The History and Evolution of Yoga
Yoga has existed for thousands of years and evolved in step with society and human needs. From rituals in ancient India to today's global practice, yoga has undergone a long and complex evolution. This course provides insight into how historical events, cultural movements, and spiritual traditions have shaped yoga, and how the practice eventually found its way to the modern yoga mat.
Do you find it difficult to...
✔️ …navigate the jungle of yoga concepts and traditions?
✔️ …know where to start to learn about the history and development of yoga?
✔️ …understand the difference between traditional and modern yoga?
✔️ …get a better grasp of yoga philosophy?
Or are you just curious about where the practice actually comes from?
What is yoga?
It may seem like a simple question, but it is actually anything but easy to answer: What exactly is yoga?
Yoga is a term with many meanings and expressions, and that is precisely why there is no single answer. For some, yoga is a physical form of exercise, for others a spiritual path. Some associate it with inner peace and breathing, others with movement, sweating and flexibility. But yoga is also a comprehensive spiritual tradition and a term that encompasses both the practice and the goal.
The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means, among other things, “to unite,” “to bind together,” or “to direct the mind toward.” This points to core ideas in many yoga traditions: the union of body, mind, and spirit, or of the individual with something greater—a universal consciousness or divinity. But in other traditions, yoga can also be about separation: separating the eternal self from that which is changeable and temporary. It all depends on which philosophical direction one sees it from and whether that direction is dualistic or non-dualistic. We will go into this in more depth in the course.
Historically, yoga encompasses a variety of practices such as meditation, breathing techniques, ethical codes of conduct, body cleansing rituals, and self-study - all with the common goal of personal transformation and spiritual liberation.
Today, yoga has evolved into something far more than its original form. Modern yoga is often focused on the body and movement, and comes in countless variations – from calm, meditative sessions to physical training sessions reminiscent of gymnastics or dance. With over 300 million practitioners worldwide, yoga has also become a global industry, and there is great variation in the expression and way it is practiced. But the deep wisdom behind the practice is still alive and this course invites you on a journey through the history and development of yoga to gain a broader understanding of what yoga is, and how it has become what it is today.
This course will give you...
✔️.. an overview of yoga's historical roots and development through the ages
✔️.. insight into how different traditions and religions have influenced yoga
✔️.. understanding how yoga changed when it came to the West
✔️.. knowledge that puts today's practice in a larger context
✔️.. a deeper relationship with yoga – as a practice, philosophy and way of life
Christina Skreiberg
★★★★★
Doing the Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training at HiYoga was such a treat! It has strengthened and inspired my personal practice and given me the foundation I need to embark on a teaching journey. I would love to keep learning from Eilin as she is so experienced, knowledgeable, positive and she sees each one of us and what we need to work on. Thank you!
Inga Holth
★★★★★
Eilin as a teacher and person has a unique warmth and charisma that makes you immediately feel comfortable and inspired in her presence. To date, I have never met a teacher of any kind who gives so much of herself to her students, her openness and time, empathy, exuberant energy and lots of inspiration.
Elisabeth Eikeland
★★★★★
Eilin is a truly unique yoga teacher and person. I admire her warm-hearted, cheerful and loving spirit. She has in-debt knowledge about yoga philosophy and practices, which she shares in a humble and enlightening way. I always leave her classes with a more open heart and a calmer mind.
Split the payment, at no extra cost!
To make the course more accessible, we offer interest-free installment payments over 6 months. You still get full access to the entire course right away, so you can start right away.
Meet your teacher:
Eilin Ma Dalby
My name is Eilin and I have been teaching yoga since 2011. I am E-RYT 500 and YACEP registered with Yoga Alliance. I have education in both dynamic and calm yoga styles and teach everything from Vinyasa and yin to breathing and meditation. In addition to the physical practice, I also have a deep interest in yoga philosophy.
I have a bachelor's degree in Asian Studies from the University of Oslo with a specialization in Chinese religion and philosophy, which was the start of my journey into the world of yoga.
Through studies, practice and eventually my own teacher training, I have immersed myself in the history and philosophy of yoga over many years - something I look forward to sharing with you in this course.
What is included in the course?
This online course on the history and development of yoga is a simple and structured way to gain an overview of the enormous diversity within yoga - both as practice, philosophy and lifestyle. Eilin guides you through important texts such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and gives you insight into how different traditions have shaped what we call yoga today.
The course covers the six classical schools of philosophy (ṣaḍ darśanas), central concepts such as brahman and ātman, and explores how yoga has developed from its roots in India through colonial times and modernity, all the way to today's global yoga movement.
You will get an easy-to-understand, yet thorough introduction to complex topics, with reflections, practical examples, and historical contexts. Perfect for those who want to enrich their own practice, or who teach and want to understand more about where yoga comes from – and where it is going.
☾☼ 9 chapters filled with insight into the history, development and diversity of yoga - from ancient roots to modern practice.
☾☼ Practical PDFs and guides to have all the necessary information right at your fingertips.
☾☼ Test your knowledge after each module with quizzes so you're sure you've really understood what you've learned.
☾☼ Get 30 hours of YACEP -approved training from Yoga Alliance.
☾☼ Free access to the course for an indefinite period of time , so you can explore and immerse yourself in the material at your own pace.
Would you like to contact us?
Fill out the form and we will contact you as soon as possible. You can also send us an email at: [email protected]
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