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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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1. Why was Goraksha given his name?
4500-2500 BCE
KNOWLEDGE
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
The state in which the yogi becomes breathless - with difference - the life force is withdrawn from the body and the yogi appears dead or motionless and rigid.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

2. What are the FOUR VEDAS?
It means the Lord's Song. The book of Psalms. The popular Yoga scripture containing the teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna.
RIG VEDA - ATHARVA VEDA - Jahjur VEDA - SAMA VEDA
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
It means ear splitting. They would split both ears and wear very large earrings which is said to invoke the Yoga Siddhis powers.

3. Who is Goraksha?
Brahma- The Creator Vishnu- The Sustainer Shiva- The Destroyer
Krishna advises Arjuna to battle his 'enemy' which is really Arjuna's family. This 'enemy' represents the hold the world and worldly things have on humans.
He was a disciple of Matsyendra and the originator of Hatha Yoga. Shiva told Matsyendra he would reincarnate as his disciple.
They considered the body to be a distraction from their spiritual path (Sadhana). Even though they practiced asana as a preliminary step to stay healthy - they frown upon the Tantric approach of Hatha Yoga which uses the body as vehicle to reach enli

4. How does the Hatha or Tantric yogi purify their body?
Means 'to sit near'. There were traditionally 108 Upanishads. Epiphanies of the VEDAS They were interpretations of the VEDAS
Author of the Yoga sutras (source text of Classical Yoga) and the 8 Limb Path
Qualified non-dualist
It purifies the body practicing asana - Ayurvedic medicine - eating consciously - and worshipping the body as a temple to transcend the physical. This is in contrast to the hedonists who indulge in sense pleasure for self gratification. Therefore - t

5. What does Tantra mean?
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
To weave - loom or extend - very non judgmental - they embraced everyone with an open mind.
KNOWLEDGE
He believed in a non-dualistic approach (Advaita-Vedanta) that the only reality is a spiritual world. He believed in an 'Abstract idea of who God is.' He challenged Patanjali's concept of separate realities. His concept was that Prakritti (nature) wa

6. The UPANISHADIC AGE
Qualified non-dualist
Non-dualism. Based on the Upanishads. Two main branches Radical - taught by Shankara - and Qualified - taught by Ramanuja.
1500-1000 BCE
Concentration

7. Before Goraksha - what was practicing asana was primarily done for?
Patanjali
Sarasvati - The Goddess of knowledge - speech and the fine arts - also the name of an extinct river in India.
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
To prepare the yogi for meditation.

8. JIVAN MUKTA

9. What is Patanjali's approach to Dvaita (Dualism).
Ganesh - the pot belly elephant face God and the removal of all obstacles.
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.
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
Meditation

10. Sabikalpa Samadhi

11. KRISHNA

12. DVAITA VEDANTA

13. What do the Upanishads mean?

14. What is KARMA Yoga

15. What does Dhyana mean?
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.
Meditation
Patanjali
The founder of the Kanphata order and an early preceptor of Hatha yoga.

16. What is Sabikalpa Samadhi
Meditation
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
'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.
It means Non-dualism or 'not two.'

17. Yogash citta vritti nirodhah
AKA 'GOVINDA' or cow-finder. Always seen playing the flute The 8th incarnation of VISHNU. Krishna is one of the most powerful deities in the HINDU CULTURE. He's written about int the BHAGAVAD-GITA and the BHAGAVATA-PURANA
Yoga IS The RESTRICTION OF The WHIRLS OF CONSCIOUSNESS (CITTA)
Nature
'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.

18. What is Advaita?

19. The Vedic Age
100-500 C.E.
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
It means ear splitting. They would split both ears and wear very large earrings which is said to invoke the Yoga Siddhis powers.
4500-2500 BCE

20. Parvati's son
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)
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
Ganesh - the pot belly elephant face God and the removal of all obstacles.
Cow Protector

21. What are the Kanphatas?
From the 8-fold path of BUDHISM
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.
It means ear splitting. They would split both ears and wear very large earrings which is said to invoke the Yoga Siddhis powers.
To prepare the yogi for meditation.

22. What does Dhyana mean?
Yogash Citta Vritti Nirodhah.
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.
Meditation
To prepare the yogi for meditation.

23. JIVAN MUKTA

24. Before Goraksha - what was practicing asana was primarily done for?
God - the absolute - the expansion - quantum source.
To prepare the yogi for 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)
The Mahabharata (GREAT STORY). The Bhagavad Gita is incorporated within the Mahabharata as one of the episodes.

