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Yoga Darshana (Samskrit: योगदर्शनम्) is one of the six astika darshanas; an important branch of Indian philosophy. From the point of view of the tattvajnana or philosophical construct, it is often paired with the Samkhya school of thought. The article explores the importance, history, techniques and the basics of Yoga Darshana, one of the ancient-most traditions of Bharatiya tattvajnana.{{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uoq-jui0wR0&feature=youtu.be

Yoga Darshana (Samskrit: योगदर्शनम्) is one of the [[Shad Darshanas (षड्दर्शनानि)|six astika darshanas]]; an important branch of Indian philosophy. From the point of view of the tattvajnana or philosophical construct, it is often paired with the [[Samkhya Darshana (साङ्ख्यदर्शनम्)|Samkhya school]] of thought. The article explores the importance, history, techniques and the basics of Yoga Darshana, one of the ancient-most traditions of Bharatiya tattvajnana.{{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uoq-jui0wR0&feature=youtu.be

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== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

Yoga is an ancient spiritual science that seeks to bring the mind, body and spirit in balance. The word 'Yoga' is derived from the sanskrit root 'Yuj' which means to attach, join, harness or yoke. Practising different Yoga techniques leads to the development of good health, relaxation and inner fulfillment that in turn help in meeting different challenges of life with greater ease and confidence.  

Yoga is an ancient spiritual science that seeks to bring the [[Manas (मनः)|mind]], [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|body]] and spirit in balance. The word 'Yoga' is derived from the sanskrit root 'Yuj' which means to attach, join, harness or yoke. Practising different Yoga techniques leads to the development of [[Svasthavrtta (स्वस्थवृत्तम्)|good health]], relaxation and inner fulfillment that in turn help in meeting different challenges of life with greater ease and confidence.  

Yoga is observed to nurture cooperation and compassion instead of opposition. Therefore, getting introduced to Yoga at an early age encourages confidence and awareness to undertake life's activities in a non-competitive manner.  

Yoga is observed to nurture cooperation and compassion instead of opposition. Therefore, getting introduced to Yoga at an early age encourages confidence and awareness to undertake life's activities in a non-competitive manner.  

The purpose of yoga is an inner cleansing of the individuals' thoughts, emotions and feelings. Infact, Yoga lays claim to many benefits. Physically, it enhances flexibility, strength, coordination and body awareness. In addition, it also promotes concentration and a sense of calmness and relaxation. While doing yoga, there is deeper connection with the inner self and an enriching relationship with the natural surrounding is developed.

The purpose of yoga is an inner cleansing of the individuals' thoughts, emotions and feelings. Infact, Yoga lays claim to many benefits. It enhances flexibility, strength, coordination and body awareness. In addition, it also promotes concentration and a sense of calmness and relaxation. While doing yoga, there is deeper connection with the inner self and an enriching relationship with the natural surrounding is developed.

Yogic activities energize the body, giving it vitality and improve individuals' capacity. It also helps in expanding adaptability, muscle quality and body tone. It improves breathing and vitality. And more importantly, Yoga helps build inner strength that is vital in the journey of life.<ref name=":0">Yoga - Level B ([https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/OBE_indian_knowledge_tradition/Level_B/Yoga/Yoga_(Level-B)_ch-1-final.pdf Chapter 1]), Open Basic Education Programme (Bharatiya Jnana Parampara), Noida: National Institute of Open Schooling.</ref>  

Yogic activities energize the body, giving it vitality and improve individuals' capacity. It also helps in expanding adaptability, muscle quality and body tone. It improves breathing and vitality. And more importantly, Yoga helps build inner strength that is vital in the journey of life.<ref name=":0">Yoga - Level B ([https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/OBE_indian_knowledge_tradition/Level_B/Yoga/Yoga_(Level-B)_ch-1-final.pdf Chapter 1]), Open Basic Education Programme (Bharatiya Jnana Parampara), Noida: National Institute of Open Schooling.</ref>  

== योगदर्शनस्य महत्त्वम् ॥ Importance of Yoga ==

== योगदर्शनस्य महत्त्वम् ॥ Importance of Yoga ==

Thousands of years ago, the ancient Rishis lived in the forest, mountains and the caves of Bharata. They observed the environment and saw how the animals and nature moved in perfect harmony. This was probably the inspiration for the creation of a wonderful technique called Yoga that helps to inculcate healthy habits and adopt a healthy lifestyle to achieve good health.  

Thousands of years ago, the ancient Rishis lived in the forest, mountains and the caves of [[Bharatavarsha (भरतवर्षम्)|Bharata]]. They observed the environment and saw how the animals and nature moved in perfect harmony. This was probably the inspiration for the creation of a wonderful technique called Yoga that helps to inculcate healthy habits and adopt a healthy lifestyle to achieve good health.  

Teaching yoga at the school level will help to encourage a positive and healthy lifestyle for better physical, mental and emotional health of children. At the physical level, the practice of yoga will help in the development of strength, stamina, endurance and high energy in children. At the mental level, it will empower them with increased concentration, calm, peace and contentment, leading to inner and outer harmony.  

Teaching yoga at the school level will help to encourage a positive and healthy lifestyle for better physical, mental and emotional health of children. At the physical level, the practice of yoga will help in the development of strength, stamina, endurance and high energy in children. At the mental level, it will empower them with increased concentration, calm, peace and contentment, leading to inner and outer harmony.  

