Test your basic knowledge |

Yoga History

Instructions:

Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
Match each statement with the correct term.
Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

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. JIVAN MUKTA

2. What is Sabikalpa Samadhi
Forceful yoga.
Universal morality
Universal morality
The state in which the yogi becomes breathless - with difference - the life force is withdrawn from the body and the yogi appears dead or motionless and rigid.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

3. Who is Shankara?

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

5. What were the UPANISHADS?

6. What does Vedas mean?
Forceful Yoga. The yoga of physical discipline - aiming at the awakening of the serpent power (kundalini shakti).
1000-100 BCE. All ABOUT NON-DUALISM
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.
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

7. What is Krishna also known as
From the 8-fold path of BUDHISM
1. Saucha-sacredness or purity 2. Santosha-contentment 3. Tapas-discipline 4. Swadhyaya-self study or introspection 5. Ishvara Pranidhana-Dedication to God
The Mahabharata (GREAT STORY). The Bhagavad Gita is incorporated within the Mahabharata as one of the episodes.
Govinda - cow finder.

8. RAMA

9. Pre-Classical ERA (when - approximately)?
Means 'to sit near'. There were traditionally 108 Upanishads. Epiphanies of the VEDAS They were interpretations of the VEDAS
1000-100 BCE. All ABOUT NON-DUALISM
Radha
Yama - Niyama - Asana - Pranayama - Pratyahara - Dhrana - Dhyana - Samadhi

10. PARUSHA and PAKRITI
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
Govinda - cow finder.
SPIRIT and NATURE/CONSCIOUSNESS and MATTER
Ganesh - the pot belly elephant face God and the removal of all obstacles.

11. CLASSICAL ERA OF Yoga - WHEN?
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.
He was a disciple of Matsyendra and the originator of Hatha Yoga. Shiva told Matsyendra he would reincarnate as his disciple.
KNOWLEDGE
100-500 C.E.

12. What does Tantra mean?
4500-2500 BCE
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
To weave - loom or extend - very non judgmental - they embraced everyone with an open mind.
Brahma- The Creator Vishnu- The Sustainer Shiva- The Destroyer

13. Yoga SUTRAS
It means ear splitting. They would split both ears and wear very large earrings which is said to invoke the Yoga Siddhis powers.
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
Lakshmi - The Goddess of good fortune - wealth - she attracts the minds of the yogi's by her beauty.
1. Saucha-sacredness or purity 2. Santosha-contentment 3. Tapas-discipline 4. Swadhyaya-self study or introspection 5. Ishvara Pranidhana-Dedication to God

14. SIDHANA

15. What does Pranyama mean?
Mahavatar Babaji - Lahiri Mahasaya - Swami Sri Yukteswar - Paramahansa Yogananda - Bishnu Ghosh
Extend the life force
It means the Lord's Song. The book of Psalms. The popular Yoga scripture containing the teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna.
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.

16. Why did the Classical Yogis not believe in a deep exploration of the physical world and their body?
Patanjali's DUALISTIC approach (DVAITA VEDANTA) allows only for this kind of SAMADHI. This is SAMADHI with DIFFERENCE (BIKALPA) - ie
ASHTANGA Yoga - PATANJALI Yoga - RAJA Yoga
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
Sarasvati - The Goddess of knowledge - speech and the fine arts - also the name of an extinct river in India.

17. Who is Goraksha?
Qualified non-dualist
Rig - Atharva - Yahjur - Sama
He was a disciple of Matsyendra and the originator of Hatha Yoga. Shiva told Matsyendra he would reincarnate as his disciple.
Spirit

18. What major work is the Pre-Classical ERA of Yoga known for?
The Mahabharata (GREAT STORY). The Bhagavad Gita is incorporated within the Mahabharata as one of the episodes.
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)
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)
Mahavatar Babaji - Lahiri Mahasaya - Swami Sri Yukteswar - Paramahansa Yogananda - Bishnu Ghosh

19. Who was the first Hatha yoga teacher?
Pingala - Eda and Sushumna
It means ear splitting. They would split both ears and wear very large earrings which is said to invoke the Yoga Siddhis powers.
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
Goraksha

20. The Indic Trimurti
He was a disciple of Matsyendra and the originator of Hatha Yoga. Shiva told Matsyendra he would reincarnate as his disciple.
To prepare the yogi for meditation.
Brahma- The Creator Vishnu- The Sustainer Shiva- The Destroyer
Spirit

21. Who is Shankara?

22. What do the Upanishads mean?

23. What is Sabikalpa Samadhi
Founder of the Kaula Branch of Tantra and the Natha sect.
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
Goraksha
The Path of Wisdom - 'embodying the scriptures. investing in study

