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Yoga History

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Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
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Match each statement with the correct term.
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This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.

1. What does Pranyama mean?
Dualism or 'two.'
Arguably the most famous Sutra which means - Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
Universal morality
Extend the life force

2. What does Samadhi mean?
100-500 C.E.
Enlightenment - ecstasy - absorption
Yogash Citta Vritti Nirodhah.
Patanjali's DUALISTIC approach (DVAITA VEDANTA) allows only for this kind of SAMADHI. This is SAMADHI with DIFFERENCE (BIKALPA) - ie

3. What was unique about the Kaula branch of Tantra yoga
SPIRIT and NATURE/CONSCIOUSNESS and MATTER
It was a combination of the Right and Left path. It had a strong presence of the Shakti element both in manifesting the feminine Shakti - and the presence of women in the role of consorts and initiators.
Cow Protector
Meditation

4. Who was the first Hatha yoga teacher?
Universal morality
God - the absolute - the expansion - quantum source.
Goraksha
'living liberated' The adept who is liberated or enlightened while still embodied. This is a non-dualistic ideal - that when 'self realization occurs - liberation will come'. The Bhagavad-Gita describes Jivan-Mukta

5. What is arguably the most famous Sutra and its meaning
The founder of the Kanphata order and an early preceptor of Hatha yoga.
The traditionalists believe the body is a hindrance - or an obstacle which limits and distracts us on our path (sadhana). Whereas the Tantrikas believe the body is an expression of divinity and we should therefore discover all of its sense pleasures
Yogash Citta Vritti Nirodhah.
Brahma- The Creator Vishnu- The Sustainer Shiva- The Destroyer

6. Why was Goraksha given his name?
Patanjali's DUALISTIC approach (DVAITA VEDANTA) allows only for this kind of SAMADHI. This is SAMADHI with DIFFERENCE (BIKALPA) - ie
Dualism or 'two.'
Shiva was lecturing his wife Parvati about the secrets of Tantra yoga and Parvati was asleep. Matsyendra heard the teachings from the belly of a huge fish and Shiva then states he knows who is real disciple is. 12 years later the fish is caught and M
The legend starts when a peasant woman asks Shiva for a son. He gives her ash to eat which will induce pregnancy. She throws the gift into a dung-heap. Twelve years later Matsyendra goes to see the child. After telling what she had done - Matsyendra

7. Yoga SUTRAS
SUTRA=suture/thread. These are 195 aphorisms which cover many aspects of Yoga: transformation of consciousness - paranormal powers (SIDDHIS) - the eight limb path (ASHTANGA) and higher stages of yoga - liberation. Written on palm leaves and tied toge
Non-dualism. Based on the Upanishads. Two main branches Radical - taught by Shankara - and Qualified - taught by Ramanuja.
The Yoga Sutras - The 8 Limb Path
'The LORD'S SONG'. The most famous of all Indic scripture - where Krishna teaches his main disciple - Arjuna of life through the teachings of KARMIC Yoga (RIGHT ACTION) - BHAKTI Yoga (DEVOTION) - and Jnana Yoga (WISDOM)

8. Brahma's Counterpart
Lakshmi - The Goddess of good fortune - wealth - she attracts the minds of the yogi's by her beauty.
It means Non-dualism or 'not two.'
Sarasvati - The Goddess of knowledge - speech and the fine arts - also the name of an extinct river in India.
Matsya (fish) Kurma (tortoise) Varaha (boar) Nara-Simba (lion) Vamana or Bamana - dwarf or short man. First human incarnation. Parusha-Rama (Rama with an Axe) Rama (dark or pleasing one). Main character in Rama and Sita. Krishna (also known as Govind

9. Yogash citta vritti nirodhah
Lakshmi - The Goddess of good fortune - wealth - she attracts the minds of the yogi's by her beauty.
Yogash Citta Vritti Nirodhah.
Yoga IS The RESTRICTION OF The WHIRLS OF CONSCIOUSNESS (CITTA)
Rig - Atharva - Yahjur - Sama

10. What does Vedas mean?
To prepare the yogi for meditation.
Arguably the most famous Sutra which means - Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
Found in the Bhagavata PURANA. He gives 10 sons and 1 daughter to each of his 16 -108 cow girls.
Knowledge. The oldest portion and the most sacred scriptures of Hinduism. A collection of hymns said to be intuited by the ancient seers of sages. These hymns or songs - were secrets of the universe - why are we here? Oldest composition in the world.