25. 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
Pat; fallen or transfer. Anjali; greeting.
The Mahabharata (GREAT STORY). The Bhagavad Gita is incorporated within the Mahabharata as one of the episodes.
Non-dual - end of the Vedas

26. Who is Ramanuja?

27. What were the VEDAS?
Hymns sung and passed down from Brahman to Brahman. The RIG VEDA first mentions 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
1000-100 BCE. All ABOUT NON-DUALISM
They considered the body to be a distraction from their spiritual path (Sadhana). Even though they practiced asana as a preliminary step to stay healthy - they frown upon the Tantric approach of Hatha Yoga which uses the body as vehicle to reach enli

28. What do the Yamas Represent
ASHTANGA Yoga - PATANJALI Yoga - RAJA Yoga
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
Universal morality
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.

29. The Brahman
Hymns sung and passed down from Brahman to Brahman. The RIG VEDA first mentions Yoga
Govinda - cow finder.
God - the absolute - the expansion - quantum source.
Lakshmi - The Goddess of good fortune - wealth - she attracts the minds of the yogi's by her beauty.

30. What are the yoga sutras
It means Lord pertaining to the Yoga adepts. It was from the Natha sect that Hatha Yoga developed.
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.
Lakshmi - The Goddess of good fortune - wealth - she attracts the minds of the yogi's by her beauty.
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

31. SIDHANA

32. What was Patanjali the author of?
The Yoga Sutras - The 8 Limb Path
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
Rig - Atharva - Yahjur - Sama
Matsyendra and Goraksha

33. What does Natha sect mean?
It means the Lord's Song. The book of Psalms. The popular Yoga scripture containing the teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna.
Mahavatar Babaji - Lahiri Mahasaya - Swami Sri Yukteswar - Paramahansa Yogananda - Bishnu Ghosh
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
It means Lord pertaining to the Yoga adepts. It was from the Natha sect that Hatha Yoga developed.

34. Krishna's consort
Dualism or 'two.'
Lakshmi - The Goddess of good fortune - wealth - she attracts the minds of the yogi's by her beauty.
Radha
KNOWLEDGE

35. What is the differences between Tantra and the more traditional view of the Verticalists?
It means the Lord's Song. The book of Psalms. The popular Yoga scripture containing the teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna.
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 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.
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

36. CLASSICAL ERA OF Yoga - WHEN?
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.
Goraksha
PAT=FALLEN; SHAKTI PAT=FALLEN ENERGY
100-500 C.E.

37. Name the three energy channel Nadis
Pingala - Eda and Sushumna
This is the story of wars between two arms of a family - the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
The Path of Devotion. (Hare Krishnas - for example)
Pat; fallen or transfer. Anjali; greeting.

38. What is Ishta Devata?

39. PAT (FROM PATANJALI)
Non-dual - end of the Vedas
PAT=FALLEN; SHAKTI PAT=FALLEN ENERGY
Pingala - Eda and Sushumna
A higher state of consciousness in which the yogi communes with God in an ordinary walking state - even performing worldly duties. Without difference. The yogi feels there is a slight separation from God. In Nirbikalpa there is no separation from God

40. What is Krishna also known as
Govinda - cow finder.
The Path of Wisdom - 'embodying the scriptures. investing in study
PAT=FALLEN; SHAKTI PAT=FALLEN ENERGY
Spirit

41. What does Vedas mean?
Mahavatar Babaji - Lahiri Mahasaya - Swami Sri Yukteswar - Paramahansa Yogananda - Bishnu Ghosh
ASHTANGA Yoga - PATANJALI Yoga - RAJA Yoga
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.
'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.

42. What are the Kanphatas?
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.
Qualified non-dualist
It means ear splitting. They would split both ears and wear very large earrings which is said to invoke the Yoga Siddhis powers.
Goraksha

43. What does Pratyahara mean?
Withdraw from the senses and eliminate distraction from the outside world.
It means Lord pertaining to the Yoga adepts. It was from the Natha sect that Hatha Yoga developed.
Matsyendra and Goraksha
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

44. What were the UPANISHADS?

45. What is another name for Goraksha
Sita
'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.
Matsyendra and Goraksha
Cow Protector

46. What does Pranyama mean?
Author of the Yoga sutras (source text of Classical Yoga) and the 8 Limb Path
God - the absolute - the expansion - quantum source.
Extend the life force
Dualism or 'two.'

47. Rama's Consort
Sita
Patanjali
Hymns sung and passed down from Brahman to Brahman. The RIG VEDA first mentions Yoga
Concentration

48. What does Purusha mean?
Spirit
Govinda - cow finder.
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
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

49. What is Yogash Citta Vritti Nirodhah?
The story of Rama and Sita. It is considered the Genesis and the most popular romantic story in all of India. Hanumat - or Hanuman the Monkey Leader - slay the forest demon - Ravana - and rescues his wife Sita.
Withdraw from the senses and eliminate distraction from the outside world.
The Path of Devotion. (Hare Krishnas - for example)
Arguably the most famous Sutra which means - Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.

50. JNANA Yoga