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Yoga History

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1. Vishnu's Counterpart

2. What role did Goraksha play in our lineage
The founder of the Kanphata order and an early preceptor of Hatha yoga.
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.
Non-dualism. Based on the Upanishads. Two main branches Radical - taught by Shankara - and Qualified - taught by Ramanuja.
Rig - Atharva - Yahjur - Sama

3. What does Vashista mean?
Qualified non-dualist
Matsyendra and Goraksha
Forceful yoga.
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.

4. What is Ishta Devata?

5. What major work is the Pre-Classical ERA of Yoga known for?
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
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 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 Mahabharata (GREAT STORY). The Bhagavad Gita is incorporated within the Mahabharata as one of the episodes.

6. What are the FOUR VEDAS?
It means ear splitting. They would split both ears and wear very large earrings which is said to invoke the Yoga Siddhis powers.
Yoga IS The RESTRICTION OF The WHIRLS OF CONSCIOUSNESS (CITTA)
RIG VEDA - ATHARVA VEDA - Jahjur VEDA - SAMA VEDA
The Mahabharata (GREAT STORY). The Bhagavad Gita is incorporated within the Mahabharata as one of the episodes.

7. PARUSHA and PAKRITI
To prepare the yogi for meditation.
Forceful yoga.
SPIRIT and NATURE/CONSCIOUSNESS and MATTER
Mahavatar Babaji - Lahiri Mahasaya - Swami Sri Yukteswar - Paramahansa Yogananda - Bishnu Ghosh

8. Name the Niyama's and their meanings
Extend the life force
1. Saucha-sacredness or purity 2. Santosha-contentment 3. Tapas-discipline 4. Swadhyaya-self study or introspection 5. Ishvara Pranidhana-Dedication to God
Brahma- The Creator Vishnu- The Sustainer Shiva- The Destroyer
Non-dual - end of the Vedas

9. What is Maha Samadhi
1500-1000 BCE
The Path of Wisdom - 'embodying the scriptures. investing in study
Founder of the Kaula Branch of Tantra and the Natha sect.
Last act performed before the yogi actually chooses to leave his body and turns thrice - faces north and his spirit leaves the body.

10. What are the Kanphatas?
Non-dual - end of the Vedas
SPIRIT and NATURE/CONSCIOUSNESS and MATTER
It means ear splitting. They would split both ears and wear very large earrings which is said to invoke the Yoga Siddhis powers.
Ganesh - the pot belly elephant face God and the removal of all obstacles.

11. Before Goraksha - what was practicing asana was primarily done for?
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
Dualism or 'two.'
To prepare the yogi for meditation.
'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)

12. CLASSICAL Yoga CONCEPTS
Sita
It means Non-dualism or 'not two.'
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
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

13. Name the three Samadhi's
Sabikalpa - Nirbikalpa - Maha
Radha
Yama - Niyama - Asana - Pranayama - Pratyahara - Dhrana - Dhyana - Samadhi
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.

14. What does Purusha mean?
4500-2500 BCE
It means the Lord's Song. The book of Psalms. The popular Yoga scripture containing the teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna.
Spirit
Universal morality

15. Name 5 of the 10 incarnations of VISHNU
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.
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)
Hymns sung and passed down from Brahman to Brahman. The RIG VEDA first mentions Yoga
Sarasvati - The Goddess of knowledge - speech and the fine arts - also the name of an extinct river in India.

16. CLASSICAL ERA OF Yoga - WHEN?
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
1500-1000 BCE
100-500 C.E.
Non-dualism. Based on the Upanishads. Two main branches Radical - taught by Shankara - and Qualified - taught by Ramanuja.

17. Vishnu's ten incarnations
Ashtanga - Raja - Patanjala
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
He was a disciple of Matsyendra and the originator of Hatha Yoga. Shiva told Matsyendra he would reincarnate as his disciple.
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.

18. Who is Goraksha?
He was a disciple of Matsyendra and the originator of Hatha Yoga. Shiva told Matsyendra he would reincarnate as his disciple.
It means Non-dualism or 'not two.'
God - the absolute - the expansion - quantum source.
1. Ahimsa-non violence 2. Satya-truth 3. Asteya-non stealing 4. Brahmacharya - abstinence 5. Aparigraha - non hoarding

19. The Brahman
Qualified non-dualist
Founder of the Kaula Branch of Tantra and the Natha sect.
God - the absolute - the expansion - quantum source.
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)

20. What is Yogash Citta Vritti Nirodhah?
Yoga IS The RESTRICTION OF The WHIRLS OF CONSCIOUSNESS (CITTA)
Withdraw from the senses and eliminate distraction from the outside world.
Arguably the most famous Sutra which means - Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
Spirit

21. PAT (FROM PATANJALI)
PAT=FALLEN; SHAKTI PAT=FALLEN ENERGY
To weave - loom or extend - very non judgmental - they embraced everyone with an open mind.
The founder of the Kanphata order and an early preceptor of Hatha yoga.
Seat

22. What does Tantra mean?
Meditation
Classical Yoga around 300-400 BCE
'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)
To weave - loom or extend - very non judgmental - they embraced everyone with an open mind.

