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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. Rama's Consort
Founder of the Kaula Branch of Tantra and the Natha sect.
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
Sita
It means ear splitting. They would split both ears and wear very large earrings which is said to invoke the Yoga Siddhis powers.

2. What are the FOUR VEDAS?
Patanjali
Yama - Niyama - Asana - Pranayama - Pratyahara - Dhrana - Dhyana - Samadhi
Nature
RIG VEDA - ATHARVA VEDA - Jahjur VEDA - SAMA VEDA

3. What is Hatha Yoga?
Forceful Yoga. The yoga of physical discipline - aiming at the awakening of the serpent power (kundalini shakti).
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
Found in the Bhagavata PURANA. He gives 10 sons and 1 daughter to each of his 16 -108 cow girls.
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

4. What does Dhrana mean?
Last act performed before the yogi actually chooses to leave his body and turns thrice - faces north and his spirit leaves the body.
Mahavatar Babaji - Lahiri Mahasaya - Swami Sri Yukteswar - Paramahansa Yogananda - Bishnu Ghosh
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
Concentration

5. DVAITA VEDANTA

6. The UPANISHADIC AGE
SPIRIT and NATURE/CONSCIOUSNESS and MATTER
1500-1000 BCE
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
Seat

7. What do the Yamas Represent
Govinda - cow finder.
Non-dualism. Based on the Upanishads. Two main branches Radical - taught by Shankara - and Qualified - taught by Ramanuja.
'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)
Universal morality

8. Advaita Vedanta
Non-dual - end of the Vedas
Sita
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.
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.

9. Veda
Yogash Citta Vritti Nirodhah.
KNOWLEDGE
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
Universal morality

10. WHAT ARE SOME OTheR NAMES FOR CLASSICAL Yoga?
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)
ASHTANGA Yoga - PATANJALI Yoga - RAJA Yoga
'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.
PAT=FALLEN; SHAKTI PAT=FALLEN ENERGY

11. How does the Hatha or Tantric yogi purify their body?
Ganesh - the pot belly elephant face God and the removal of all obstacles.
The Mahabharata (GREAT STORY). The Bhagavad Gita is incorporated within the Mahabharata as one of the episodes.
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
Non-dualism. Based on the Upanishads. Two main branches Radical - taught by Shankara - and Qualified - taught by Ramanuja.

12. Brahma's Counterpart
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
Cow Protector
Sarasvati - The Goddess of knowledge - speech and the fine arts - also the name of an extinct river in India.
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.

13. Name 5 of the 10 incarnations of VISHNU
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
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)
Ganesh - the pot belly elephant face God and the removal of all obstacles.
Non-dual - end of the Vedas

14. What are the four paths of Tantra yoga?
Buddhism - Right Path - Left Path and Kaula.
The Path of Wisdom - 'embodying the scriptures. investing in study
Mahavatar Babaji - Lahiri Mahasaya - Swami Sri Yukteswar - Paramahansa Yogananda - Bishnu Ghosh
1. Ahimsa-non violence 2. Satya-truth 3. Asteya-non stealing 4. Brahmacharya - abstinence 5. Aparigraha - non hoarding

15. SIDHANA

16. The BHAGAVAD-GITA

17. Who is Patanjali
It means ear splitting. They would split both ears and wear very large earrings which is said to invoke the Yoga Siddhis powers.
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)
Author of the Yoga sutras (source text of Classical Yoga) and the 8 Limb Path
Patanjali's DUALISTIC approach (DVAITA VEDANTA) allows only for this kind of SAMADHI. This is SAMADHI with DIFFERENCE (BIKALPA) - ie

18. Who is Matysendra
Founder of the Kaula Branch of Tantra and the Natha sect.
Enlightenment - ecstasy - absorption
Patanjali's DUALISTIC approach (DVAITA VEDANTA) allows only for this kind of SAMADHI. This is SAMADHI with DIFFERENCE (BIKALPA) - ie
It means Non-dualism or 'not two.'

19. RAMA

20. Parvati's son
Yogash Citta Vritti Nirodhah.
Ganesh - the pot belly elephant face God and the removal of all obstacles.
Forceful yoga.
Extend the life force

21. What is Ishta Devata?

22. What do the Yamas Represent
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
Seat
Universal morality
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)

23. Yogash citta vritti nirodhah
Universal morality
KNOWLEDGE
Yoga IS The RESTRICTION OF The WHIRLS OF CONSCIOUSNESS (CITTA)
Withdraw from the senses and eliminate distraction from the outside world.

24. What do the Niyamas represent
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.
4500-2500 BCE
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
Personal observances or restraints

25. Krishna's consort
Pat; fallen or transfer. Anjali; greeting.
Sabikalpa - Nirbikalpa - Maha
Radha
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.

26. 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.
He was a disciple of Matsyendra and the originator of Hatha Yoga. Shiva told Matsyendra he would reincarnate as his disciple.
This is the story of wars between two arms of a family - the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
Hymns sung and passed down from Brahman to Brahman. The RIG VEDA first mentions Yoga

27. What does Hatha Yoga mean?
Meditation
Nature
He was a disciple of Matsyendra and the originator of Hatha Yoga. Shiva told Matsyendra he would reincarnate as his disciple.
Forceful yoga.

