The essence of Hatha Yoga, focusing on body purification and health, contrasts with Patanjali's view of disease as an obstacle in yoga.
  • The Himalayan region, isolated and harsh, preserves ancient Buddhist monasteries and yogic traditions, with Llamas demonstrating remarkable body control through meditation.
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