* Gaining better sleep

* Gaining better sleep

* Aiding good digestion<ref name=":0" />

* Aiding good digestion<ref name=":0" />

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# Meaning and Definition

# Meaning and Definition

== योगदर्शनस्य इतिहासः ॥ History of Yoga ==

== योगदर्शनस्य इतिहासः ॥ History of Yoga ==

The science of Yoga has its origin thousands of years ago. In the yogic tradition, Shiva is regarded as the first Yogi (Adiyogi) and the first Guru (Adi Guru). Number of seals and fossil remains discovered in the Indus Saraswati valley civilization show yogic activities and figures performing Yoga, suggesting the presence of Yoga in ancient Bharata. The seals excavated from the Mohenjodaro site show Pashupati (Lord Shiva) in yogic posture (Bhadrasana). Seated cross-legged with arms outstretched, the pose was of meditative state. Thus, it may be said that the history of Yoga is approximately over 5000 years old, starting from the pre-vedic era and continuing till date.

The science of Yoga has its origin thousands of years ago. In the yogic tradition, Shiva is regarded as the first Yogi (Adiyogi) and the first [[Guru (गुरुः)|Guru]] (Adi Guru). Number of seals and fossil remains discovered in the Indus Saraswati valley civilization show yogic activities and figures performing Yoga, suggesting the presence of Yoga in ancient Bharata. The seals excavated from the Mohenjodaro site show Pashupati (Lord Shiva) in yogic posture (Bhadrasana). Seated cross-legged with arms outstretched, the pose was of meditative state. Thus, it may be said that the history of Yoga is approximately over 5000 years old, starting from the pre-vedic era and continuing till date.

The History of Yoga can be divided into five main periods:

The History of Yoga can be divided into five main periods:

=== वैदिककालः ॥ Vedic Age ===

=== वैदिककालः ॥ Vedic Age ===

Vedic Yoga, traced back to the period of Rigveda, portrays ritualistic ceremonies which require yoga practitioners to transcend the boundaries of the mind. Great explorers of early yoga are Vasishtha, Yajnavalkya etc.<ref name=":0" />

Vedic Yoga, traced back to the period of [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]], portrays ritualistic ceremonies which require yoga practitioners to transcend the boundaries of the mind. Great explorers of early yoga are [[Vasishtha (वसिष्ठ)|Vasishtha]], [[Yajnavalkya (याज्ञवल्क्यः)|Yajnavalkya]] etc.<ref name=":0" />

=== 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.<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" />

=== पतञ्जलेः कालः ॥ The Age of Patanjali ===

=== पतञ्जलेः कालः ॥ The Age of Patanjali ===

== योगस्य मूलघटकाः ॥ Basics of Yoga ==

== योगस्य मूलघटकाः ॥ Basics of Yoga ==

To overcome pain and achieve happiness has been the fundamental drive in all humans. Happiness is what directs lives. Yoga is a very ancient science that helps to develop not only flexibility and strength in our bodies, but happiness and peace of mind also. It believes in happiness as the natural state of living beings. But when the body and mind are out of balance, this happiness cannot be experienced. With the help of Yoga poses, breathing exercises, focusing within and meditation, the harmony of body and mind can be brought back and the natural state of happiness can be achieved. There are five basic principles at the core of Yoga practice. They are,

To overcome pain and achieve happiness has been the fundamental drive in all humans. Happiness is what directs lives. Yoga is a very ancient science that helps to develop not only flexibility and strength in our bodies, but happiness and peace of mind also. It believes in happiness as the natural state of living beings. But when the body and mind are out of balance, this happiness cannot be experienced. With the help of [[Asanas (आसनानि)|Yoga poses]], breathing exercises, focusing within and meditation, the harmony of body and mind can be brought back and the natural state of happiness can be achieved. There are five basic principles at the core of Yoga practice. They are,

* Proper exercise

* [[Vyayama (व्यायामम्)|Proper exercise]]

* Diet

* [[Ahara (आहारः)|Diet]]

* Breathing

* Breathing

* Relaxation

* Relaxation

* aspire to become more and more creative

* aspire to become more and more creative

Because only when the mind is free of thoughts can it be a state of bliss, knowledge and creativity. And an ideal society is the one in which the above features are found. It is constructed by setting up and observing the prescribed social norms and value system like the Yamas and Niyamas of Yoga Darshana, habits, customs, manners, etiquettes, etc. These are the components that help movement in the direction of peace.

Because only when the mind is free of thoughts can it be a state of bliss, knowledge and creativity. And an ideal society is the one in which the above features are found. It is constructed by setting up and observing the prescribed social norms and value system like the [[Yama ( यमः )|Yamas]] and [[Niyama (नियमः)|Niyamas]] of Yoga Darshana, habits, customs, manners, etiquettes, etc. These are the components that help movement in the direction of peace.

Bharata for centuries has stood for such a social setup. It believes in the creation of such an environment where all individuals progress towards their goal of peace and the achievement of the required social values.

Bharata for centuries has stood for such a social setup. It believes in the creation of such an environment where all individuals progress towards their goal of peace and the achievement of the required social values.