While the origins of yoga are
unclear, many researchers adhere to a linear theory that seeks to explain the
development of yoga as a series of practices that have grown from an Indian
beginning. Other theories recognize the possibility of outside
influences. Either way, the earliest written teachings on yoga began to
emerge between 2200 and 2500 years ago. Over approximately the next few
centuries, the ideas behind Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism began to take shape
and through them an organized system of yoga began to materialize. Some
researchers disagree with this line of thought and argue that yoga developed as
part of a parallel but separate philosophy. During the Middle Ages, a
number of different subets of yoga were developed. Most notable among
these was Hatha Yoga, the primary yogic practice during this time.
Yoga was first introduced to
the Western world in the mid-1800s, but it wasn’t until the 1890s that yoga was
actively taught outside of India by Swami Vivekananda during his travels
through Europe and the United States. The popularity of yoga vacillated
during the 1900s, dropping in the early part of the century due to
repercussions against immigration, rising in the 30s and 40s in response to
celebrity support, dropping again in the 50s and hitting a peak in the 60s.
Since the turn of the century, the popularity of yoga has skyrocketed,
with an estimated 20 million practitioners in 2011.