23. Advaita Vedanta
To weave - loom or extend - very non judgmental - they embraced everyone with an open mind.
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
Hymns sung and passed down from Brahman to Brahman. The RIG VEDA first mentions Yoga
Non-dual - end of the Vedas

24. What does Vedas mean?
Patanjali's DUALISTIC approach (DVAITA VEDANTA) allows only for this kind of SAMADHI. This is SAMADHI with DIFFERENCE (BIKALPA) - ie
Author of the Yoga sutras (source text of Classical Yoga) and the 8 Limb Path
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.
The Mahabharata (GREAT STORY). The Bhagavad Gita is incorporated within the Mahabharata as one of the episodes.

25. CLASSICAL ERA OF Yoga - WHEN?
Withdraw from the senses and eliminate distraction from the outside world.
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.
Ganesh - the pot belly elephant face God and the removal of all obstacles.
100-500 C.E.

26. Who is Patanjali
Author of the Yoga sutras (source text of Classical Yoga) and the 8 Limb Path
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
Means 'to sit near'. There were traditionally 108 Upanishads. Epiphanies of the VEDAS They were interpretations of the VEDAS
Enlightenment - ecstasy - absorption

27. Pre-Classical ERA (when - approximately)?
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
'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)
It means Lord pertaining to the Yoga adepts. It was from the Natha sect that Hatha Yoga developed.

28. Who is Patanjali
Sarasvati - The Goddess of knowledge - speech and the fine arts - also the name of an extinct river in India.
Author of the Yoga sutras (source text of Classical Yoga) and the 8 Limb Path
Sabikalpa - Nirbikalpa - Maha
Withdraw from the senses and eliminate distraction from the outside world.

29. What is the Ramayana
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.
Nature
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
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

30. Vishnu's ten incarnations
Spirit
It means the Lord's Song. The book of Psalms. The popular Yoga scripture containing the teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna.
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
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

31. Who are the two most outstanding Nathas?
Matsyendra and Goraksha
The Path of Devotion. (Hare Krishnas - for example)
To prepare the yogi for meditation.
1. Ahimsa-non violence 2. Satya-truth 3. Asteya-non stealing 4. Brahmacharya - abstinence 5. Aparigraha - non hoarding

32. What does Asana mean
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.
Sita
KNOWLEDGE
Seat

33. What is KARMA Yoga

34. What does Dhrana mean?
Pingala - Eda and Sushumna
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
Concentration
Radha

35. Yoga SUTRAS
Radha
PAT=FALLEN; SHAKTI PAT=FALLEN ENERGY
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.
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

36. What is a Dvaita

37. Who is Matysendra
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.
100-500 C.E.
Founder of the Kaula Branch of Tantra and the Natha sect.
The Mahabharata (GREAT STORY). The Bhagavad Gita is incorporated within the Mahabharata as one of the episodes.

38. What is Hatha Yoga?
The Path of Wisdom - 'embodying the scriptures. investing in study
Nature
Forceful Yoga. The yoga of physical discipline - aiming at the awakening of the serpent power (kundalini shakti).
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

39. What were the UPANISHADS?

40. What is Patanjali's approach to Dvaita (Dualism).
Ganesh - the pot belly elephant face God and the removal of all obstacles.
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
1000-100 BCE. All ABOUT NON-DUALISM
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

41. What does Prakritti mean?
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.
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.
Nature
1500-1000 BCE

42. What does Natha sect mean?
SPIRIT and NATURE/CONSCIOUSNESS and MATTER
Goraksha
It means Lord pertaining to the Yoga adepts. It was from the Natha sect that Hatha Yoga developed.
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

43. What does Natha sect mean?
Author of the Yoga sutras (source text of Classical Yoga) and the 8 Limb Path
100-500 C.E.
Nature
It means Lord pertaining to the Yoga adepts. It was from the Natha sect that Hatha Yoga developed.

44. What is Advaita-Vedanta
SPIRIT and NATURE/CONSCIOUSNESS and MATTER
Non-dualism. Based on the Upanishads. Two main branches Radical - taught by Shankara - and Qualified - taught by Ramanuja.
Patanjali
Patanjali's DUALISTIC approach (DVAITA VEDANTA) allows only for this kind of SAMADHI. This is SAMADHI with DIFFERENCE (BIKALPA) - ie

45. What was Patanjali the author of?
'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.
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
The Yoga Sutras - The 8 Limb Path
Non-dualism. Based on the Upanishads. Two main branches Radical - taught by Shankara - and Qualified - taught by Ramanuja.

46. Yoga SUTRAS
The founder of the Kanphata order and an early preceptor of Hatha yoga.
Classical Yoga around 300-400 BCE
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
ASHTANGA Yoga - PATANJALI Yoga - RAJA Yoga

47. What is Advaita-Vedanta
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
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.

48. PAT (FROM PATANJALI)
Dualism or 'two.'
Govinda - cow finder.
The Path of Devotion. (Hare Krishnas - for example)
PAT=FALLEN; SHAKTI PAT=FALLEN ENERGY

49. Name the three energy channel Nadis
Pingala - Eda and Sushumna
Matsyendra and Goraksha
Means 'to sit near'. There were traditionally 108 Upanishads. Epiphanies of the VEDAS They were interpretations 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)

50. What is Ishta Devata?