'Yoga' is an excellent method described by Indian sages. Originally, it was a spiritual subject, but in modern times, it is considered an excellent practice for health. When did yoga begin? Maharishi Patanjali is considered the father of modern yoga. Was he the founder of yoga? This article will elaborate on it.
Table of content:-
- Who was Patanjali?
- Biography of Patanjali.
- Contribution of Ptanjali.
Who was Patanjali? Was he the founder of Yoga?
Everyone knows that Yoga is a gift of India to the world. But the question is, when did yoga begin? Did Maharishi Patanjali introduce Yoga? Was he the father of yoga? Wasn't there Yoga before him? If there was yoga at that time, then why is Maharishi Patanjali considered as the father of Yoga?
It is impossible to determine the beginning of Yoga. Yoga is very ancient. The description of yoga is found in ancient Hindu scriptures. It is believed that Adiyogi (the first Yogi) is Lord Shiva. There is no one older than Lord Shiva in this universe.
(For more detail, see this article in Hindi version :- Patanjali, father of yoga.)
Biography of Patanjali.
Maharishi Patanjali is considered the "father of Yoga". Did Yoga not exist before Maharishi Patanjali? If so, what was its status at that time? To know all about this, it is necessary to know Mahrishi Patanjali. Who was Patanjali, and what was his contribution towards Yoga?
Who was Maharishi Patanjali?
There have been many sages and Yogis in ancient India. Maharishi Patanjali has also been a great sage.
He was a well known Yogacharya and a great philosopher. At that time Sanskrit was a popular language.
He was also the grammarian of Sanakrit language. He wrote a commentary on Astadhyayi which is called Mahabhashya. This book is still an inspiration for the Sanskrit language.
He was also a scholar of chemistry, a metal specialist and a skilled physician. Raja Bhoj has considered him as a doctor of body and mind.
Period of Patanjali.
Historians consider the period of Patanjali to be approximately 2000 to 2500 years ago. It is believed that he was a disciple of Maharishi Panini and was a well-known Sanskrit scholar at that time.
Maharishi Patanjali authored many texts, although he did not document anything about himself. Historians suggest that he was born between 200 BC and 150 BC, during the reign of the Shunga dynasty.
A Great Author.
Maharishi Patanjali was a well-known Yogacharya. Sanskrit was a common language in India during his time. He excelled as a grammarian of the Sanskrit language and wrote a commentary on Astadhyayi, named Mahabhasya. This commentary book remains an inspiration for the study of Sanskrit.
In addition to his linguistic talents, he was also a chemist, metallurgist, and a skilled physician. King Raja Bhoj considered him an expert in both physical and mental health. One of his notable statements is: "I bow to the sage Patanjali, who gave Yoga for the purification of the mind, grammar for the purification of speech, and Ayurveda (medical science) for the purification of the body."
Patanjali's Compositions.
Maharishi Patanjali was a prolific author, having written many texts in the Sanskrit language. Three main texts stand out :-
Yoga Sutra :- This is a foundational composition of Maharishi Patanjali and serves as the basis for modern yoga. It comprises four Padas (chapters) and 195 Sutras.
1. Samadhi Pada :- 51 Sutras.
2. Sadhan Pada :- 55 Sutras.
3. Vibhuti Pada :- 55 Sutras.
4. Kaivalya Pada :- 34 Sutras.
Mahabhasya :- Sanskrit was a common language during his time, and Maharishi Panini was a renowned grammarian. He authored a book on Sanskrit grammar named Ashtadhyayi. Maharishi Patanjali wrote a commentary on this book, known as Mahabhasya.
Texts on Ayurveda :- Maharishi Patanjali, being a proficient chemist, authored many texts on Ayurveda. He is credited with the Charaka Samhita.
Contribution of Maharishi Patanjali.
Yoga was in existence even before Maharishi Patanjali. But at that time it was in scattered condition. It was used only for religious purposes. At that time yoga was limited to Gurukuls and Ashrams. It was not accessible to the common man.
Maharishi Patanjali collected that scattered yoga, and defined it. There have been many other sages, and yogis before him. All of them have worked to advance yoga. But the credit for simplifying yoga is given to Patanjali only.
It is true that yoga is very ancient in India. It was in our religious texts even before Patanjali. Before Maharishi Patanjali there have been many Yogacharyas. All of them have worked to give a new direction to Yoga. But in this the main contribution of Patanjali is. This is the reason why Maharishi Patanjali is considered as the Father of Yoga.
Yoga simply defined.
Maharishi Patanjali compiled all the Yoga Sutras. And defined in simple language. Earlier yoga was limited to Gurukulas and Ashrams only. The credit of taking it to the common man's mind goes only to Maharishi Patanjali.
Ashtanga Yoga.
"Ashtanga Yoga" is the main contribution of Marishi Patanjali. This is the complete Yoga. Modern Yoga is based on it. There are eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga.
1. Yamha :- Education of social morality.
2. Niyama :- Education of personal purification.
3. Asana :- Physical postures.
4. Pranayama :- Breathing exercises.
5. Pratyahar :- Control of senses.
6. Dharna :- Concentration to hold the mind in one place.
7. Dhyan :- Mental concentration.
8. Samadhi :- State of complete stillness of mind.
Article Summary :- Yoga is a lifestyle of ancient India. It is in India since ancient times. Mahrishi Patanjali defined Yoga in simple language. That is why he is considered the founder of Yoga. He is called the "Father of Yoga'.
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