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=== औपनिषदिककालः  ॥ Upanishadic Age ===
 
=== औपनिषदिककालः  ॥ Upanishadic Age ===
 
Upanishadic texts are the main source for the documented information about Yoga practices and related literature of this period. It is said that the Rishis slowly refined and developed Yoga and documented their practices and beliefs in the [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishads]].<ref name=":0" />
 
Upanishadic texts are the main source for the documented information about Yoga practices and related literature of this period. It is said that the Rishis slowly refined and developed Yoga and documented their practices and beliefs in the [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishads]].<ref name=":0" />
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One of the earliest Upanishadic references to Yoga is found in the Shvetashvatara Upanishad. Here we find the description of the sitting posture, controlling the senses and breathing, restraining and concentration of mind. Significance  of the Ashtanga yoga is suggested and requirements for the practice of yoga are highlighted.
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त्रिरुन्नतं स्थाप्य समं शरीरं हृदीन्द्रियाणि मनसा सन्निवेश्य । ब्रह्मोडुपेन प्रतरेत विद्वान्स्रोतांसि सर्वाणि भयानकानि ॥ ८ ॥ (Shve. Upan. 2.8)<ref name=":9">Shvetashvatara Upanishad ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2])</ref>
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Holding his body in a straight posture, holding the chest, neck, and head erect, and drawing the senses and the mind into the heart, the wise should cross over the fearful currents of the world by means of the raft of Brahman.
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प्राणान्प्रपीड्येह स युक्तचेष्टः क्षीणे प्राणे नासिकयोच्छ्वसीत । दुष्टाश्वयुक्तमिव वाहमेनं विद्वान्मनो धारयेताप्रमत्तः ॥ ९ ॥ (Shve. Upan. 2.9)<ref name=":9" />
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Controlling the senses, repressing and regulating the breathing, checking the movements of the body, gently breathing through the nostrils, the wise should undistractedly restrain his mind, that chariot yoked with vicious horses.
    
=== पतञ्जलेः कालः ॥ The Age of Patanjali ===
 
=== पतञ्जलेः कालः ॥ The Age of Patanjali ===

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