11. What is the story of Matysendra?
To prepare the yogi for meditation.
Shiva was lecturing his wife Parvati about the secrets of Tantra yoga and Parvati was asleep. Matsyendra heard the teachings from the belly of a huge fish and Shiva then states he knows who is real disciple is. 12 years later the fish is caught and M
This is the story of wars between two arms of a family - the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
A 'chosen deity.' This meant that you believed you could meditate on a deity such as Shiva - Krishna - Ganesh or Lakshmi and then actually merge with and become that deity.

12. What is the Mahabharata (The Great Story)?
The Yoga Sutras - The 8 Limb Path
This is the story of wars between two arms of a family - the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
Nature
He was a disciple of Matsyendra and the originator of Hatha Yoga. Shiva told Matsyendra he would reincarnate as his disciple.

13. The Indic Trimurti
Brahma- The Creator Vishnu- The Sustainer Shiva- The Destroyer
Patanjali
Meditation
1.Matsya (fish) - 2. Kurma (tortoise) - 4. Nara-Simha (lion) 5. VAMANA or BAMANA (DWARF)=the first human incarnation of Vishnu - 6. Rama with an AX - 7. RAMA 8. KRISHNA (GOVINDA) - 9. BUDDHA (the awakened one) - 10> Kalki (the AVATAR yet to come)

14. What are the yoga sutras
Sutra means suture or thread. The Sutras consist of 195 aphorisms which cover many aspects of Yoga; transformation of consciousness - paranormal powers or (Siddhis) - the eight limb path (Ashtanga) - and higher stages of yoga - liberation. They were
Enlightenment - ecstasy - absorption
Seat
Yama - Niyama - Asana - Pranayama - Pratyahara - Dhrana - Dhyana - Samadhi

15. What was Patanjali the author of?
Radha
1.Matsya (fish) - 2. Kurma (tortoise) - 4. Nara-Simha (lion) 5. VAMANA or BAMANA (DWARF)=the first human incarnation of Vishnu - 6. Rama with an AX - 7. RAMA 8. KRISHNA (GOVINDA) - 9. BUDDHA (the awakened one) - 10> Kalki (the AVATAR yet to come)
Non-dualism. Based on the Upanishads. Two main branches Radical - taught by Shankara - and Qualified - taught by Ramanuja.
The Yoga Sutras - The 8 Limb Path

16. Name the Barkan Method Lineage.
Matsya (fish) Kurma (tortoise) Varaha (boar) Nara-Simba (lion) Vamana or Bamana - dwarf or short man. First human incarnation. Parusha-Rama (Rama with an Axe) Rama (dark or pleasing one). Main character in Rama and Sita. Krishna (also known as Govind
Non-dual - end of the Vedas
'sit near.' They interpreted the Vedas. Hindu scripture that expounds the metaphysics of nondualism (Advaita Vedanta) and is considered the last phase in the Vedic revelation.
Mahavatar Babaji - Lahiri Mahasaya - Swami Sri Yukteswar - Paramahansa Yogananda - Bishnu Ghosh

17. The story of KRISHNA as GOVINDA
Found in the Bhagavata PURANA. He gives 10 sons and 1 daughter to each of his 16 -108 cow girls.
To weave - loom or extend - very non judgmental - they embraced everyone with an open mind.
Forceful yoga.
From 100 CE-500 CE there was PATANJALI who authored the Yoga SUTRAS. He spoke about the 8 limb path and was the first to systematize the teachings of Yoga. PATANJALI gave Yoga its Classic FORM

18. The UPANISHADIC AGE
Concentration
1500-1000 BCE
Spirit
Rig - Atharva - Yahjur - Sama

19. The Brahman
Forceful Yoga. The yoga of physical discipline - aiming at the awakening of the serpent power (kundalini shakti).
God - the absolute - the expansion - quantum source.
Cow Protector
The founder of the Kanphata order and an early preceptor of Hatha yoga.