24. What are the three synomyns of classical yoga
Classical Yoga around 300-400 BCE
Founder of the Kaula Branch of Tantra and the Natha sect.
Meditation
Ashtanga - Raja - Patanjala

25. What does Samadhi mean?
1. Saucha-sacredness or purity 2. Santosha-contentment 3. Tapas-discipline 4. Swadhyaya-self study or introspection 5. Ishvara Pranidhana-Dedication to God
Hymns sung and passed down from Brahman to Brahman. The RIG VEDA first mentions Yoga
Enlightenment - ecstasy - absorption
Sita

26. Shiva-Shakti
Pat; fallen or transfer. Anjali; greeting.
Extend the life force
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.
Matsyendra and Goraksha

27. What do the Niyamas represent
The Yoga Sutras - The 8 Limb Path
Spirit
Personal observances or restraints
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.

28. Vishnu's Counterpart

29. BHAKTI Yoga
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.
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
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

30. What is Patanjali's approach to Dvaita (Dualism).
Found in the Bhagavata PURANA. He gives 10 sons and 1 daughter to each of his 16 -108 cow girls.
Found in the Bhagavata PURANA. He gives 10 sons and 1 daughter to each of his 16 -108 cow girls.
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

31. Sabikalpa Samadhi

32. Who was the first Hatha yoga teacher?
Non-dualism. Based on the Upanishads. Two main branches Radical - taught by Shankara - and Qualified - taught by Ramanuja.
Rig - Atharva - Yahjur - Sama
Goraksha
4500-2500 BCE

33. What was Patanjali the author of?
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
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 Yoga Sutras - The 8 Limb Path
4500-2500 BCE

34. WHAT ARE SOME OTheR NAMES FOR CLASSICAL Yoga?
ASHTANGA Yoga - PATANJALI Yoga - RAJA Yoga
Withdraw from the senses and eliminate distraction from the outside world.
Forceful yoga.
Author of the Yoga sutras (source text of Classical Yoga) and the 8 Limb Path

35. What is Nirbikalpa Samadhi
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
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
The founder of the Kanphata order and an early preceptor of Hatha yoga.
Personal observances or restraints

36. Who is Ramanuja?

37. Name the three energy channel Nadis
Pingala - Eda and Sushumna
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.
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
Buddhism - Right Path - Left Path and Kaula.

38. What are the FOUR VEDAS?
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.
RIG VEDA - ATHARVA VEDA - Jahjur VEDA - SAMA VEDA
Matsyendra and Goraksha
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

39. Advaita Vedanta
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
Non-dual - end of the Vedas
Pat; fallen or transfer. Anjali; greeting.
God - the absolute - the expansion - quantum source.

40. What is Yogash Citta Vritti Nirodhah?
Arguably the most famous Sutra which means - Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
Means 'to sit near'. There were traditionally 108 Upanishads. Epiphanies of the VEDAS They were interpretations of the VEDAS
Meditation
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.

41. Name 5 of the 10 incarnations of VISHNU
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 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
Seat
Brahma- The Creator Vishnu- The Sustainer Shiva- The Destroyer

42. Who are the two most outstanding Nathas?
Concentration
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.
Matsyendra and Goraksha
Universal morality

43. Veda
SPIRIT and NATURE/CONSCIOUSNESS and MATTER
KNOWLEDGE
To prepare the yogi for meditation.
Withdraw from the senses and eliminate distraction from the outside world.

44. Before Goraksha - what was practicing asana was primarily done for?
Sita
Hymns sung and passed down from Brahman to Brahman. The RIG VEDA first mentions Yoga
To prepare the yogi for meditation.
Forceful Yoga. The yoga of physical discipline - aiming at the awakening of the serpent power (kundalini shakti).

45. WHAT ARE SOME OTheR NAMES FOR CLASSICAL Yoga?
1. Ahimsa-non violence 2. Satya-truth 3. Asteya-non stealing 4. Brahmacharya - abstinence 5. Aparigraha - non hoarding
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.
To prepare the yogi for meditation.

46. What is Ishta Devata?

47. Rama's Consort
Sita
SPIRIT and NATURE/CONSCIOUSNESS and MATTER
Founder of the Kaula Branch of Tantra and the Natha sect.
It means the Lord's Song. The book of Psalms. The popular Yoga scripture containing the teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna.

48. The UPANISHADIC AGE
1500-1000 BCE
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.
From the 8-fold path of BUDHISM
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.

49. What do the Upanishads mean?

50. Parvati's son
Cow Protector
Ganesh - the pot belly elephant face God and the removal of all obstacles.
It means the Lord's Song. The book of Psalms. The popular Yoga scripture containing the teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna.
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