28. What is another name for Goraksha
Cow Protector
The Mahabharata (GREAT STORY). The Bhagavad Gita is incorporated within the Mahabharata as one of the episodes.
Enlightenment - ecstasy - absorption
Ashtanga - Raja - Patanjala

29. What is the story of Matysendra?
PAT=FALLEN; SHAKTI PAT=FALLEN ENERGY
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
Patanjali
Personal observances or restraints

30. Name the Niyama's and their meanings
Buddhism - Right Path - Left Path and Kaula.
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 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
1. Saucha-sacredness or purity 2. Santosha-contentment 3. Tapas-discipline 4. Swadhyaya-self study or introspection 5. Ishvara Pranidhana-Dedication to God

31. Name the Yama's and their meanings
1. Ahimsa-non violence 2. Satya-truth 3. Asteya-non stealing 4. Brahmacharya - abstinence 5. Aparigraha - non hoarding
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
Ashtanga - Raja - Patanjala
KNOWLEDGE

32. What does Asana mean
Matsyendra and Goraksha
Seat
Hymns sung and passed down from Brahman to Brahman. The RIG VEDA first mentions Yoga
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

33. What does Tantra mean?
It means Lord pertaining to the Yoga adepts. It was from the Natha sect that Hatha Yoga developed.
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
To weave - loom or extend - very non judgmental - they embraced everyone with an open mind.
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

34. Why did the Classical Yogis not believe in a deep exploration of the physical world and their body?
It means the Lord's Song. The book of Psalms. The popular Yoga scripture containing the teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna.
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
ASHTANGA Yoga - PATANJALI Yoga - RAJA Yoga
Matsyendra and Goraksha

35. Who are the two most outstanding Nathas?
'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)
1. Ahimsa-non violence 2. Satya-truth 3. Asteya-non stealing 4. Brahmacharya - abstinence 5. Aparigraha - non hoarding
Matsyendra and Goraksha
Forceful yoga.

36. Name the Niyama's and their meanings
ASHTANGA Yoga - PATANJALI Yoga - RAJA Yoga
Nature
1. Saucha-sacredness or purity 2. Santosha-contentment 3. Tapas-discipline 4. Swadhyaya-self study or introspection 5. Ishvara Pranidhana-Dedication to God
Forceful yoga.

37. Vishnu's ten incarnations
The Path of Devotion. (Hare Krishnas - for example)
Cow Protector
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.
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

38. Name the Yama's and their meanings
1. Saucha-sacredness or purity 2. Santosha-contentment 3. Tapas-discipline 4. Swadhyaya-self study or introspection 5. Ishvara Pranidhana-Dedication to God
1. Ahimsa-non violence 2. Satya-truth 3. Asteya-non stealing 4. Brahmacharya - abstinence 5. Aparigraha - non hoarding
Non-dual - end of the Vedas
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

39. DVAITA VEDANTA

40. Name the 8 Limb Path
Yama - Niyama - Asana - Pranayama - Pratyahara - Dhrana - Dhyana - Samadhi
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
Cow Protector
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

41. BHAKTI Yoga
The Path of Devotion. (Hare Krishnas - for example)
Cow Protector
Spirit
Matsyendra and Goraksha

42. What is the Mahabharata (The Great Story)?
This is the story of wars between two arms of a family - the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
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
Dualism or 'two.'
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.

43. What does Pratyahara mean?
Hymns sung and passed down from Brahman to Brahman. The RIG VEDA first mentions Yoga
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
Withdraw from the senses and eliminate distraction from the outside world.
Pat; fallen or transfer. Anjali; greeting.

44. What are the four paths of Tantra yoga?
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
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.
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
Buddhism - Right Path - Left Path and Kaula.

45. What is arguably the most famous Sutra and its meaning
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
Yogash Citta Vritti Nirodhah.
Extend the life force
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

46. What is the main idea of the Bhagavad Gita?

47. What does Prakritti mean?
Spoken of in Pre-Classical times (1000 BCE-100 BCE) in Krishna's lesson to Arjuna in the BHAGAVAD GITA. The path of RIGHT ACTION. Through our TAPAS (disciplines - austerities) - you start to burn your - Karma. HATHA Yoga is KARMA Yoga
Non-dual - end of the Vedas
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
Nature

48. Brahma's Counterpart
Qualified non-dualist
'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)
Arguably the most famous Sutra which means - Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
Sarasvati - The Goddess of knowledge - speech and the fine arts - also the name of an extinct river in India.

49. What does Vedas 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.
Sita
Forceful Yoga. The yoga of physical discipline - aiming at the awakening of the serpent power (kundalini shakti).
'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 role did Goraksha play in our lineage
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.
Extend the life force
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
The founder of the Kanphata order and an early preceptor of Hatha yoga.