20. Name 5 of the 10 incarnations of VISHNU
The Yogin's spiritual path. CLASSICAL YOGIS did not believe in deep exploration of the physical world or their bodies. These things were seen as a gross distraction from theirr spiritual path.
1.Matsya (fish) - 2. Kurma (tortoise) - 4. Nara-Simha (lion) 5. VAMANA or BAMANA (DWARF)=the first human incarnation of Vishnu - 6. Rama with an AX - 7. RAMA 8. KRISHNA (GOVINDA) - 9. BUDDHA (the awakened one) - 10> Kalki (the AVATAR yet to come)
The Mahabharata (GREAT STORY). The Bhagavad Gita is incorporated within the Mahabharata as one of the episodes.
DUALISM. (DVAITA=DUALISM - VEDANTA=after the VEDAS) - 'DUALISM THAT OCCURRED AFTER The VEDAS' THIS was the philosophy espoused by Patanjali. Separate CONSCiousness and Matter or PURUSHA (SPIRIT) seen as separate from PRAKRITI (NATURE). FROM this view

21. Who is Matysendra
100-500 C.E.
4500-2500 BCE
Founder of the Kaula Branch of Tantra and the Natha sect.
ASHTANGA Yoga - PATANJALI Yoga - RAJA Yoga

22. RAMA

23. What is the differences between Tantra and the more traditional view of the Verticalists?
The traditionalists believe the body is a hindrance - or an obstacle which limits and distracts us on our path (sadhana). Whereas the Tantrikas believe the body is an expression of divinity and we should therefore discover all of its sense pleasures
The Path of Wisdom - 'embodying the scriptures. investing in study
The Yogin's spiritual path. CLASSICAL YOGIS did not believe in deep exploration of the physical world or their bodies. These things were seen as a gross distraction from theirr spiritual path.
The state in which the yogi becomes breathless - with difference - the life force is withdrawn from the body and the yogi appears dead or motionless and rigid. The yogi is fully aware of his condition but it is a temporary state and he has a glimpse

24. What is the 'breakdown -' or meaning of Patanjali's name
Meditation
Enlightenment - ecstasy - absorption
Pat; fallen or transfer. Anjali; greeting.
Concentration

25. What does Tantra mean?
To weave - loom or extend - very non judgmental - they embraced everyone with an open mind.
From the 8-fold path of BUDHISM
Sita
Sabikalpa - Nirbikalpa - Maha

26. PARUSHA and PAKRITI
Enlightenment - ecstasy - absorption
4500-2500 BCE
SPIRIT and NATURE/CONSCIOUSNESS and MATTER
Hymns sung and passed down from Brahman to Brahman. The RIG VEDA first mentions Yoga

27. WHAT ARE SOME OTheR NAMES FOR CLASSICAL Yoga?
ASHTANGA Yoga - PATANJALI Yoga - RAJA Yoga
Extend the life force
4500-2500 BCE
1.Matsya (fish) - 2. Kurma (tortoise) - 4. Nara-Simha (lion) 5. VAMANA or BAMANA (DWARF)=the first human incarnation of Vishnu - 6. Rama with an AX - 7. RAMA 8. KRISHNA (GOVINDA) - 9. BUDDHA (the awakened one) - 10> Kalki (the AVATAR yet to come)

28. PAT (FROM PATANJALI)
KNOWLEDGE
PAT=FALLEN; SHAKTI PAT=FALLEN ENERGY
It means Lord pertaining to the Yoga adepts. It was from the Natha sect that Hatha Yoga developed.
Pat; fallen or transfer. Anjali; greeting.

