Pre-Classical Period
Submitted by divine_sysop on June 2, 2009 - 08:40
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Pre-Classical or Pre-Patanjali Period:
The historical evidences of yoga date back to 4500 BC.
Therefore, the pre-classical period can be considered as the period from 4500 BC until the time of Patanjali.
The Pre-Patanjali period includes the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Smritis, Buddhas teachings and Paninis period.
The Vedas:
The word yoga (as a system) has not been mentioned anywhere in the Vedas, but the word dhira, meaning a person who has real knowledge is present in several chapters of the Vedas. This suggests that the word yoga in the sense of samadhi was developed around the period of the Vedas. Various yogic principles and the essence of yoga are sited in different parts of the Vedas.
- The Nasadiya Sukta, as mentioned in the Rig Veda Samhita, explains the principles of yoga. Here, we can see explanations of the soul.
- Various techniques of concentration and meditation mentioned in the Samhita were regarded as a daily routine.
- References to dhyana are found in the Aranyaka portion.
- There are no definite descriptions of asana and its varieties, but references to a few sitting postures have been mentioned.
- Prana Samrodha is mentioned as the means to attain samadhi.
- The Vedas also state that tapas, yajna, satya and sraddha are steps to achieve the ultimate goal.
The Upanishads:
The Upanishads are considered as the final part of the Vedas; hence, they are also known as Vedanta. They are the essence of the Vedas.
Perhaps the most important Upanishad, that contains references to yoga, is the Kathopanishad; it explains the philosophical aspects of yoga such as atma, indriya, prana and Brahma.
The Taittiriyopanishad explains the Pancha Kosha theory, manifestations of prakriti, prana and pancha mahabhutas.
The Svetasvatara Upanishad has detailed explanations of asana, pranayama and other limbs of yoga.
The Yogopanishad contains four Upanishads; their texts deal with pure yoga. It describes the nature of pranava, the evolution of the world, Kundalini Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga and Hatha Yoga practices. It precisely mentions Pranava Japa as a means to achieve liberation.
The Smriti:
The Smriti texts elaborate on the duties prescribed for different Varnas and Ashramas. Details related to yoga are seen in the Manu Smrti, Yajnavalkya Smrti and Harita Smrti.
- There are references to sanyas or detachment.
- It describes only five limbs, namely; pranayama, prathyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. Pranayama as mentioned here is slightly different from the present day practice.
- Detailed explanations of pranava are given.
- A few asanas are used as meditative postures; however, detailed references are not available.
- Methods for the practice of meditation and correct place and seating arrangements in meditation are also discussed in detail.
- Dharbhasana is prescribed as the best mat for sitting on.
The Teachings of Buddha:
Buddha was enlightened at a very young age. Similarities can be seen in the eight-fold principles of Buddha and the eight limbs mentioned in the Yoga Darshana, such as ahimsa, satya, asteya and vairagya. Both Yoga and Buddhism hold the ultimate attainment of salvation as their aim, and their meditative techniques are also similar.
Panini:
Panini was a famous Sanskrit grammarian who authored the treatise Asthadyayi. He coined the words yujir, which means union, and yuj, which means samadhi. This informs us that the knowledge of yoga as samadhi was well established at that age.
