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Embracing the Global Power of Yoga

Therese M. Pope | April 25, 2008

Yoga’s Ancient History

Yoga is a Sanskrit term (to “yoke or unite.”) Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the world and can be traced back eight thousand years ago. However, historians and scholars do not recognize the formation of yoga until the Upanishads (ca. 800-100 BC), one of the most studied religious Hindu texts. The Upanishads define the philosophy and meditation behind Vedantic Hinduism.

Yoga has long been associated with India, especially the practice of hatha yoga which was started by a yogic sage, Swami Swatamarama, in the 15th century. Hatha yoga cleanses and strengthens both mind and body through the practice of asanas (poses) and pranayama (breathwork).

India has set a worldwide example for the practice of yoga. The fascination with the Eastern world brought yoga to the forefront in the United States during the late 60s and early 70s and continues to soar in popularity. However, the U.S. isn’t the only country embracing the yoga phenomenon.

The International Perspective

In 2006, researchers at RMIT University in Melbourne and the University of Queensland reported that yoga is the thirteenth most popular form of physical activity in Australia. For more information about the 2006 study and their upcoming 2008 World Yoga survey, visit www.yogainaustralia.com

Misty Pacheco, a public health U.S. Peace Corps volunteer, recently returned from Africa and couldn’t believe that yoga was popular in Kenya.

“I was amazed to discover that yoga is so widely known around the world. Kenyan women in my rural village had heard about yoga, and asked me to teach them once they found out I did yoga. I ended up holding a yoga session every Sunday morning in my little village.”

James Willers, a corporate executive from Scotland, recently started practicing yoga and attributes yoga’s popularity due to local publicity.

“There is a lot more positive press for yoga around at the moment, especially in connection to the latest celebrities (like Sting) looking good. The gyms and sport centers around here are also promoting it as a good stress reliever and workout,” Willers commented.

According to the 2005 Yoga in America Study conducted by the North American Studio Alliance, 77 percent of women and 33 percent of men practice yoga in the United States. The Canadian Yoga Study revealed 1.4 million Canadians practiced yoga in 2005.

Our world still continues to face international crisis and negative events. However, yoga “unites” and acts as a peaceful link to heal our global community. From its early conception in India, these ancient tenets of yoga are still practiced worldwide. This mutual devotion to the yoga practice reminds us that our daily thoughts and actions need to reflect universal harmonious love .

Sources: www.wikipedia.com (The History of Yoga, Upanishads); Yoga in Australia (www.yogainaustralia.com); North American Studio Alliance (www.namasta.com)