29. What do the Niyamas represent
KNOWLEDGE
Non-dual - end of the Vedas
'The LORD'S SONG'. The most famous of all Indic scripture - where Krishna teaches his main disciple - Arjuna of life through the teachings of KARMIC Yoga (RIGHT ACTION) - BHAKTI Yoga (DEVOTION) - and Jnana Yoga (WISDOM)
Personal observances or restraints

30. What is Advaita?

31. What is Yogash Citta Vritti Nirodhah?
Non-dual - end of the Vedas
Arguably the most famous Sutra which means - Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
Yama - Niyama - Asana - Pranayama - Pratyahara - Dhrana - Dhyana - Samadhi
DARK OR PLEASING ONE. The 7th incarnation of VISHNU. He is the main character in the RAMAYANA ('the advancement of RAMA') SITA IS his CONSORT. He was rescued by the forest demon - RAVANA

32. The Vedic Age
4500-2500 BCE
Yama - Niyama - Asana - Pranayama - Pratyahara - Dhrana - Dhyana - Samadhi
Matsya (fish) Kurma (tortoise) Varaha (boar) Nara-Simba (lion) Vamana or Bamana - dwarf or short man. First human incarnation. Parusha-Rama (Rama with an Axe) Rama (dark or pleasing one). Main character in Rama and Sita. Krishna (also known as Govind
Nature

33. Pre-Classical ERA (when - approximately)?
Sabikalpa - Nirbikalpa - Maha
Goraksha
Enlightenment - ecstasy - absorption
1000-100 BCE. All ABOUT NON-DUALISM

34. What is Krishna also known as
Patanjali
Govinda - cow finder.
He was a disciple of Matsyendra and the originator of Hatha Yoga. Shiva told Matsyendra he would reincarnate as his disciple.
The Path of Devotion. (Hare Krishnas - for example)

35. What major work is the Pre-Classical ERA of Yoga known for?
1. Ahimsa-non violence 2. Satya-truth 3. Asteya-non stealing 4. Brahmacharya - abstinence 5. Aparigraha - non hoarding
Knowledge. The oldest portion and the most sacred scriptures of Hinduism. A collection of hymns said to be intuited by the ancient seers of sages. These hymns or songs - were secrets of the universe - why are we here? Oldest composition in the world.
Patanjali favored a dualistic philosophy that separates Consciousness and Matter - or Spirit: Purusha and nature: Prakriti. They believed in two separate realities. While still in the physical body the yogin can only glimpse upon the Divine and in hi
The Mahabharata (GREAT STORY). The Bhagavad Gita is incorporated within the Mahabharata as one of the episodes.

36. The UPANISHADIC AGE
Radha
1500-1000 BCE
Personal observances or restraints
It means Lord pertaining to the Yoga adepts. It was from the Natha sect that Hatha Yoga developed.

37. What is Patanjali's approach to Dvaita (Dualism).
The founder of the Kanphata order and an early preceptor of Hatha yoga.
Last act performed before the yogi actually chooses to leave his body and turns thrice - faces north and his spirit leaves the body.
Dualism or 'two.'
Patanjali favored a dualistic philosophy that separates Consciousness and Matter - or Spirit: Purusha and nature: Prakriti. They believed in two separate realities. While still in the physical body the yogin can only glimpse upon the Divine and in hi

38. What is Advaita-Vedanta
Last act performed before the yogi actually chooses to leave his body and turns thrice - faces north and his spirit leaves the body.
Non-dualism. Based on the Upanishads. Two main branches Radical - taught by Shankara - and Qualified - taught by Ramanuja.
1000-100 BCE. All ABOUT NON-DUALISM
Govinda - cow finder.

39. Rama's Consort
Sita
Brahma- The Creator Vishnu- The Sustainer Shiva- The Destroyer
DUALISM. (DVAITA=DUALISM - VEDANTA=after the VEDAS) - 'DUALISM THAT OCCURRED AFTER The VEDAS' THIS was the philosophy espoused by Patanjali. Separate CONSCiousness and Matter or PURUSHA (SPIRIT) seen as separate from PRAKRITI (NATURE). FROM this view
The traditionalists believe the body is a hindrance - or an obstacle which limits and distracts us on our path (sadhana). Whereas the Tantrikas believe the body is an expression of divinity and we should therefore discover all of its sense pleasures

40. In what period did Patanjali live
Patanjali favored a dualistic philosophy that separates Consciousness and Matter - or Spirit: Purusha and nature: Prakriti. They believed in two separate realities. While still in the physical body the yogin can only glimpse upon the Divine and in hi
Last act performed before the yogi actually chooses to leave his body and turns thrice - faces north and his spirit leaves the body.
Lakshmi - The Goddess of good fortune - wealth - she attracts the minds of the yogi's by her beauty.
Classical Yoga around 300-400 BCE

41. What is Krishna also known as
Parvati (also known as Uma - The mother of Ganesh - She represents the female energy of the Universe - Parvati also means the highest mountain peak in Sanskrit.
Govinda - cow finder.
Ashtanga - Raja - Patanjala
Non-dual - end of the Vedas

42. What does Dhyana mean?
Qualified non-dualist
Meditation
Goraksha
A 'chosen deity.' This meant that you believed you could meditate on a deity such as Shiva - Krishna - Ganesh or Lakshmi and then actually merge with and become that deity.

43. CLASSICAL Yoga CONCEPTS
The traditionalists believe the body is a hindrance - or an obstacle which limits and distracts us on our path (sadhana). Whereas the Tantrikas believe the body is an expression of divinity and we should therefore discover all of its sense pleasures
The Yoga Sutras - The 8 Limb Path
From 100 CE-500 CE there was PATANJALI who authored the Yoga SUTRAS. He spoke about the 8 limb path and was the first to systematize the teachings of Yoga. PATANJALI gave Yoga its Classic FORM
The Yogin's spiritual path. CLASSICAL YOGIS did not believe in deep exploration of the physical world or their bodies. These things were seen as a gross distraction from theirr spiritual path.

44. What was unique about the Kaula branch of Tantra yoga
The Path of Wisdom - 'embodying the scriptures. investing in study
From the 8-fold path of BUDHISM
It was a combination of the Right and Left path. It had a strong presence of the Shakti element both in manifesting the feminine Shakti - and the presence of women in the role of consorts and initiators.
The founder of the Kanphata order and an early preceptor of Hatha yoga.

45. What does Tantra mean?
Founder of the school of qualified non-dualism. (Vashista Advaita). He challenged Patanjali's believe that God was abstract. This means that he believed the spiritual world had qualities - such as a deity or the trimuti. (Bhakti yogi - Devotion to Go
Rig - Atharva - Yahjur - Sama
Matsyendra and Goraksha
To weave - loom or extend - very non judgmental - they embraced everyone with an open mind.

46. Vishnu's Counterpart

47. Brahma's Counterpart
Radha
Sarasvati - The Goddess of knowledge - speech and the fine arts - also the name of an extinct river in India.
1500-1000 BCE
'sit near.' They interpreted the Vedas. Hindu scripture that expounds the metaphysics of nondualism (Advaita Vedanta) and is considered the last phase in the Vedic revelation.

48. Who is Ramanuja?

49. Shiva-Shakti
1500-1000 BCE
'sit near.' They interpreted the Vedas. Hindu scripture that expounds the metaphysics of nondualism (Advaita Vedanta) and is considered the last phase in the Vedic revelation.
The masculine-feminine force of the Universe - the fundamental creative principle of existence. Shiva without Shakti is unable to affect anything. Just as the moon does not shine without moonlight - so also Shiva does not shine without Shakti.
Rig - Atharva - Yahjur - Sama

50. Who is Shankara?